Low back pain can be associated with a variety of causes, such as muscle damage, bowel pathology, bulging, and spinal disc herniation. It is impossible to determine the exact cause alone. Therefore, if discomfort occurs, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis and follow the doctor's recommendations. In most cases, medications and procedures are used for treatment. But surgery may be needed.
Lower back pain: causes
Lower back pain can be related to the spine, muscles, nervous and other systems. The most common reasons are:
- Traumatic injuries to the lumbar or other parts of the spine.
- Damage to muscle tissue or severe tension.
- Hernia, bulge.
- Distortion.
- Neuropathy
- Inflammatory processes of the spinal tissues.
- Pinched nerve.
- Pathologies of the intestine, stomach, liver and other digestive organs (in this case the pain is given to the lumbar region).
- Poisoning, intoxication.
- Pathologies of the urinary system - renal failure, pyelonephritis, cystitis, kidney stones, ureters.
- Diseases of the uterus - cysts, fibroids, inflammatory processes.
What to do if your lower back hurts
It is impossible to reliably determine the source of pain at home. Therefore, in case of external sensations, it is recommended to consult a doctor. If diagnosed early, treatment will be successful and fast. You should contact such specialists:
- Surgeon or traumatologist - if the pain is related to recent herbs, including sports or household herbs.
- Neurologist - painful sensations with a sharp, shooting character. It may be accompanied by problems with the sensitivity of the legs, loss of mobility. Symptoms such as tingling on the surface of the abdomen or legs are also observed.
- Gastroenterologist - long pulling pain mainly on one side of the lumbar region. Also, the sensations may be painful, accompanied by too frequent or difficult urination.
- Gynecologist - in this case the pain is observed on both sides. In addition, they are accompanied by weakness, aggravated during walking and running, during menstruation, as well as during pregnancy.
In rare cases, when the cause of the pain is objectively clear, you should not worry. So, if external sensations are associated with a long stay in one position, physical activity, it is not necessary to consult a doctor. But if the pain does not disappear within a few days or is acute, it is necessary to get an appointment as soon as possible and be diagnosed.
Lower back pain: diagnosis
Diagnosis is appointed by a doctor after examination, examination of complaints and medical history. The need for a specific procedure depends on what symptoms accompany the pain:
- Radiography of the spine - hernia, bulges, back injuries, posture problems.
- MRI of the lower back - for hernias, distortions, injuries, and suspected neoplasm.
- CT of the lower back - the same indications as for MRI.
- Ultrasound - suspected pathology of the intestine and other organs located in the abdominal cavity.
- Colonoscopy, gastroscopy - these tests are performed in case of suspicion of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the doctor not only examines the organs, but can also take a tissue sample (biopsy) for further examination.
- Intestinal MRI is performed for a more careful examination of the gastrointestinal tract to confirm or confirm a pre-diagnosis.
Methods of treatment
The methods, duration, treatment regimen are determined by the doctor depending on the diagnosis. In most cases, medications are prescribed, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also possible to attend massage sessions, to conduct physiotherapy procedures.
If the diagnosis involves only surgical treatment, surgery is performed. This is necessary, for example, in the presence of hernia, peptic ulcer and other pathologies.
Prevention of back pain
Low back pain can be related to working conditions and lifestyle. The main physical activity falls on the lumbar region. This is especially dangerous when you are constantly lifting weights, getting sports or domestic injuries.
For prevention it is recommended:
- Exercise regularly.
- If the work involves physical labor, learn how to lift weights properly and not overload your back.
- If the work involves a long stay in a sitting position, get up regularly, walk, change your posture.
- Avoid hypothermia of the back, dress according to the weather.
- Keep your back straight when sitting and while standing.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Do not abuse alcohol, smoking or other bad habits.
If the pain recurs quite often and even more than acute, you should consult a doctor immediately. It is important to understand that treatment often lasts several months, especially in postoperative recovery. In this case, it is worth adjusting your lifestyle, if necessary, change your job.