Diseases whose symptom is pain in different places in the lumbar region

It is hardly possible to find a person who is not familiar with back pain in the lumbar region.Most often, this problem occurs after a person spends a lot of time in one position, for example, sitting.According to statistics, about 90% of all people periodically experience pain in the lumbar region.

The problem affects both men and women, more often in middle or old age.Acute pain not only causes discomfort, but also prevents you from working for a long time.In some cases, a person cannot fully move and care for themselves.

In most cases, pain in the spinal region is caused by inflammatory processes, less often by diseases of internal organs.Unpleasant sensations rarely disappear on their own, so it is important not to miss alarming symptoms and consult a doctor in time.A timely diagnosis will help avoid serious complications in the future.

Structure of the lumbar region

The lower back is part of the posterior abdominal wall.This is a fairly powerful and durable plexus of muscles designed to protect the spinal cord from damage and injury.The lumbar region is involved in body movements during sports, sitting and walking.The upper edge of the lumbar region is considered the edge of the costal bones, the lower edge runs along the crests of the iliac bones.

The components of the department are:

• Five vertebrae;
• Bone structures;
• Ligaments and tendons;
• Muscle tissue;
• Joint capsules;
• Blood vessels.

The spine is padded with intervertebral discs.The lumbar region is not only very strong, but also flexible: it offers the possibility of rotational movements, bending and stretching.The spinal cord inside the spine is protected by an arc of processes whose joints are responsible for directing movements.The muscles of this section provide a stable body position.

Possible foci of inflammation

Acute or periodic pain in the lower back may be the result of inflammatory processes of internal organs located in the retroperitoneal space.

In the sacrolumbar region, the following tissues and organs are susceptible to inflammation:

1. Skin.Pain in the lumbar region can be caused by pathogens (streptococci, staphylococci).They penetrate into the sebaceous and sweat glands, forming a focus of purulent-necrotic inflammation, which gradually spreads to surrounding tissues (furunculosis).When several glands located next to each other are affected at once, a carbuncle can form - an accumulation of lymph and inflamed cells, reaching a diameter of several centimeters.If, as a result of a wound or trauma, streptococci penetrate under the skin, pyoderma is formed - painful ulcers form on the surface;
2. Spine.Pain in the spine can be caused by non-infectious inflammation of the lumbosacral region and adjacent tissues.This disease is known as ankylosing spondylitis.In this case, the patient feels pain not only in the spine, but also in the muscles.As the disease progresses, it robs a person of the ability to move normally and pain spreads to the hip joints.More rarely, inflammation of the spine can be a consequence of tuberculosis, brucellosis or osteomyelitis;
3. Ligaments and muscles.In case of hypothermia, injuries or a sedentary lifestyle, lower back pain will be a consequence of inflammatory processes in muscle tissues and ligaments;
4. Appendix.Often, this organ is located behind the cecum;in case of appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), a person, along with other symptoms, experiences acute back pain in the lower back.
5. Kidneys.One of the signs of inflammation of the renal pelvis is severe pain in the lumbar region.

Only a qualified doctor can determine the cause of pain in the spine.You should not delay a visit to the doctor, especially in case of acute inflammation of the appendix - in this case, emergency hospitalization and surgical intervention are required.

Causes of lower back pain

What can cause lower back pain?Modern medicine distinguishes between primary and secondary causes of pain in the spine.In the first case, various spinal pathologies are involved, in the second, diseases of internal organs occur.

No less important are the predisposing factors, the presence of which can provoke the development of the disease:

• A special specificity of regular activity is intense physical work, professional sports;
• Staying forced in one position for a long time - working on the computer, studying;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Poor nutrition - consumption of large amounts of fatty and sweet foods in the absence of cereals, vegetables and dairy products;
• Tobacco and alcohol abuse;
• Very overweight.

It is important to reduce or eliminate risk factors as much as possible;this will not only avoid spinal problems but also improve your overall health.

The main causes of pain are spinal pathologies.This is the name given to various degenerative-dystrophic processes in this part of the body;the following diseases belong to this category:

1. Lumbar osteochondrosis- a disease associated with dystrophic changes in cartilage and intervertebral discs.The structure of the tissues gradually changes, leading to pinched nerves and constant tension in the back muscles.Against the background of osteochondrosis, hernias and protrusions develop, the pain becomes unbearable over time;
2. Spondyloarthrosis- deformation of cartilage, due to which they lose their elasticity.Over time, the articular surfaces of the vertebrae are exposed and the joint capsules become inflamed;
3. Spondylolisthesis- movement of the vertebrae relative to each other.Due to this, the lumen of the spinal canal changes and the roots of the spine are damaged and aching pain in the lower back appears.

