About 80 percent of adults have low back pain, and if you have a problem, know that you are not alone. It is correctable. The key is to understand the origin of the pain, but there can be many factors here. We have identified the main causes of low back pain that can lead to back complications. How to get rid of the disease? There are ways.
Back pain can occur at any age and under any physical training conditions. So there is dull, constant or intermittent pain and there is a sudden sharp attack, after which it is difficult for a person to move. The pain may appear suddenly due to weight gain, it may develop with age due to changes in the spine or as a result of an accident. A sedentary lifestyle is also an important cause of low back pain. Especially when the daily routine is not diluted with physical activity (exercise, swimming pool, fitness, yoga).
In most cases, low back pain is severe and short-lived or less severe, but lasts from a few days to a few weeks. In such cases a person still does not lose his activity, ability to move and serve himself in daily life.
Subacute pain is pain that lasts after an acute period and lasts from 4 to 12 weeks. If the pain persists after this period, it is called chronic. Sometimes treatment can help alleviate chronic low back pain. In some cases, the pain persists despite medical and surgical treatment.
So, low back pain, the causes of which are often related to age and are associated with wear and tear of the spine, disc and spine bones: mechanical pain:
1. Sprains
This can cause severe back pain. Stretching occurs due to incorrect turning or lifting of something. And also due to heavy lifting or excessive stretching. These conditions can cause spasms in the back muscles, which also causes pain.
2. Wearing an intervertebral disc
One of the most common causes of back pain. This is manifested by loss of disk integrity, cracks appear. On a young and healthy back, the discs allow the lower back to bend, unfold and sag. But over the years the elasticity of the discs decreases and they lose their ability to absorb shock.
3. Hernia
it can appear due to heavy lifting, bad posture, accident, sports injury, etc. Sh. There is fluid in the center of the lumbar disc; For a variety of reasons, it can come out and irritate a nearby nerve root. There are a lot of nerve fibers in the wall of the disc and a rupture of the wall can cause severe pain.
4. radiculopathy
This condition is caused by compression, inflammation and / or damage to the spinal cord. Moreover, pressure on the nerve root causes pain, numbness, or a sensation of pain that extends to other parts of the body associated with this nerve. The problem may arise if the central spinal canal narrows or the hernia clings to the nerve root.
5. sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve that moves in the buttocks and extends to the back of the leg. This compression causes shock or burning pain in the lumbar region, along with pain in the buttocks. And also in exceptional cases when the nerve contracts between the disc and the adjacent bone, a person may feel numbness and strong weakness in the legs. By the way, this condition occurs due to a tumor or cyst that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots.
6. Spinal stenosis
In the case of this disease, in addition to low back pain, a person may experience numbness or weakness while walking. And also with loss of sensitivity.
7. Scoliosis and other skeletal disorders
People do not usually experience special problems with spinal curvature until the Middle Ages.
Low back pain is often not associated with serious medical conditions. But you still need to know about their existence so that you have time to consult a doctor in time. The diseases listed below can be defeated only with medical help. This:
1. Infections
It is not a cause of low back pain, but can affect the spine (osteomyelitis), intervertebral discs (dysthymia), or the sacroiliac joints (sacroilitis).
2. Tumors
Sometimes the tumor appears in the back (and at certain stages, of course, there will be pain and other symptoms), but most often it is metastases that have spread to other parts of the body due to cancer.
3. Cauda Equina Syndrome
A disease that is sometimes accompanied by a ruptured disc. This is because the disc material is trapped in the spinal canal and compresses the bundle of lumbar and sacral nerve roots. A person may have urinary and intestinal problems with this disease.
4. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
This occurs when the large blood vessels that supply blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs dilate abnormally. In addition, low back pain can be a signal that the aorta has enlarged and there is a risk of rupture.
5. Kidney stones
Stones can cause severe pain in the lumbar region (usually on one side).
Other factors and causes that can cause back pain:
- Inflammatory diseases of the joints.For example, arthritis, spondylitis, inflammation of the spine.
- Osteoporosis. This is a bone disease that is accompanied by a decrease in bone density and stiffness that can lead to spinal fractures.
- Endometriosis.A woman's disease that may be accompanied by pain in the pelvis and lumbar region.
- Fibromyalgia.Pain syndrome accompanied by muscle pain and fatigue. This is chronic.
What to do about back pain?
First, you need to know the causes of the pain. What can help one condition does not create (and may even aggravate) another condition. In some cases, urgent hospitalization is required. Therefore, be sure to listen to the body signals and, if necessary, consult a doctor or take appropriate measures.
Ways to treat low back pain:
1. You can relax behind your back after a certain period of time
Spinal problems can be solved (or alleviated) by avoiding strenuous activity. However, it is not recommended to rest for more than a few days, as too much inactivity can complicate treatment.
2. Restricted activity
This means staying active, but avoiding actions and attitudes that increase pain. For example, if sitting in a car or at a table for a long time aggravates the pain, set a timer to stand up every 20 minutes and gently walk or stretch. Minimizing actions and positions that exacerbate pain will help prevent or relieve painful seizures and speed up the healing process.
3. Cold / heat therapy
Warm bath, warm pads, body wraps are suitable for relaxing tense muscles and improving blood flow. If your back pain is due to inflammation, you can try using ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling. It is important to protect the skin during the procedures to prevent tissue damage.
4. Painkillers
The most common over-the-counter medications are anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve back pain caused by swelling of nerves or muscles. Also, in some cases, an analgesic can help. Effective B group vitamins, muscle relaxants, various gels and ointments.
5. Physiotherapy
is usually part of the treatment for low back pain. Stretching is beneficial: the more mobile the muscles, the better the spinal movement without injury. It is recommended to start small - stretch the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, thighs, legs for 20-30 seconds and stop stretching if it hurts.
You should also strengthen the muscles in your abdomen, thighs and buttocks that support your spine. Low-impact aerobic exercise increases blood flow and promotes injury healing without spinal cord concussion. For example, you can train on stationary bikes and elliptical trainers, walk and swim.
In fact, any exercise that maintains a long heart cycle for good health is good for the body. Regular physical activity is essential to maintain freedom of movement and flexibility of a healthy spine.