Why does the lower back hurt?
Complaints of discomfort in the lower back periodically appear in almost every person. Unpleasant sensations can torment for years or occur from time to time. Do not ignore such body signals. Lower back pain does not appear by chance, it necessarily has its own reasons. Sometimes completely banal and easily removable. And in some cases – very severe and serious.
What does back pain say
Discomfort that occurs in the lower back can be acute, sudden. Such pains usually constrain movement and do not allow straightening the back. People say about them “lumbago”. Sometimes discomfort in the lower back is mild. They can be pulling. At the same time, the discomfort gradually increases and practically does not disappear. Of course, these feelings are based on completely different reasons.
If we analyze what kind of lower back pain most often torment people, then the statistics will look like this:
90% – discomfort is caused by pathologies of the spine or back muscles;
6% – negative feelings are caused by kidney diseases;
4% – at the heart of lumbar pain are other causes (diseases of the intestines, genitourinary system).
Most of the pain in the lower back is associated with back muscle problems.
It is not easy to determine the source of the problem on your own. And sometimes without a thorough diagnosis it is even impossible. Therefore, people who have low back pain on a regular basis are advised to visit a doctor and determine the exact cause of recurring discomfort.
Causes of back pain
Back discomfort can be accompanied by certain symptoms. Sometimes the overall clinical picture can suggest the true source of the problem. So, for example, if pain is combined with hyperthermia, then we are talking about an inflammatory process that requires the immediate intervention of doctors.
Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system
Most often, discomfort in the lower back is caused by pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (ODA).
Physical inactivity, malnutrition, excessive stress can trigger the development of a pain attack. In childhood, pathology is caused by incorrect posture, carrying weights, and congenital anomalies.
The most common diseases and conditions are:
1. Scoliosis. Curvature of the spine (acquired or congenital) may not bother the patient for a long time. The pain is usually aching in nature. Without proper treatment, the discomfort gradually increases.
Due to strenuous exercise, the lower back can hurt
2. Osteochondrosis. Degenerative-dystrophic pathology, in which the cartilaginous surfaces of the vertebrae are destroyed. The disease is characterized by periodic pinching of the nerves. It is manifested by acute pain attacks (“lumbago”). Further progression of osteochondrosis can lead to protrusion (protrusion) of the intervertebral discs, hernias.
3. Lumbago. This is a condition in which a person has an acute attack of lower back pain. It appears after improper weight lifting, hard physical labor. Lumbago is based on the destruction of the vertebrae.
4. Sciatica. Irritation of the sciatic nerve is always accompanied by sharp pains. Any movement causes increased discomfort. With sciatica, patients complain of pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg.
5. Spondylosis. The disease is characterized by deformity of the vertebrae. The process of bone growth begins. Spiny osteophytes (abnormal bone growths) cause severe discomfort and can lead to spinal deformity.
6. Bechterew’s disease. Pathology begins with an inflammatory process that occurs in the intervertebral joints. This leads to fusion of the vertebrae (ankylosis). As a result, the mobility of the segments is completely lost. The disease most often affects men.
Ankylosing spondylitis more often affects men
7. Osteomyelitis. Severe pathology that develops against the background of damage to bone tissue by bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, etc.). The disease can develop at any age. If infectious agents affect the bones of the lower part of the spine, then the pain is in the lower back. Discomfort is accompanied by fever, excessive weakness, sweating, swelling and hyperemia of the affected area.
8. Osteoporosis. Decreased bone density is more common in post-menopausal women. This pathology is caused by impaired metabolism, in which there is a deficiency in the body of calcium and phosphorus.
9. Rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease, which is based on the inflammatory process. Arthritis affects cartilage, ligaments and muscle tissues. Most often, pain occurs not only in the lower back, but also in other joints.
10. Myositis. Inflammatory process in muscle tissue. Most often it is caused by hypothermia or a sharp, unsuccessful movement.
ODA diseases require adequate treatment. Therefore, without the help of a doctor, one cannot do here. But before you go to a specialist, you need to eliminate the discomfort. Therefore, you need to remember how to relieve lower back pain. Analgesics or NSAIDs can help relieve discomfort.