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 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 tests.But often, even before going to the doctor, a person wants to know in advance what is causing his condition.
Main causes of lumbar 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 spinal column, 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 in the body, the development of tumors).
Primary causes of low back pain
Today, upright walking is called the cause of all spinal problems.The load on the spinal column increases greatly with an upright position of the body, especially on the lower section - the lumbar, which wears out faster.
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 cartilage tissue of the vertebral discs and the vertebral bodies themselves often cause pinched nerves, which manifest as acute pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue in the area of the spinal column.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 urgent, immediate consultation with a doctor and, of course, immediate treatment.
Secondary lumbar pain
A huge number of diseases not associated with pathological processes in the spinal column can provoke unpleasant pain in the back area.
There are such secondary causes of low back pain as:
- curvature of the spinal column (scoliosis, lordosis, etc.);
- infections of various origins affecting intervertebral discs (tuberculosis, etc.);
- urinary system infections and effects of influenza;
- 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 the internal organs have their own vivid symptoms, only reflected 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 in close proximity.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 drafty conditions, or if the work involves lifting heavy objects.Such causes of lower back pain require preventive measures: you need to insulate 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 on your feet or in a stationary sitting position causes overstrain of 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 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 causes of lower back pain and after that refer you to a specialized specialist or prescribe treatment.