Today, back pain is one of the common reasons why people seek professional advice. According to some data, it happens at least once in a lifetime to 80% of the adult population, and every year at least 4-9% seek qualified advice about it. Painful sensations only in the lumbar region, in the back, are common complaints. In this article, we will talk about what problems can cause pain in this area, how they are identified, and we will also touch on the topic of combating them.
Some possible causes of pain
Most of the cases of pain in the back and lower back are musculoskeletal pain, which can be caused by osteochondrosis, myositis and intervertebral hernia. However, it can be caused by other pathologies, as well as by a certain condition of the human body. Let's look at some common reasons.
Osteochondrosis
Or according to the term adopted today in the international classification of diseases - dorsopathy. These are dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, compensating the load on the spine, providing shock absorption during movement, vibration loads, etc. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.
Myalgia
It is a muscle pain that can be caused by various reasons. Above the lower back are the muscles that support and stabilize the spinal column. Therefore, the cause of painful sensations in them can be various diseases of the spine itself, as well as increased physical exertion, hypothermia, etc. Sh.
Intervertebral hernia
This is one of the complications of spinal osteochondrosis, during which the integrity of the intervertebral disc is broken and the algal core located inside protrudes into the spinal canal. Depending on the size of the hernia and its location in the back, sharp shooting pains can occur, which sometimes spread to other parts of the body and limbs (with pathology above the lower back, it can be a leg or an arm).
Diseases of internal organs
Back pain is not always a sign of spinal problems. Often it can also be a symptom of pathologies of internal organs: stomach and duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, urolithiasis, kidney diseases, etc. Sh. However, it does not always hurt in the abdomen, side or other place where the affected organ is. .
Age-related changes
With age, the structure of the spine undergoes a number of changes, especially noticeable with a sedentary lifestyle and reduced load. They relate to the ligamentous apparatus, muscles and bone tissue. Osteochondrosis and arthrosis, along with muscle atrophy and loss of elasticity of ligaments, can periodically cause pain in the lower back.
Pregnancy
Back pain is not always a sign of any 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 reason is physiological changes in the biomechanics of the pelvis and spine. In most cases, pain can occur in women who have previously had back problems
Types of painful sensations
For diagnosis, it is important to understand what kind of pain a person is experiencing. Back pain above the waist can be girdle, aching, pulling, dull, sharp, etc. Sh. Sensations are only additional data used in diagnosis. You should not rely on them completely, let alone diagnose yourself based on this information alone.
Some possible diagnostic methods
During a qualified consultation, an anamnesis and data about symptoms are collected. However, this is not enough: additional tests are needed to make a more accurate diagnosis. The specialist can either limit himself to one of them or appoint several.
Radiography
This is a diagnostic method based on the use of X-rays. By means of such an examination, it is possible to identify fractures, osteochondrosis of the spine, spondylosis, neoplasms, as well as curvature and other disorders. When performing radiography, the image of the organ to be studied is projected onto film or paper in only one projection - this method is less informative than radiographic CT and MRI.
X-ray computed tomography (X-ray computed tomography)
X-ray computed tomography is similar in technology to radiography: it is also based on X-ray radiation. However, as a result of such diagnostics, not a 2D, but a 3D image is obtained, which is available for layer-by-layer study. For this, stronger ionizing radiation is used, which should not be used too often. RCT can be performed with or without contrast, which provides a clearer picture and increases the success of diagnosing certain diseases.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic method that also allows you to get a multilayer image in several projections, but is in no way related to the use of X-rays. It is based on magnetic resonance and is therefore safer than X-rays and computed tomography, but is not suitable for patients with permanent metal structures in the body. In addition, this study is noisier and longer. Like computed tomography, MRI can be performed with contrast to more accurately diagnose 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 existence. It is highly informative and safe when studying organs and tissues. 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 analysis with ESR-leukocyte formula can be prescribed. In the future, in case of suspicion of pathologies of internal organs, additional laboratory tests may be prescribed.
Other diagnostic methods
If the specific nature of the pain or a disease of the internal organs is suspected, other tests may be ordered before establishing a diagnosis and determining the cause of the pain.
Treatment of upper back pain in the lumbar region
The most important step in getting rid of back pain is getting qualified advice. After diagnosis, exclusion of diseases of internal organs, serious pathologies of the spine and non-specific determination of pain, the following can be recommended:
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.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 - nimesulide;
- Taking muscle relaxants.They are designed to combat muscle spasms, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain;
- Taking other medications.In case of diseases of internal organs or back pain during pregnancy, the set of medicines will most likely be different;
- Physiotherapy and exercise therapy.During the acute period, various physical procedures may be recommended to relieve pain and speed recovery. These are, for example, electrophoresis with analgesics, pulse currents, ultraviolet radiation, massage, exercise therapy, as well as mineral baths, mud therapy, etc. Sh.
- surgery.Surgery may be prescribed for herniated discs if other methods of pain relief do not give results for a long time and may also be indicated based on MRI, X-ray or X-ray results.
Some possible prevention measures
Since risk factors for developing musculoskeletal pain in the back, including in the lumbar region, include heavy physical work, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as frequent body bending, heavy lifting and vibration, it is recommended to minimize these factors. as a preventive measure. If your back already hurts above the waist, you should not immediately overload your muscles with gymnastics and especially sports - you should first seek qualified advice to rule out pathologies.