Sudden, sharp, aching or dull pain in the lower back, the causes of which cannot always be determined immediately, may indicate the development of various diseases.Only an experienced doctor can understand exactly what caused the pain syndrome by studying the clinical picture, patient complaints, as well as 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 back pain
First of all, all causes of back pain can be divided into two main types:
- Primary (pain is specifically related to the pathology of the spinal column, intervertebral discs, muscle tissue or joints).
- Secondary (pain occurs due to pathologies of internal organs and radiates to the lower back, as well as due to infectious diseases in the body, due to the development of tumors).
The main causes of back pain
Today, vertical walking is called the cause of all spine problems.The load on the spinal column increases significantly when the body is standing upright, especially on the lower part - the waist, which wears out faster.
The main causes of lower back pain are:
- Lumbar osteochondrosis.Degenerative changes in the spine cause severe pain, inflammation, swelling in the affected area and difficulty in movement.Characteristic changes in the cartilage tissue of the vertebral discs and the vertebral bodies themselves often lead to stretching of the nerves, which is manifested in the form of acute pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue in the area of the spinal column.In addition to joint pain, a person with spondyloarthrosis may develop severe stiffness of motion when unable to straighten or turn.
Back pain, the cause of which is osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis, requires urgent, immediate consultation with a doctor and, of course, urgent treatment.
Secondary back pain
A number of diseases that are not related to pathological processes of the spine can cause unpleasant pain in the back.
Secondary causes of back pain include:
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins that affect the intervertebral discs (tuberculosis, etc.);
- Infections of the genitourinary system and the effects of flu;
- inflammatory processes in the genital area;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- kidney disease;
- oncological diseases localized in the paralumbar region;
- overweight;
- Osteoporosis, acute rheumatism, chronic arthritis;
- long standing or sitting;
- muscle spasm;
- Nervous tension, stress.
Diseases of internal organs have their own clear symptoms, which are reflected only in the lower back.
Causes of lower back pain in women and men
The structure of the female body is prone to the appearance of heaviness and pain in the lower back.This is due to hormonal levels: the menstrual cycle, menopause and pregnancy affect the waist area, 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 constantly work in the cold, in drafty conditions, or if the work involves lifting heavy objects.Such causes of lower back pain require preventive measures: it is necessary to isolate the back and wear a special corset.
muscle clamps
Separately, I would like to dwell on such a point as muscle spasm, which is often the cause of lower back pain.A 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 excessive strain and pain on the back muscles.
Stress causes the same result when muscles tense as a result of emotions of fear or anger.This will lead to spasms and pain if not treated in time.
Associated symptoms
Back pain caused by spinal cord injury 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 can be very difficult or completely impossible;
- The affected area usually becomes inflamed and swollen.
If any of the listed symptoms are detected, 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 lower back pain and then refer you to a specialist or prescribe treatment.