Up to 80% of people experience back pain.For some people, this may be one or several episodes in life, while for others the pain becomes chronic.There are many reasons that cause pain, so for an accurate diagnosis, you should definitely consult a doctor.Each condition must be considered individually to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes pain
The likelihood of developing lower back pain increases due to several factors.
Age and poor physical fitness
The first problem with the lower back is felt between 25-45 years.With age, pain tends to increase and become chronic due to the aging of the spine.
If the muscles that support the spinal column are not sufficiently developed and strengthened, this can lead to spinal disease.Lower back pain often occurs in physically unfit people who have lifted heavy objects.
Excessive weight and descent
Obesity puts extra pressure on the lumbar region.
There is a genetic predisposition to the disease.For example, if one of your relatives has a history of spondylosis or radiculitis, then you may be prone to the same pathology.
Working conditions
If your job involves lifting heavy objects, you could hurt your back.Also, prolonged sitting can cause back pain, especially in someone with poor posture.
Backpack
Try to weigh your child's backpack.If it weighs more than 20% of body weight, then wearing it causes muscle tension and lower back pain.
Other household reasons
Back pain can occur during daily activities:
- lifting heavy boxes, carrying large bags of groceries;
- rearrangement of furniture;
- lifting weights at the gym;
- turning during sports (golf, tennis, contact sports);
- During agricultural and construction work.
Spine problems, radicular pain and herniated discs
The cause of back pain is disease or injury to the muscles, bones and/or nerves of the spine.
Radicular pain appears due to pinching, hernia, when direct irritation of the nerve occurs.For example, with sciatica, the pain syndrome is acute, accompanied by numbness in the leg area, which is isolated by the affected nerve.
Hernias develop as the spine degenerates or thins.The disc-like central portion protrudes from the central cavity and extends from the nerve root.The intervertebral disc begins to degenerate by the 3rd decade.Herniated discs occur in one third of people over the age of 20.However, only 3% of them caused lower back discomfort.
Spondylosis and spinal canal narrowing
Occurs when the intervertebral disc loses moisture and volume with age, causing the disc height to decrease.Even minor trauma with spondylosis can cause inflammation and damage to nerve roots.This can cause classic sciatica without a ruptured disc.
Spinal disc degeneration combined with disease in the lower back joints can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.These changes cause pain.Narrowing of the canal is clearly visible on X-rays.A person with spinal stenosis may experience low back pain that radiates down both legs.Symptoms may worsen after standing upright for long periods of time or walking even short distances.
Cauda equina syndrome and musculoskeletal pain syndrome
This is an emergency situation where the spinal cord itself is compressed.The disc expands into the spinal canal, which compresses the nerve.The person is bothered by pain, possible loss of sensitivity, bowel or bladder dysfunction.This can cause an inability to control urination: there may be urinary incontinence or the inability to initiate urination.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes cause significant symptoms and include myofascial syndrome and fibromyalgia:
- Myofascial pain is characterized by tenderness in a localized area (trigger point).Range of motion in the involved muscle groups is reduced.Release often occurs when the involved muscle group is able to relax.
- Fibromyalgia results in widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body.Patients are concerned about general tension, fatigue and muscle stiffness.
Muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured disc
Repetitive lifting of heavy objects or sudden awkward movements can strain muscles in the back and spine.If a person is in poor physical condition, constant pressure on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Discs act as cushions between the bones in the spine.The soft core of the disc can pass or rupture and put pressure on the nerve.But it is possible to have a bulging or ruptured disc without back pain.This disease is often found incidentally when X-rays of the spine are taken for some other reason.
Arthritis, arthrosis and osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower extremities.In some cases, arthritis in the spine can cause the space around the spinal cord to narrow.This condition is called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis in the spine can cause compression fractures if the bones become porous and brittle.
Spondylolisthesis and skeletal disorders
A condition in which the bones in the spine fall or move out of their normal position.This can cause back pain and stiffness, as well as numbness and tingling in the legs.
A skeletal disorder, a condition where the spine curves sideways (scoliosis), can also cause back pain.Usually occurs before middle age.
Infectious inflammatory process
Bone infection (osteomyelitis) of the spine is a rare cause of back pain.Inflammation of the nerves in the spine can occur when the nerves become infected with the herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles.It can occur in the thoracic region, causing symptoms in the upper back, or in the lumbar region, causing lower back pain.
Spondylitis can cause stiffness and pain in the spine, which is worse in the morning.Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts in people during adolescence and young adulthood.
Tumors and other causes
Benign and malignant tumors (as well as metastases) can cause lower back pain.
Pain caused by organ abnormalities in the abdomen, pelvis, or chest can also be felt in the back.For example, appendicitis, aneurysm, kidney disease, kidney infection, bladder and pelvic infection, and ovarian disease can cause lower back pain.This pain is not associated with physical activity and occurs suddenly.If it appears, you should immediately contact a medical facility or call an ambulance at home.Normal pregnancy can also cause back pain.While carrying a baby, you may experience pelvic tension, nerve irritation, and back tension.
Prevent back pain
For prevention, experts recommend the following methods:
- Exercise regularly.Moderate exercise is suitable: walking, swimming or cycling for 30 minutes a day.Yoga helps relieve muscle tension, strengthen muscles and improve posture.
- Before exercising, exercising at home, or working in the garden, do a short warm-up with stretching.
- Do not curve the lumbar spine or slouch when standing or sitting.Poor posture increases pressure on the lower back.
- At home or at work, make sure the work surface at home or at work is at a comfortable height for you.The chair should support your back well.Do not sit for too long, take regular breaks to walk around.
- Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes.
- Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly tucked in can help open up the joints in your spine and relieve pressure, reducing curvature of the spine.
- Try not to lift objects that are too heavy.If you have to carry a weight, you have to lift it by pushing with your legs.You can not bend or release your back - it must remain straight.
- Do not eat too much to maintain your optimal weight.To support the skeletal system, there must be an intake of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
- Quit smoking.Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can contribute to the development of the degenerative process.
When to see a doctor
If you associate the occurrence of lower back pain, for example, with lifting heavy objects, then after a break your health will be restored.You can take the pain.
You should see a doctor if:
- The pain does not go away for several days or becomes more intense;
- There is irradiation into the abdomen or radiating legs;
- increased body temperature;
- There is severe fatigue and weakness;
- If you have recently experienced severe weight loss for no apparent reason;
- Defecation and urination have become uncontrollable and spontaneous;
- Sports, car or household injuries occur.
As you can see, the list of reasons why back pain in the lumbar region is extensive.In less than 1% of people, the cause of lower back pain is a tumor, infectious process or problems with internal organs.