Sudden, sharp, aching or dull pain in the lower back, the causes of which cannot always be determined immediately, can indicate the development of various diseases.Only an experienced doctor can understand what exactly causes 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 what caused his condition.
The main causes of back pain
First of all, all the causes of back pain can be divided into two main types:
- Primary (pain is especially associated with the 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 the development of infectious diseases and tumors in the body).
The main causes of back pain
Today, upright walking is called the cause of all spinal problems.With the upright position of the body, the load on the spine increases a lot, especially in the lower part - it wears out faster.
The main causes of back pain are:
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Degenerative changes in the spine cause acute pain, inflammation, swelling in the affected area and difficulty in movement.Characteristic changes in the cartilage tissue of the spinal discs and vertebral bodies often cause compressed nerves, which manifest as sharp pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue in the area of the spine.In addition to pain in the joints, a person with spondyloarthrosis may feel severe stiffness of movement when it is impossible to straighten or turn.
Back pain caused by osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis requires urgent consultation with a doctor and, of course, immediate treatment.
Secondary back pain
Many diseases that are not related to pathological processes in the spine can cause unpleasant pain in the back region.
Secondary causes of low back pain include:
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins affecting the intervertebral discs (tuberculosis, etc.);
- urinary tract infections and the effects of the flu;
- inflammatory processes in the genitals;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- kidney disease;
- oncological diseases localized in the paralumbar region;
- overweight;
- osteoporosis, acute rheumatism, chronic arthritis;
- standing or sitting for a long time;
- muscle spasm;
- nervous tension, stress.
Diseases of internal organs have their own bright symptoms, reflected only in the lower back.
Causes of back pain in women and men
The structure of the female body is prone 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.
Similarly, prostatitis and inflammation of the epididymis cause pain in men.It happens that men experience back pain from time to time when they work in cold weather in constant draft conditions or if the work 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 point as muscle spasms, which are often the cause of 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 in a standing or 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.If it is not removed in time, it is accompanied by spasm and pain.
Associated symptoms
Back pain, which is caused by damage to the spine, is most often accompanied by the following symptoms:
- unpleasant sensations can spread not only to the back, but also to the hips and lower limbs;
- movement may be very difficult or completely impossible;
- The affected area is usually inflamed and swollen.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention from a neurologist.If there are other accompanying symptoms, it is better to consult a therapist who determines the causes of back pain and then refer you to a specialist or prescribe treatment.