Sudden, acute, aching or dull pain in the lower back, the causes of which cannot always be determined immediately, can indicate the development of various diseases.Only an experienced doctor can understand what exactly caused the pain syndrome by studying the clinical picture, the patient's complaints, as well as the results of ultrasound, X-ray or MRI studies and tests.But often, even before going to the doctor, a person wants to know in advance what causes his condition.
The main causes of lower back pain
First of all, all causes of back pain can be divided into two main types:
- Primary (pain is especially associated with the pathology of the spine, intervertebral discs, muscle tissue or joints).
- Secondary (pain appears due to pathologies of internal organs and radiates to the lower back, as well as due to infectious diseases in the body, the development of tumors).
The main causes of lower back pain
Today, walking is called the cause of all spinal problems.The load on the spine increases a lot with an upright position of the body, especially on the lower - lumbar part, which gets tired faster.
The main main causes of lower back pain are:
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Degenerative changes in the spine cause acute pain, inflammation, swelling in the affected area and difficulty moving.Characteristic changes in the cartilage tissue of the vertebral discs and in the vertebral bodies themselves often cause compression of the nerves, which manifest as acute pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissues in the area of the spine.In addition to joint pain, a person with spondyloarthrosis may experience severe stiffness of movement, when it is impossible to straighten or turn.
Pain in the lower back, the cause of which is osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis, requires urgent, immediate consultation with a doctor and, of course, immediate treatment.
Secondary low back pain
A large number of diseases that are not associated with pathological processes in the spine can provoke unpleasant pain in the back area.
There are such secondary causes of low back pain as:
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins that affect the intervertebral discs (tuberculosis, etc.);
- urinary system infections and flu effects;
- inflammatory processes in the genital area;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- kidney disease;
- oncological diseases localized in the prelumbar region;
- excess weight;
- osteoporosis, acute rheumatism, chronic arthritis;
- long periods of standing or sitting;
- muscle spasm;
- nervous tension, stress.
Diseases of the internal organs have their vivid symptoms, reflected only in the lower back.
Causes of back pain in women and men
The structure of the female body predisposes to the occurrence of heaviness and pain in the lumbar region.This is due to hormonal levels: the menstrual cycle, menopause and pregnancy affect the midsection, as the reproductive organs are located nearby.Gynecological diseases (inflammation of the appendages and uterus) cause radiating pain in the lower back in women.
Similarly, prostatitis and inflammation of the epididymis cause pain in men.It happens that men periodically experience back pain when they work constantly in the cold in vibration conditions, or if the work involves lifting heavy objects.Such causes of back pain require preventive measures: you should isolate your back and wear a special corset.
Muscle clamp
Separately, I would like to stop at such a moment as muscle spasms, which are often the cause of back pain.The constant lack of physical activity leads to the fact that the back muscles are weak and cannot withstand prolonged or increased loads.Therefore, working on your feet or in a stationary sitting position causes back muscle overload and pain.
Stress leads to the same result when muscle tension occurs as a result of emotions of fear or anger.This is followed by spasms and pain if not eliminated in time.
Associated symptoms
Pain in the lower back, the causes of which lie in the damage to the spine, is most often accompanied by the following symptoms:
- unpleasant sensations can affect not only the back, but also spread to the buttocks and lower limbs;
- movement may be very difficult or completely impossible;
- the affected area usually becomes inflamed and swollen.
If any of these symptoms appear, you should seek medical help from a neurologist.If there are other accompanying symptoms, then it is better to consult a therapist who will determine the causes of back pain and then refer you to a specialist or prescribe treatment.