Secondary causes of pain are factors resulting from the development of pathologies of internal organs.There can be several diagnoses in this situation:

1. Metabolic disorders.Due to an acute lack of vitamins and minerals, bones and joints lose elasticity and collapse;
2. Malignant formations, located in the immediate vicinity of the spine.In this case, severe pain is caused by metastases penetrating the intervertebral space;
3. Infectious diseases- purulent cystitis, spondyloarthritis, epiduritis;
4. Spinal curvature- scoliosis, kyphosis;
5. Various injuries- vertebral fractures, sprains, displacements;
6. Psychogenic disorders.Pain in this case is due to disturbances in brain activity (for example, after a stroke);
7. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract- for example, intestinal obstruction;
8. Pelvic organ diseases- inflammation of the appendages or ovaries, sexually transmitted diseases in an advanced stage.

Women are likely familiar with lower back pain caused by physiological processes, such as menstruation.

Pregnant women also complain of discomfort - the increased load on the spine is felt by periodic pain, which intensifies as the due date approaches.

Manifestations of lower back pain

Low back pain can manifest itself in different ways.Painful sensations are classified according to their severity and frequency.Pain that persists for a long time is called lumbodynia.

Sudden, sharp pain that occurs over a relatively short period of time is lumbago.The pain can be recurrent and occur from time to time, for example after intense physical exertion or overwork.

Pain that occurs in the sacrolumbar region due to mechanical stress has the following symptoms:

1. Most often occurs in the afternoon, after an intense workout or other unusual physical activity.Unpleasant sensations completely disappear after a good rest.Pain of this nature is seen in middle-aged and elderly people;
2. Inflammatory pain, on the contrary, appears more acutely in the first half of the day.They often diminish, or even disappear completely, after physical activity or taking painkillers.Characteristic of young people.

The location of the pain also depends on the structure of the existing injuries:

• Local pain in the lower back appears after damage to certain areas of the spine.Painful sensations are usually not too pronounced, they are constant and with a change in body position, the pain may intensify or disappear;
• Pain resulting from inflammation of internal organs (reflex).Deep pain is constant and can radiate to the pelvic region and hip joints;
• Irritation of the spinal nerve roots causes pronounced pain which can spread peripherally, to the toes;
• Pain caused by abdominal muscle spasms (fibromyalgia) is characterized by aching pain and cramping.

If the patient feels sharp, sharp pain in the spine, in no case should you self-medicate and postpone a visit to the doctor.

Diagnosis

What to do if you have lower back pain?Depending on the cause of the discomfort, the patient may need to consult one or more doctors:

• Therapist- if acute appendicitis is suspected;
• Surgeon- if you suspect existing inflammatory processes in internal organs and intestinal obstruction.The doctor carefully palpates the abdominal cavity to detect dense and painful areas and takes a general blood test;
• Rheumatologist- for the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.The doctor takes into account the specific symptoms of the disease, prescribes an X-ray or MRI and examines a general blood test;
• Neurologist- if you suspect myositis or osteochondrosis.The diagnosis is made after an ultrasound, a general blood test and an electromyography (method which allows the degree of muscle damage to be assessed);
• Dermatologist- for skin lesions caused by the penetration of pathogenic bacteria.The doctor makes a diagnosis after visual inspection of the damaged skin area and bacterial culture;
• Traumatologist- if there have been bruises or injuries to the spine.The diagnosis is made after an ultrasound or CT scan;
• Orthopedist- for scoliosis, kyphosis and congenital anomalies of the spine.The diagnosis is generally made during adolescence;
• infectious disease specialist- in case of suspicion of brucellosis.A general blood test and bacteriological culture are carried out to detect the pathogen;
• Nephrologist- for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis.When making a diagnosis, the results of a general blood test, urinalysis, ultrasound and urography (examination of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract) are taken into account.

Because there are many causes of lower back pain, it can be difficult for a doctor to make a diagnosis based on a single test or study.

Most often, an integrated approach is practiced, including several types of diagnostic procedures, each of which has certain requirements:

1. X-ray imagesthe lumbar spine must be carried out in direct and lateral projections.In rare cases, an examination in a flexed position may be necessary;
2. CT scanning methodis considered more effective because it allows you to see existing hernias and spinal injuries.This study is rarely performed because the patient receives a high dose of X-rays;
3. MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) accurately displays the condition of intervertebral discs, processes and joint tissue.It is carried out in conjunction with a medical examination and other diagnostic procedures;
4. Radioisotope scanningperformed to detect malignant tumors.The method involves introducing a radioisotope substance into the blood.After a while, the substance is localized in the tumor area and the focus is detected using a special scanner;
5. Densitometry— allows you to detect changes in the bone tissue of the spine, indicating the presence of osteoporosis at an early stage;
6. General blood testperformed to diagnose inflammatory processes that cause lower back pain.With its help, a number of serious diseases can be identified in a timely manner.

