Sudden, sharp, aching or dull pain in the lower back, the causes of which cannot always be immediately determined, may indicate the development of various diseases.Only an experienced doctor can understand the exact cause of 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 tests.But often, even before going to the doctor, a person wants to know in advance the cause of his condition.
Main causes of lower back pain
First of all, 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 tissues or joints).
- Secondary (pain occurs due to pathologies of internal organs and radiates to the lower back, as well as infectious diseases in the body, the development of tumors).
Main causes of low back pain
Today, standing walking is considered the cause of all spinal problems.The load on the spine increases significantly with the vertical position of the body, especially on the lower part - the lumbar, which wears out faster.
The main causes of low back pain are:
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Degenerative changes in the spine cause acute pain, inflammation, swelling of the affected area, and difficulty moving.Characteristic changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the spinal discs and the vertebral bodies themselves often cause pinched nerves, which are manifested by sharp pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissues in the spine.In addition to joint pain, a person with spondyloarthrosis may experience severe stiffness of movement, when it is impossible to straighten or turn.
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 lower back pain
A large number of diseases not associated with pathological processes in the spine can cause unpleasant pain in the back area.
There are secondary causes of low back pain such as:
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins affecting the intervertebral discs (tuberculosis, etc.);
- urinary system infections and effects of the flu;
- inflammatory processes in the genital area;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- kidney disease;
- oncological diseases localized in the paralumbar region;
- excess weight;
- 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 lower back pain in women and men
The structure of the female body predisposes to the appearance of heaviness and pain in the lumbar region.This is due to hormonal levels: the menstrual cycle, menopause and pregnancy affect the lumbar region, since the reproductive organs are located nearby.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.Men may periodically experience back pain when working constantly in the cold and drafts, or if the job involves lifting heavy objects.Such causes of lower back pain require preventive measures: you need to isolate your 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.A constant lack of physical activity leads to the fact that the back muscles are weak and cannot withstand prolonged or increased loads.Therefore, working while standing or in a stationary sitting position causes back muscle overload 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 spasms and pain if they are not eliminated in time.
Associated symptoms
Lower back pain, the causes of which lie in spinal injuries, is most often accompanied by the following symptoms:
- unpleasant sensations can affect not only the back, but also spread to the buttocks and lower extremities;
- movement can be very difficult, or even completely impossible;
- The affected area usually becomes inflamed and swollen.
If any of these symptoms appear, you should consult a neurologist.If there are other associated symptoms, it is best to consult a therapist who will determine the causes of lower back pain and will then refer you to a specialized specialist or prescribe treatment.