Types of pain in lumbar osteochondrosis

Lower back pain occurs quite often. Patients say “my lower back hurts”, “my lower back is pinched”, “shot in the lower back”. If the pain is not acute, they may say “lower back hurts,” “lower back pulls,” “lower back ache.” Sometimes the pain is described as a burning sensation in the lower back.

Lower back

called the lower back - from the place where the ribs end to the tailbone. Perhaps a separate word for the lower back was needed just to indicate the place where it hurts. After all, if your back hurts, then in most cases it is your lower back that hurts.

What can low back pain look like?

Most often, lower back pain occurs suddenly, sharply and is acute. In this case they talk about lumbago

(outdated popular name -
lumbago
). The pain is described as sharp, “shooting.” Movements are constrained, sometimes it is even impossible to straighten your back. With any movement the pain intensifies.

An attack of pain can last a couple of minutes, or it can last for a longer period of time (up to several days). It may be that the attack will pass and the pain will no longer remind itself, but often the pain returns and the person gets used to the fact that his lower back can hurt.

Lower back pain can not only be acute (sharp), it can be nagging and chronic. Mild but constant pain in the lower back, sometimes worsening, for example, during physical activity, an infectious disease, hypothermia, etc., is called lumbodynia

. Sometimes there is no direct pain, but stiffness remains in the lower back, and the patient experiences discomfort.

Reasons for the development of the pathological phenomenon

1. Nutrition. Eating fried, salty, sweet and fatty foods, as well as alcohol-containing drinks, has a negative effect on digestion. In addition, modern people constantly snack on the run. Which also negatively affects intestinal function.
2. Hormonal disbalance. More often, this reason is typical for women during periods of life such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and the menstrual cycle. As for the menstrual cycle, during this period the amount of chemicals changes, and the problem begins to manifest itself more clearly.
3. Impaired intestinal motility. If motor skills work in an accelerated mode, this leads to stomach upset and diarrhea. On the contrary, slow bowel movements can cause constipation. As a result, pain leads to a sharp contraction of muscles.
4. Emotional stress: stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue.
5. Past diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Infections that cause gastrointestinal diseases can subsequently affect the functioning of the entire intestine.

Causes of lower back pain

Lower back pain can be caused by various reasons, but the statistics are as follows:

• in 90% of cases the pain is caused by problems with the spine and back muscles;
• in 6% the cause of pain is kidney disease;
• 4% - diseases of other internal organs (genitourinary system, intestines).

The spine accounts for the majority of all cases of low back pain, and this is no coincidence. In humans, the center of gravity of the body is located exactly at the level of the lower back, and when walking, the entire load falls almost entirely on the lumbar spine (animals that move on four legs do not have this problem). And when a person sits down, the vertebrae of the lower back and sacrum experience the same force of pressure with which a 170-meter layer of water presses on a diver. Naturally, this area is particularly vulnerable.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system that cause lower back pain:

• pinched sciatic nerve. The nerve roots extending from the spinal cord are compressed by neighboring vertebrae. In this case, a sharp, shooting pain occurs. As a rule, pinched roots become possible due to degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis): the intervertebral discs separating the vertebrae from each other are destroyed, the gap between the vertebrae narrows and sudden movement (tilting, turning) can lead to pinching of the nerve branch;
• sciatica (lumbosacral radiculitis). Pinched nerve roots can become inflamed. Inflammation of the nerve roots is called radiculitis (from the Latin radicula - “root”); To indicate inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a special name is sometimes used - sciatica. If the sciatic nerve is damaged, lumbar ischialgia may be observed - pain in the lower back, also spreading to the buttock and leg along the sciatic nerve;
• intervertebral disc herniation – protrusion of a fragment of the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal. Occurs as a result of injury or degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis);
• myositis of the lumbar muscles. Myositis is an inflammation of skeletal muscles. The cause of myositis of the lumbar muscles can be hypothermia or sudden tension.

Also, lower back pain can be caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, degenerative sacroiliitis, osteoporosis.

Classification of pain

Lower back pain can be:

• strong;
• spicy;
• aching;
• chronic;
• displaced.

