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 what exactly caused the pain syndrome by studying the clinical picture, the patient's complaints, as well as the results of ultrasound, X-ray or MRI studies and examinations.But often, before even going to the doctor, a person wants to know in advance what is causing their condition.
Main causes of low back pain
Firstly, all causes of lower back pain can be divided into two main types:
- Primary (pain is associated specifically with pathology of the spine, 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 of the body, the development of tumors).
Main causes of low back pain
Today, walking upright is considered the cause of all back problems.The load on the spine increases greatly with the vertical position of the body, especially in the lower part - the lumbar region, which wears out more quickly.
The main primary causes of low back pain are:
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Degenerative changes in the spine cause acute pain, inflammation, swelling in the affected area and difficulty moving.Characteristic changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the vertebral discs and in the vertebral bodies themselves often cause pinched nerves, which manifest as sharp pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue of the spine.In addition to joint pain, a person with spondyloarthrosis may experience severe stiffness of movement, making it impossible to straighten up or turn around.
Lower back pain, the cause of which is osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis, requires urgent and immediate consultation with a doctor and, of course, immediate treatment.
Secondary back pain
A large number of diseases not associated with pathological processes in the spine can cause unpleasant back pain.
There are secondary causes of low back pain such as:
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins that affect the intervertebral discs (tuberculosis, etc.);
- urinary system infections and effects of the flu;
- inflammatory processes in the genital region;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- kidney disease;
- oncological diseases located in the paralumbar region;
- overweight;
- osteoporosis, acute rheumatism, chronic arthritis;
- long periods of standing or sitting;
- muscle spasm;
- nervous tension, stress.
Diseases of internal organs have their own vivid symptoms, which are reflected only in the lower back.
Causes of low back pain in women and men
The structure of the female body predisposes 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 lower back, as the reproductive organs are located close together.Gynecological diseases (inflammation of the appendages and uterus) cause radiating pain in the lower back in women.
Likewise, prostatitis and inflammation of the epididymis cause pain in men.It happens that men periodically experience back pain when they constantly work in cold and drafty conditions, or if the work involves lifting heavy objects.These 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 moment as muscle spasms, which are often the cause of lower back pain.The constant lack of physical activity causes the back muscles to become weak and unable to withstand prolonged or increased loads.Therefore, working while standing or sitting stationary causes excessive strain on the back muscles and pain.
Stress leads to the same result when muscle tension occurs as a result of emotions of fear or anger.This is followed by spasm and pain if not eliminated in time.
Associated symptoms
Lower back pain, the causes of which lie in damage to the spine, 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 may be very difficult or completely impossible;
- the affected area is often inflamed and swollen.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should seek medical help from a neurologist.If there are other accompanying symptoms, it is best to consult a therapist who will determine the causes of lower back pain and then refer you to a specialized specialist or prescribe treatment.