Today, back pain is one of the common reasons people seek professional advice. According to some data, it happens to at least 80% of the adult population at least once in their lives, and at least 4-9% of them ask for professional advice in this regard every year. Painful sensations directly above the lumbar region, in the back, are among the common complaints. In this article, we will talk about what problems can cause pain in this area, how to identify them, and touch on the topic of overcoming them.
Some possible causes of pain
Most of the pain in the back and lumbar region is musculoskeletal pain, which can be caused by osteochondrosis, myositis and intervertebral hernia. However, it can also be caused by other pathologies, as well as certain conditions of the human body. Let's look at some common reasons.
Osteochondrosis
Or according to the term accepted today in the international classification of diseases - dorsopathy. These are dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, which compensate for the load on the spine, provide shock absorption during movement, vibration loads, etc. sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.
Myalgia
These are muscle pains that can be caused by various reasons. The muscles supporting and stabilizing the spine are located directly in the lower back. Therefore, the cause of painful sensations is various diseases of the spine, as well as increased physical activity, hypothermia, etc.
Intervertebral hernia
This is one of the complications of osteochondrosis of the spine, in which the integrity of the intervertebral disc is broken, and the fluid core inside it protrudes into the spinal canal. Depending on the size and location of the hernia on the back, sharp shooting pains may occur, sometimes radiating to other parts of the body and to the limbs (in the case of pathology of the lower back, it can be the leg or the arm).
Diseases of internal organs
Back pain is not always a sign of spinal problems. It can often be a symptom of pathologies of internal organs: stomach and duodenal ulcers, pancreatitis, gallbladder inflammation, urinary tract inflammation, kidney diseases, etc. However, it does not always hurt in the abdomen, side, or other area where the affected organ is located. .
Age-related changes
As we age, the structure of the spine undergoes many changes, especially with a sedentary lifestyle and reduced load. These relate to the ligament system, muscles and bone tissue. Osteochondrosis and arthrosis combined with muscle atrophy and loss of elasticity of ligaments can periodically cause pain in the lumbar region.
Pregnancy
Back pain is not always a sign of pathology. For example, late pregnancy can also cause this condition in women. According to available data, 90% of pregnant women complain of back pain and 50% of discomfort localized specifically in the lumbar region. But why does this happen? The causes are physiological changes in the biomechanics of the pelvis and spine. In most cases, the pain may occur in women who have previously suffered from back problems
Types of painful sensations
Understanding what kind of pain a person is experiencing is important for diagnosis. Back pain above the waist can be strapping, aching, pulling, dull, sharp, etc. Feelings are only additional data that are used in the diagnosis. You should not rely entirely on them, much less diagnose yourself based on this information alone.
Some possible diagnostic methods
Anamnesis and symptoms are collected during a qualified consultation. However, this is not enough: further tests are required to establish a more accurate diagnosis. The specialist can limit himself to one or prescribe more.
Radiography
It is a diagnostic technique based on the use of X-rays. With the help of such an examination, fractures, osteochondrosis of the spine, spondylosis, tumors, as well as curvatures and other abnormalities can be identified. When performing radiography, the image of the examined organ is projected onto film or paper in only one projection - this method is less informative than X-ray CT and MRI.
X-ray computed tomography (X-ray computed tomography)
X-ray CT is similar in technology to radiography: it is also based on X-rays. However, as a result of such diagnostics, we do not get a 2D, but a 3D image, which is available for layer-by-layer examination. For this, stronger ionizing radiation is used, which should not be used too often. RCT can be performed with or without contrast, which gives a clearer picture and increases the success rate of diagnosing certain diseases.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic method that allows the creation of a multilayer image in several projections, but is in no way related to the use of X-rays. It is based on magnetic resonance, so it is safer than X-rays and CT scans, but it is not suitable for patients with permanent metal structures in the body. In addition, this study is noisier and longer. Like CT, MRI can also be done with contrast for more accurate diagnosis of certain diseases.
Ultrasound
This technique is based on the principle of echolocation and is usually used to diagnose diseases of internal organs, if the symptoms give reason to suspect their presence. It is extremely informative and safe for examining organs and tissues. An ultrasound of the spine is also performed, but extremely rarely.
Laboratory diagnostics
To diagnose the presence of an inflammatory process, infection or tumor, a general blood test with the ESR-leukocyte formula can be prescribed. In the future, if pathologies of the internal organs are suspected, additional laboratory tests may be prescribed.
Other diagnostic methods
In case of suspicion of the specific nature of pain or internal organ disease, other tests may be prescribed until the diagnosis is made and the cause of the pain is established.
Treatment of back pain above the lumbar region
The most important step in getting rid of back pain is getting professional advice. After diagnosis, exclusion of diseases of internal organs, serious pathologies of the spine and determination of pain as non-specific, the following can be recommended:
- Taking NSAIDs.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for internal and local use are often used to relieve non-specific back pain, osteochondrosis, hernia and other pathologies. The category of such drugs includes the active ingredient of the preparation - nimesulide;
- taking muscle relaxants.Designed to help combat muscle spasms, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain;
- taking other medicines.In case of diseases of internal organs or back pain during pregnancy, the set of medicines will probably be different;
- physiotherapy and exercise therapy.During the acute period, various physical procedures are recommended to relieve pain and accelerate recovery. These include, for example, electrophoresis with painkillers, pulse currents, ultraviolet irradiation, massage, gymnastics therapy, as well as mineral baths, mud therapy, etc. ;
- surgical intervention.In the case of a herniated disc, surgery may be prescribed if other pain relief methods do not bring results for a long time, and it is justified based on the results of MRI, X-ray or X-ray.
Some possible preventive measures
Since the risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal back pain include heavy physical work, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as frequent bending of the body, heavy lifting and vibration, it is recommended to minimize these factors. as a preventive measure. If you already have back pain in the lower back, you should not immediately overload the muscles with gymnastics and especially sports - you should first seek professional advice to rule out pathologies.