Modern diagnostic methods allow you to quickly and accurately determine the cause of lower back pain.

It is important to describe in detail and accurately to the doctor the existing symptoms of the disease, not forgetting to mention existing injuries, congenital pathologies and previous illnesses (if any).

Treatment

Back pain in the lumbar region: how to treat?If discomfort occurs after a bruise or sprain, cold will help relieve the condition.This will not only reduce pain but also prevent swelling.

It is also recommended to minimize the load on the spine and take one of the available pain relievers.If you suspect a serious injury - a fracture or sprain - you should immediately call an ambulance.

Drug treatment

Severe pain in the lumbar region requires the use of medications and therapeutic exercises.Medications are administered in several ways:

• Subcutaneous injections (injections where the pain is localized);
• Take medication in tablet form;
• Rubbing ointments, gels and pain-relieving solutions into the skin.

Treatment should be supplemented with gymnastics (if the pain is not associated with injuries) and diagnosis of the disease causing lower back pain.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

This treatment is prescribed after the pain has been relieved by medication.Physiotherapeutic procedures activate tissue metabolism, accelerate tissue regeneration and stop further destruction of bone and joint tissues.

The list of procedures is as follows:

1. Electrophoresis.Provides rapid delivery of medicinal solution to painful areas.The procedure looks like this: cotton pads soaked in a drug solution are applied to the lower back.Special plates are attached on top that emit discharges of electric current.Under the influence of pulses, the solution enters the zone of inflammation;
2. Ultrasound treatment.Sound waves with a special range stimulate blood circulation in the sacrolumbar region.Damaged areas receive maximum nutrients and molecular oxygen.The result of the procedures is an increase in metabolism and relief of the patient’s condition;
3. Laser therapy.This method is used to treat destructive changes in the spine.Radiation in the infrared range activates blood supply to cartilage and joints, promotes the elimination of waste and toxins from the body;
4. Magnetotherapy.Under the influence of magnetic waves, blood circulation is stimulated in damaged areas of the spine, pain decreases or completely disappears.

Physiotherapy will be effective only in combination with drug treatment, so the procedures must be agreed with the attending physician.

Traditional methods of treatment

To relieve lower back pain, traditional practitioners offer many recipes based on medicinal herbs.You can often find recommendations for increasing the volume of fluid you drink - all kinds of decoctions help remove waste products and toxins from the body that are formed as a result of inflammatory processes.

Many medicinal herbs contain biologically active substances that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic effects.

To relieve lower back pain, medicinal decoctions, compresses and ointments can be used.Here are some popular recipes:

• Pour boiling water over lingonberry leaves, marigold flowers and St. John's wort in equal proportions and leave for half an hour.Drink the infusion throughout the day in small portions;
• Dried rose hips, juniper and blueberries (a small handful of each type of berry) are placed in a thermos and filled with boiling water.Take half a glass half an hour before meals;
• Dissolve 2 tablespoons of pharmaceutical alcohol and 100 grams of petroleum jelly in one hundred grams of honey, use as a compress before bed.

It is important to remember that treatment by traditional methods is only suitable for minor lower back pain.Inflammatory processes accompanied by acute pain require treatment in a hospital setting.

A set of therapeutic measures is prescribed individually;the doctor selects the optimal treatment strategy based on the cause of low back pain, existing symptoms and the patient's age.

Prevention

No one is immune to lower back pain.It is completely impossible to avoid the natural wear and tear of bones and joints.However, it is entirely possible to avoid serious spinal problems;just follow a few simple rules:

1. Do not neglect physical activity - hiking and swimming, exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal cavity;
2. If possible, avoid excessive strain on the spine - do not lift too heavy objects, move furniture, etc. yourself.
3. Watch your body weight.Excess weight contributes to the destruction of joint and bone tissues;
4. Try to walk and sit up straight.Good posture will alleviate many spinal problems and prevent the formation of hernias and protrusions.

These simple rules will not only help maintain the health of your spine, but also improve your overall well-being.All symptoms of diseases associated with the spine - pain, stiffness, tension - cannot be ignored.

Timely and competent treatment will help avoid serious complications in the future.