Severe pain

Severe pain occurs with osteochondrosis. Pain haunts a person constantly: when he walks, sits, lifts weights, even coughs or sneezes. Sometimes it radiates to the lower extremities. This is accompanied by numbness and a feeling of “pins and needles”.

A person feels severe pain immediately, which is why he goes to the hospital. Therefore it is easier to get rid of them

With lumbosacral radiculitis, a person feels severe pain in the lower back and other parts of the body: in the buttocks, hips, pelvis and legs. The pain becomes stronger during walking, coughing, and changing body position.

Prices for lumbosacral corset

At the first such signs, you need to contact a neurologist. It is recommended to sleep on a hard mattress to maintain the lower back in the correct anatomical position.

Acute pain

Acute pain in a person occurs in the following cases:

• Crick;
• being in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
• working with weights;
• injuries;
• sudden movements;
• hypothermia of the body;
• draft.

To eliminate such pain, you need to use gels and ointments that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They will help improve blood circulation and get rid of swelling. If the lower back pain does not go away two or three days after the first onset, then it’s time to see a doctor.

Acute pain is a sign of serious changes in the spine for the worse

In the first days, when lower back pain is especially severe, it is better to adhere to bed rest.

Aching pain

Aching pain in the lower back can occur due to myositis or inflammation of the lower back muscles. A person is constrained in his movements because he experiences pain when performing even the simplest movements.

Aching pain is not as noticeable as others, especially in the early periods of its development

To get rid of pain, you must first take a warm shower and then put on warm clothes. Physical activity is excluded. To alleviate the condition, it is recommended to rub in ointments that have a warming effect. If the pain does not go away after three days, it is better to consult a doctor.

Prevention of low back pain

The occurrence of lower back pain is often provoked by a careless attitude towards one’s own health. Pain may be caused by:

• staying in the same position for a long time (for example, during sedentary work);
• incorrect posture;
• low mobility;
• excessive physical activity.

All these factors contribute to the development of diseases manifested by lower back pain. The risk of pain can be reduced by following the following advice from doctors:

• watch your posture;
• Avoid uncomfortable postures when working while sitting. It is advisable that the knees are slightly higher than the hip joints. To do this, use a low chair or footrest. Place a small pillow between your lower back and the back of the seat;
• When working sedentarily, you need to get up from time to time to move around. Take five-minute breaks every hour; how to lift weights correctly
• It is advisable to sleep on an orthopedic mattress (elastic and quite hard);
• You need to lift weights by bending your knee joints, not your back. That is, you need to squat down, bending your knees, and then straighten them, while maintaining a straight line of your back;
• When carrying a load, it must be evenly distributed between both hands; you cannot carry the entire load in one hand (one heavy bag);
• Every day you should do a set of exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal and back muscles.

Features of treatment: laxatives

Relief from constipation-related pain in the lower abdomen and lower back is achieved by eliminating their main cause. Laxatives can help relieve constipation. You need to choose them responsibly: avoid addictive drugs. These include senna-based laxatives.

Your doctor will help you choose the right drug. He will take into account the general state of health, the cause of constipation, age and other characteristics of the patient. Some remedies have strict contraindications, so it is better not to resort to self-medication.

Based on their mechanism of action, there are several groups of laxatives:

• agents that chemically irritate the receptors of the intestinal mucosa;
• drugs that cause mechanical irritation of intestinal receptors;
• medications that soften stool and facilitate its passage through the intestines.

Based on their effectiveness, they are divided into laxatives, medium-strength and drastic drugs. The first option in many cases is optimal, since it stimulates bowel movements with feces that are close in consistency to normal.

You need to be especially careful with laxatives: they cause rapid intestinal peristalsis and multiple loose stools. This can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, protein loss, and other serious complications.

Herbal laxatives are considered the best option in cases where long-term treatment of constipation is required. One of the effective herbal remedies is the British drug “Fitomucil Norm”. It does not contain senna, so it is not addictive. The effect of the drug is based on the shell of the seeds of the plantain Psyllium and the pulp of the fruit of the domestic plum: natural components contribute to the softening and natural, gentle removal of feces.

