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 examinations and tests.But often, even before going to the doctor, a person wants to know in advance what is causing his condition.
The 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 specifically related to the 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 infectious diseases of the body, the development of tumors).
Primary causes of lower back pain
Today, straight walking is called the cause of all spinal problems.The load on the spinal column increases significantly with the vertical position of the body, especially on the lower part - the groin, which wears out faster.
The main causes of lower back pain are:
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Degenerative changes in the spine cause acute pain, inflammation, swelling in the affected area and movement difficulties.Characteristic changes in the cartilage tissue of the discs and the vertebral bodies themselves often cause pinched nerves, which manifest as sharp pain.
- Spondyloarthrosis.This pathology affects the joint tissue in the area of the spinal column.In addition to joint pain, a person with spondyloarthrosis may experience severe stiffness of motion when it is impossible to straighten or turn over.
Lower back pain caused by osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis requires urgent, immediate medical consultation and, of course, immediate treatment.
Secondary lumbar pain
Many diseases unrelated to the pathological processes of the spine can cause unpleasant pain in the back area.
Lower back pain has secondary causes such as:
- 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 genital area;
- 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 long periods of time;
- muscle spasm;
- nervous tension, stress.
Diseases of the 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 is prone to the appearance of heaviness and pain in the lumbar region.This is due to the hormonal level: the menstrual cycle, menopause and pregnancy affect the lumbar region, as the reproductive organs are located in close proximity.Gynecological diseases (appendixitis and endometritis) in women cause radiating pain in the lower back.
Similarly, prostatitis and inflammation of the epididymis also cause pain in men.It happens that men regularly experience back pain when they constantly work in cold, drafty conditions or when 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
I would like to separately mention 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 standing position overstretches the back muscles and causes pain.
Stress leads to the same result if the muscle tension is due to fear or anger.This is followed by spasm and pain if not eliminated in time.
Associated symptoms
Lower back pain caused by damage to the spine is most often associated with the following symptoms:
- discomfort can affect not only the back, but also 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, it is better to consult a therapist who will determine the causes of lower back pain and then refer you to a specialist or prescribe treatment.