Up to 80% of people suffer from low back pain.For some people, this may occur once or a few episodes throughout their lives, while for others, the pain becomes chronic.There are many causes of pain, so for an accurate diagnosis, you should definitely consult a doctor.Each situation must be considered individually to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the cause of pain
The likelihood of developing low back pain increases due to a variety of factors.
Older age and poor physical fitness
The first problems with the lower back appear between the ages of 25 and 45.As we age, pain often intensifies and becomes chronic due to the aging of the spine.
If the muscles that support the spine are not adequately developed and strengthened, spinal disease can result.Lower back pain usually occurs in people whose bodies are not prepared to lift heavy objects.
Overweight and genetics
Obesity puts extra pressure on the lower back.
There is a genetic predisposition to the disease.For example, if a relative of yours has a history of spondylosis or radiculitis, you may be susceptible to the same condition.
working conditions
If your job involves lifting heavy objects, your back may be injured.Additionally, sitting for long periods of time can lead to lower back pain, especially in people with poor posture.
Backpack
Try weighing your child's backpack.If it weighs more than 20% of the baby's weight, wearing it can cause muscle tension and low back pain.
other family reasons
Lower back pain may occur while performing daily activities:
- Lift heavy boxes and carry heavy grocery bags;
- rearrange furniture;
- Lifting weights in the gym;
- Turning during sports (golf, tennis, contact sports);
- During agricultural and construction work.
Spinal problems, radicular pain and herniated discs
Common causes of back pain are disease or injury to the muscles, bones, and/or nerves in the spine.
When the nerve is directly irritated, radicular pain occurs due to compression and herniation.For example, with sciatica, the pain syndrome is acute and accompanied by numbness in the area of the leg innervated by the affected nerve.
Hernias occur when the spine degenerates or becomes thinner.The jelly-like central portion of the disc protrudes from the central cavity and extends away from the nerve roots.Intervertebral discs begin to degenerate in the third decade of life.One in three people over the age of 20 has a herniated disc.However, only 3% of people experience lower back discomfort.
Spondylosis and spinal stenosis
This occurs when the discs lose moisture and volume as they age, causing the discs to lose height.Even minor trauma from spondylosis can cause inflammation and nerve root damage.This may result in classic sciatica pain, but without a ruptured disc.
Disc degeneration combined with lower back joint disease can lead to spinal stenosis.These changes can cause pain.Narrowing of the root canals can be clearly seen on an X-ray.People with spinal stenosis may experience low back pain that radiates down to both lower extremities.Symptoms may worsen after standing upright for long periods of time or walking short distances.
Cauda equina syndrome and musculoskeletal pain syndrome
This is an emergency where the spinal cord itself is compressed.The intervertebral disc expands into the spinal canal, compressing the nerves.Patients suffer from pain, possible loss of sensitivity, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.This can lead to an inability to control urination: urinary incontinence or an inability to start urinating may occur.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes can cause significant symptoms, including myofascial syndrome and fibromyalgia:
- Myofascial pain is characterized by localized area (trigger point) tenderness.The range of motion of the involved muscle groups is reduced.Relief usually occurs when the muscle groups involved can relax.
- Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body.Patients worry about general tension, fatigue, and muscle stiffness.
Muscle or ligament strain, herniated or ruptured disc
Repeatedly lifting heavy objects or making sudden, awkward movements can strain the muscles in your back and spine.If a person is not in good physical condition, continued pressure on the back can lead to painful muscle spasms.
Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the bones of the spine.The soft core of the disc can bulge or rupture and put pressure on the nerves.But it's possible to have a herniated or ruptured disc without back pain.This disease is often discovered incidentally during a spine X-ray performed for other reasons.
Arthritis, joint disease and osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis affects the lower back.In some cases, spondyloarthritis causes the space around the spinal cord to narrow.This condition is called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis in the spine can lead to compression fractures if the bones become porous and brittle.
Spondylolisthesis and bone disease
A condition in which bones in the spine break off or move out of their normal position.This can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back, as well as numbness and tingling in the extremities.
Bone disease, in which the spine curves to one side (scoliosis), can also cause back pain.Usually occurs before middle age.
infectious inflammatory process
Spinal bone infection (osteomyelitis) is a rare cause of low back pain.When nerves become infected with the shingles virus, inflammation of the spinal nerves occurs, causing shingles.It can occur in the chest area, causing upper back symptoms, or in the lumbar area, causing lower back pain.
Spondylitis causes stiffness and pain in the spine, which is especially severe in the morning.Ankylosing spondylitis usually begins in adolescence and early adulthood.
Tumors and other causes
Benign and malignant tumors (as well as metastases) can cause low back pain.
Pain caused by abnormalities in the organs within the abdomen, pelvis, or chest can also be felt in the back.For example, appendicitis, aneurysm, kidney disease, kidney infection, bladder and pelvic infection, ovarian disease, etc. can cause lower back pain.This pain is not related to physical activity and occurs suddenly.If this occurs, you should contact a medical facility urgently or call an ambulance at home.Normal pregnancy can also cause back pain.You may experience pelvic strain, nerve irritation, and lower back strain while carrying a baby.
Prevent back pain
For prevention, experts recommend the following methods:
- Exercise regularly.Moderate exercise is appropriate: walk, swim or ride a bicycle for 30 minutes a day.Yoga helps eliminate muscle tension, strengthen muscles, and improve posture.
- Warm up and stretch briefly before working out, exercising at home, or working in the garden.
- Do not arch your lumbar spine or hunch over when standing or sitting.Poor posture can increase stress on the lower back.
- Make sure your countertops at home or at work are at a comfortable height for you.The chair should support your back well.Don't sit for long periods of time, take breaks and move around occasionally.
- Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
- Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly tucked can help open the spinal joints and relieve pressure, reducing spinal curvature.
- Try not to lift too heavy an object.If you have to carry heavy items, you will need to push with your feet to lift them.You cannot bend or straighten your back - it must remain straight.
- Don't overeat to maintain optimal weight.To support the skeletal system, adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D is necessary.
- Quit smoking.Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, leading to the development of degenerative processes.
When to see a doctor
For example, if you associate the onset of lower back pain with lifting heavy objects, your health will recover after you rest.You can take painkillers.
You need to see a doctor if:
- Pain that does not go away or becomes more severe for several days;
- irradiation of the abdomen or irradiation of the legs;
- Increased body temperature;
- severe drowsiness and weakness;
- If you have recently experienced severe weight loss for no apparent reason;
- Defecation and urination become uncontrollable and spontaneous;
- A sports, automobile or home injury occurs.
As you can see, there are many causes of lower back pain.In less than 1% of people, the cause of low back pain is tumors, infectious processes, or problems with internal organs.