Back pain can be associated with a variety of causes - for example, muscle damage, intestinal pathology, protrusion and a herniated vertebral disc. It is impossible to determine the real cause on your own. Therefore, in case of discomfort, it is necessary to undergo diagnostics and follow the recommendations of the doctor. In most cases, medications and procedures are used for treatment. But surgery may also be needed.
Lower back pain: causes
Lower back pain can be associated with the spine, muscles, nerves and other systems. The most common reasons are:
- Traumatic injuries to the lumbar or other parts of the spine.
- Severe muscle tissue damage or tension.
- Hernia, protrusion.
- Curvature.
- Neuropathy
- The inflammatory process of vertebral tissue.
- Nerves pinch.
- Pathology of the intestine, stomach, liver and other digestive organs (in this case, pain is also given to the lumbar region).
- Poisoning, drunkenness.
- Pathology of the excretory system - renal failure, pyelonephritis, cystitis, kidney stones, ureters.
- Diseases of the uterus - cysts, fibroids, inflammatory processes.
What to do if your lower back hurts
It is impossible to determine the source of pain at home with certainty. Therefore, in case of external sensations, it is recommended to see a doctor. If diagnosed early, treatment will be successful and fast. You need to contact such a specialist:
- Surgeon or traumatologist - if pain has been linked to a recent herbal ingredient, including sports or household ingredients.
- Neurologist - a painful sensation from the acute and shooting character. May be accompanied by problems of sensitivity in the legs, loss of mobility. Symptoms such as goose bumps on the surface of the abdomen or legs were also observed.
- Gastroenterologist - long pulling pain especially on one side of the lumbar region. The sensation can be painful, accompanied by too frequent or difficult urination.
- Gynecologist - in this case, the pain is observed from one and from two sides. Moreover, they are accompanied by weakness, worsening during walking and running, during menstruation, and even during pregnancy.
In rare cases, when the cause of the pain is obvious, you don’t have to worry. Therefore, if the unusual sensation is associated with prolonged stay in one position, physical activity, there is no need to see a doctor. But if the pain does not go away for a few days or is acute in nature, it is necessary to get an appointment as soon as possible and undergo a diagnosis.
Lower back pain: diagnosis
Diagnostics are prescribed by a physician after examination, examination of complaints and medical history. The need for a particular procedure depends on what symptoms accompany the pain:
- X -ray of the spine - hernia, protrusion, back injury, posture problems.
- MRI of the lower back - for hernias, curvature, injuries, and even suspected neoplasms.
- CT scan of the lower back - the same indications as MRI.
- Ultrasound - suspicion of pathology of the intestine and other organs located in the abdominal cavity.
- Colonoscopy, gastroscopy - this study is performed if there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal tract disease. In this case, the doctor not only examines the organ, but is also able to take a tissue sample (biopsy) for further research.
- Intestinal MRI is performed to examine the gastrointestinal tract more closely to confirm or confirm a previously made diagnosis.
Methods of treatment
The method, duration, treatment regimen is determined by the doctor depending on the diagnosis. In most cases, medications are indicated, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. You can also attend massage sessions, perform physiotherapy procedures.
If the diagnosis only involves surgical treatment, surgery will be performed. This is necessary, for example, when there are hernias, peptic ulcers and other pathologies.
Prevention of back pain
Back pain can be linked to work and lifestyle conditions. In the lumbar region the main physical activity falls. This is especially dangerous when constantly lifting weights, doing sports or household injuries.
For prevention, it is recommended:
- Exercise regularly.
- If the work is connected with physical labor, learn how to lift weights properly and not burden the back.
- If the job is associated with long periods of time in a sitting position, get up regularly, walk, change your body position.
- Avoid hypothermia in the back, wear weather.
- Keep the buttocks straight while sitting and during posture.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Do not abuse alcohol, smoking or other bad habits.
If the pain recurs, and gets worse, you should see a doctor right away. It is important to understand that treatment often lasts for several months, especially when recovering from surgery. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the lifestyle, if necessary, change jobs.