Sudden, acute, 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 causes the pain syndrome by studying the clinical picture, patient 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 the condition.
The main cause of back pain
First of all, all causes of lower back pain can be divided into two main types:
- Primary (pain associated specifically with pathology of the spine, intervertebral disc, muscle tissue or joints).
- Secondary (pain occurs due to pathology of internal organs and radiates to the lower back, as well as due to infectious diseases in the body, tumor development).
The main cause of back pain
Today, walking upright is called the cause of all spinal problems.The load on the spine increases a lot with the upright position of the body, especially on the lower part - lumbar, which 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 moving.Characteristic changes in the cartilage tissue of the vertebral disc and the vertebral body itself often cause pinched nerves, which manifest as acute pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue in the spine area.In addition to pain in the joints, 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 immediate consultation with a doctor and, of course, immediate treatment.
Secondary back pain
A large number of diseases that are not associated with pathological processes in the spine can trigger unpleasant pain in the back area.
There are secondary causes of back pain such as:
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins affecting the intervertebral disc (tuberculosis, etc.);
- urinary tract infections and influenza effects;
- inflammatory process in the genital area;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- kidney disease;
- localized oncological diseases in the paralumbar region;
- overweight;
- osteoporosis, acute rheumatism, chronic arthritis;
- long periods of standing or sitting;
- muscle spasms;
- nervous tension, stress.
Diseases of internal organs have their own clear symptoms, only reflected 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, as 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 periodically experience back pain when constantly working in the cold in windy conditions, or if the work involves lifting heavy objects.The causes of lower back pain require preventive measures: you need to protect your back and wear a special corset.
Muscle clamps
Separately, I would like to think about such moments as muscle spasms, which are often the cause of lower back pain.Lack of constant physical activity leads to the fact that the back muscles are weak and cannot withstand prolonged or increased loads.Therefore, working on your feet or in an immobile sitting position causes back muscle tension and excessive pain.
Stress leads to similar results when muscle tension occurs as a result of emotions of fear or anger.This is followed by cramps and pain if it is 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 usually becomes inflamed and swollen.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should seek medical help from a neurologist.If there are other accompanying symptoms, then it is better to consult a therapist who will determine the cause of lower back pain and after that refer you to a specialist or prescribe treatment.