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About 80% of adults suffer from low back pain, and if you have a problem too, know that you are not alone. This is solvable. The main thing is to understand the origin of pain, but there can be many factors. We have compiled the main causes of low back pain that can cause back difficulties. How to alleviate the disease? There are ways.
Back pain can occur at any age and in any physical form. Thus, there is a dull, constant or intermittent pain and there is a sudden sharp attack, after which it is difficult for a person to move. Pain can appear suddenly due to heavy lifting, can develop with age due to changes in the spine or as a result of an accident. A sedentary lifestyle is also a significant cause of low back pain. Especially when the daily routine is not diluted with physical activity (training, swimming pool, fitness, yoga).
In most cases, low back pain is acute and short-lived or less severe, but lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks. In such cases, a person still does not lose his business, the ability to move and serve himself in everyday life.
Subacute pain is pain that persists after an acute period and lasts from 4 to 12 weeks. If after this period the pain persists, it is called chronic. Sometimes, treatment can help relieve chronic lower back pain. But in some cases, the pain persists despite medical and surgical treatment.
So, low back pain, the causes of which are often related to age and associated with wear on the joints, discs and bones of the spine or mechanical pain:
1. Distortions
This can cause severe back pain. Stretching occurs due to improper rotation or lifting of something. And also due to heavy lifting or excessive stretching. These conditions can cause spasms in the back muscles, which also cause pain.
2. Wear of the intervertebral disc
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One of the most common causes of back pain. One manifestation of this is the loss of integrity of the disk, cracks appear. In a young and healthy back, the discs allow the lower part to bend, bend and twist. But over the years the elasticity of the discs decreases and they lose their ability to absorb shock.
3. Hernia
It can appear due to lifting a large load, poor posture, an accident, a sports injury, and so on. There is fluid in the center of the lumbar disc; for various reasons, it can leak and irritate the nerve root that is nearby. There are many nerve fibers in the disc wall, and a broken wall can cause severe pain.
4. Radiculopathy
This condition occurs due to compression, inflammation and / or damage to the spinal root. Also, pressure on a nerve root causes pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation that spreads to other parts of the body connected to that nerve. The problem can arise if the central spinal canal narrows or a hernia pinches the nerve root.
5. Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve, which travels through the buttocks and extends down the back of the leg. This compression causes shock or burning in the lower back, combined with pain in the buttocks. And even in exceptional cases, when the nerve is pinched between the disc and adjacent bone, a person may experience numbness and severe weakness in the legs. By the way, this condition appears due to a tumor or cyst pressing on the sciatic nerve or its roots.
6. Spinal stenosis
In the case of this disease, in addition to low back pain, a person may experience numbness or weakness in the legs while walking. And also with loss of sensitivity.
7. Scoliosis and other skeletal disorders
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People usually don't have any particular problems with spinal curvature until middle age.
Low back pain is not often associated with serious medical conditions. But you still need to be aware of their existence in order to have time to see a doctor in a timely manner. Defeating the diseases listed below is possible only with the help of a doctor. This:
1. Infections
These are not causes of low back pain, but can affect the vertebrae (osteomyelitis), the intervertebral discs (discitis) or the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis).
2. Tumors
Sometimes back cancer appears (and in some stages, of course, there will be pain and other symptoms), but most often these are metastases that have spread due to cancer to other parts of the body.
3. Cauda equina syndrome
Disease sometimes accompanied by a ruptured disc. This is because the disc material is pressed into the spinal canal and compresses the bundle of the lumbar and sacral nerve roots. In connection with this ailment, a person may have problems with urination and bowel.
4. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
This occurs when a large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs expands abnormally. Also, low back pain can be a sign that the aorta has increased and there is a risk of rupture.
5. Kidney stones
Stones can cause severe pain in the lower back (usually on one side).
Other factors and causes that can cause lower back pain:
- Inflammatory diseases of the joints.For example, arthritis, spondylitis, vertebral inflammation.
- Osteoporosis.This is a bone disease accompanied by a decrease in bone density and strength, which can lead to vertebral fractures.
- Endometriosis.A female disease that can be accompanied by pain in the pelvis and lower back.
- Fibromyalgia.Pain syndrome, accompanied by muscle pain and fatigue. It is chronic.
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What to do with back pain?
First of all, you need to fully understand the causes of pain. What can help one disease will not (and perhaps aggravate) another. And in some cases, urgent hospitalization is required. That's why be sure to listen to the body's signals and, if necessary, consult a doctor or take appropriate measures.
Ways to deal with low back pain:
1. You can rest your back after a certain period of time
Many back problems can be solved (or alleviated) by avoiding strenuous activities. However, it is not recommended to rest for more than a few days, as too long inactivity can make treatment difficult.
2. Limited activity
This means staying active but avoiding actions and attitudes that increase pain. For example, if long periods of sitting in the car or at a desk make the pain worse, set a timer to get up every 20 minutes and walk or stretch gently. Minimizing the actions and positions that worsen the pain will help prevent or relieve painful cramps and speed up the healing process.
3. Cold / heat therapy
A hot bath, heating pads, body wraps are suitable for relaxing tense muscles and improving blood flow. If back pain is due to inflammation, you can try applying ice or cold packs to reduce swelling. It is important to protect the skin during procedures to prevent tissue damage.
4. Painkillers
The most common over-the-counter medications are anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve low back pain caused by swelling of the nerves or muscles. And even in some cases, an analgesic can help. Vitamins of group B, muscle relaxants, various gels and ointments are effective.
5. Physiotherapy
Usually part of the treatment for low back pain. Stretching is helpful - the more mobile your muscles are, the better your back can move without injury. It is recommended to start small: stretch the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, hips, legs for 20-30 seconds and stop the stretch if it hurts.
You also need to strengthen the abdominal, thigh and glute muscles that support the spine. Low-impact aerobic exercise increases blood flow and promotes injury healing without concussion. For example, you can train on stationary and elliptical bikes, walk and swim.
Indeed, any exercise that keeps your heart cycle healthy for a long time is beneficial for your body. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining the freedom of movement and flexibility of a healthy spine.