Up to 80% of people suffer from lower back pain.For some it may be one or more episodes in their life, for others the pain becomes chronic.There are many reasons that cause pain, so you should definitely consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.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 a number of factors.
Age and poor physical fitness
The first problems with the lower back appear between the ages of 25 and 45.As we age, the pain increases and becomes chronic due to aging of the spine.
If the muscles that support the spine are not sufficiently developed and strengthened, this can lead to spinal diseases.Lower back pain often occurs in physically unprepared people who have lifted a heavy object.
Obesity and heredity
Excess weight puts additional strain on the lumbar spine.
There is a genetic predisposition to disease.For example, if one of your relatives suffered from spondylosis or radiculitis in the past, you may be susceptible to the same pathologies.
Working conditions
Lifting heavy objects at work can lead to back injuries.Additionally, sitting for long periods of time can cause lower back pain, especially in people with poor posture.
Backpack
Try weighing your child's backpack.If it weighs more than 20% of the baby's weight, carrying it will cause muscle tension and lower back pain.
Other household reasons
Lower back pain can occur during everyday activities:
- lifting a heavy box, carrying heavy shopping bags;
- rearranging furniture;
- lifting weights in the gym;
- turn your back on sports (golf, tennis, contact sports);
- in agricultural and construction work.
Spinal problems, radicular pain and herniated discs
A common cause of back pain is disease or injury to the muscles, bones and/or nerves of the spine.
Radicular pain occurs due to entrapment and hernia when direct irritation of the nerve occurs.For example, with sciatica, the pain syndrome is acute, accompanied by numbness in the area of the leg, which is innervated by the affected nerve.
Hernias occur when the spine degenerates or becomes thinner.The jelly-like central portion of the disc protrudes from the central cavity and extends away from the nerve root.From the third decade of life onwards, the intervertebral discs begin to degenerate.Herniated discs occur in a third of people over the age of 20.However, only 3% of them cause lower back pain.
Spondylosis and narrowing of the spinal canal
Occurs when the intervertebral discs lose moisture and volume with age, causing the disc height to decrease.Even mild trauma with spondylosis can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve root.This can lead to classic sciatica without a herniated disc.
Disc degeneration combined with disease of the joints of the lower back can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal.These changes cause pain.The narrowing of the canal can be clearly seen on the x-ray.A person with spinal stenosis may experience back pain that radiates to both lower extremities.Symptoms can worsen after standing upright for a long time or even after walking short distances.
Cauda equina syndrome and musculoskeletal pain syndromes
This is an emergency condition in which the spinal cord itself is compressed.The disc expands into the spinal canal, compressing the nerves.The person is disturbed by pain, possible loss of sensitivity, bowel or bladder dysfunction.This can lead to an inability to control urination: urinary incontinence or the inability to start urinating may occur.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes cause significant symptoms and include myofascial syndromes and fibromyalgia:
- Myofascial pain is characterized by tenderness in certain areas (trigger points).The range of motion of the muscle groups involved decreases.Relief often occurs when the affected muscle group can be relaxed.
- Fibromyalgia causes diffuse pain and tenderness throughout the body.Patients are concerned about general tension, fatigue and muscle stiffness.
Muscle or ligament strain, bulging or torn discs
Repeated lifting of heavy objects or sudden, awkward movements can strain the muscles in your back and spine.If you are in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can lead to painful muscle cramps.
The intervertebral discs serve as cushions between the bones of the spine.The soft core of the disc can bulge or tear and put pressure on the nerve.However, it is possible for a bulging or herniated disc to occur without back pain.The disease is often discovered accidentally when an X-ray of the spine is taken for another reason.
Arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back.In some cases, arthritis in the spine can cause the space around the spinal cord to narrow.This condition is called spinal canal stenosis.
Osteoporosis in the spine can lead to compression fractures when the bones become porous and brittle.
Spondylolisthesis and skeletal diseases
A condition in which a bone in the spine falls out or moves out of its normal position.This can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back as well as numbness and tingling in the extremities.
Skeletal diseases, i.e. a lateral curvature of the spine (scoliosis), can also lead to back pain.Typically occurs before middle age.
Infectious inflammatory processes
Bone infections (osteomyelitis) of the spine are a rare cause of lower back pain.Inflammation of the nerves in the spine can occur when the nerves become infected with the herpes zoster virus, causing shingles.It can occur in the chest area, causing upper back symptoms, or in the lumbar area, causing lower back pain.
Spondylitis can cause stiffness and pain in the spine, which is particularly bad in the morning.Ankylosing spondylitis usually begins 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 that occurs due to organ abnormalities in the abdomen, pelvis, or chest may also be felt in the back.For example, appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney disease, kidney infections, bladder and pelvic infections, and ovarian disease can cause lower back pain.This pain is not associated with physical activity and occurs suddenly.If it occurs, you should urgently contact a medical facility or call an ambulance at home.Even a normal pregnancy can cause back pain.Carrying a baby can cause pelvic strain, nerve irritation, and lower back strain.
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, working out at home, or working in the garden, do a quick warm-up with stretching exercises.
- Do not arch your lumbar spine or bend when standing or sitting.Poor posture increases stress on the lower back.
- Make sure the work surfaces at home or at work are at a height that is comfortable for you.The chair should support your back well.Don't sit for too long, take regular breaks to walk around.
- Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes.
- Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent can help open the joints in the spine, relieving pressure and thus reducing the curvature of the spine.
- Try not to lift objects that are too heavy.If you need to carry weights, you must lift them by pushing off with your feet.You cannot bend or bend your back - it must remain straight.
- To maintain your optimal weight, don't eat too much.Adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D is required to support the skeletal system.
- Stop smoking.Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can contribute to the development of degenerative processes.
When should you see a doctor?
For example, if you associate the occurrence of lower back pain with lifting heavy objects, your health will be restored after rest.You can take a painkiller.
You need to see a doctor if:
- the pain does not go away or becomes worse for several days;
- Radiation occurs in the abdominal cavity or radiates into the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- there was severe lethargy and weakness;
- if you have recently had a significant weight loss for no apparent reason;
- Bowel movements and urination have become uncontrollable and spontaneous;
- a sports, automobile or household injury has occurred.
As you can see, the list of reasons for back pain in the lumbar region is extensive.In less than 1% of people, tumors, infectious processes or problems with internal organs are the cause of lower back pain.