A 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 tests.But often, even before going to the doctor, a person wants to know in advance what causes his condition.
Main causes of lower back pain
First of all, all causes of low 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 in the body, development of tumors).
Main causes of low back pain
Today, walking upright is considered the cause of all spinal problems.The load on the spine increases significantly with the upright position of the body, especially in the lower part, the lumbar one, 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 compression of the nerves, which manifests as sharp pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue in the spinal area.In addition to joint pain, a person suffering from spondyloarthrosis may experience severe stiffness of movement, when it is impossible to straighten or turn.
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 huge 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 influenza;
- inflammatory processes in the genital area;
- gastrointestinal diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, intestinal colic);
- nephropathy;
- 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, 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 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 the immediate vicinity.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 the cold in drafty conditions or if the work involves lifting heavy objects.Such causes of low 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 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 overload of the back muscles and pain.
Stress leads to the same result when muscle tension occurs due to emotions of fear or anger.This is followed by spasm and pain if it is not eliminated in time.
Associated symptoms
Back pain, the causes of which lie in damage to the spine, is 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 you experience any of these symptoms, 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 subsequently refer you to a specialized specialist or prescribe treatment.