Plant fibers turn into a mucous gel, which promotes gentle emptying. The product restores normal stool predictably and does not cause pain or cramps.

Herbal laxatives based on plums - a method of combating constipation

Lower back pain due to kidney disease

For lower back pain, it is important to determine what is causing it - pathologies of the musculoskeletal system or kidney disease (as well as other internal organs). Diagnosis must be carried out by a doctor. However, there are signs to suggest that the pain may be due to problems with the kidneys and/or other organs of the genitourinary system. If these symptoms occur, it is advisable to immediately contact a urologist. Kidney disease (or more broadly, the genitourinary system) can be suspected if lower back pain is accompanied by:

• general deterioration in health (lethargy, drowsiness, weakness, increased fatigue);
• swelling of the eyelids and face. Swelling is especially pronounced in the morning, after waking up, and subsides in the evening;
• increased body temperature, chills, sweating;
• loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;
• frequent or painful urination;
• changes in the characteristics of urine (it may become more concentrated in color or, conversely, colorless, contain mucus or blood);
• increased blood pressure.

Also an important sign that lower back pain is caused by problems of the internal organs, and not the musculoskeletal system, is its independence from the position of the body: the pain does not increase or decrease from changes in the position of the body and limbs. However, with prolonged standing in a standing position due to check pathology, the pain may intensify. The location of the pain also matters. With kidney disease, pain is most often observed on one side (since usually only one kidney is affected). Kidney pain may not be limited to the lower back, but may spread along the ureter, to the groin, to the external genitalia, to the inner thighs.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

• nausea and gag reflex;
• flatulence with copious release of gases;
• abdominal pain or cramps;
• constant bloating;
• stool disorders - constipation or diarrhea;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• sleep disturbance;
• increased heart rate;
• increased fatigue;
• long digestion of food;
• the appearance of mucus in the stool;
• false urge to defecate;
• loss of appetite.

Also, the disease is often accompanied by symptoms that, at first glance, are not characteristic of intestinal pathologies: headaches, discomfort in the spine and muscles, weight loss and abdominal swelling. All these symptoms are not constant, they can disappear and reappear over time. Unpleasant sensations most often appear after each meal, and then become less pronounced.

Lower back pain: what to do?

Low back pain is a symptom of a disease that requires treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor. But in the event of a sudden attack of acute pain (“lumbago”, typical of radiculitis), first of all, it is necessary to relieve the pain syndrome. Doctors advise:

• use gentle heat. Tie a woolen scarf or woolen belt around your lower back;
• take painkillers;
• It is necessary to take a position that allows you to relax your back muscles. It is recommended to lie on your back, on a hard, flat surface (board); The legs should be raised and bent at the knees, for which a rolled blanket or pillow should be placed under them. (It is not advisable to lie on the floor; there may be a draft).

The proposed pose is not a dogma. The patient should feel relief, so other positions are possible; for example, lying on a board, place your legs bent at the knees on it, holding a pillow between them. You can try lying on your stomach and stretching your legs, placing a bolster under your ankle joints. If the severity of the pain has been relieved, this does not mean that a doctor is no longer needed. Without proper treatment, attacks will recur, and the situation as a whole will worsen.

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Therapy for IBS should be carried out comprehensively in several stages. The treatment regimen depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the degree and time of the pathology. Most often, drug therapy is prescribed, which is supplemented by a special diet. In the absence of comprehensive treatment, symptoms will reappear from time to time.

The medications that the doctor prescribes for the treatment of IBS not only eliminate painful symptoms, but also improve the condition of the digestive system, and also prevent relapses and complications. When treating diarrhea syndrome, medications with antimicrobial properties are prescribed. They relieve irritation of intestinal tissues, stop excess flatulence and restore normal intestinal function.

When treating IBS with constipation, the use of natural medicines is indicated that eliminate difficulties with defecation, have a gentle effect on inflamed intestinal tissue and free it from feces. May be in the form of chewable tablets or rectal suppositories.

If the appearance of IBS is associated with neurological disorders, antidepressants are prescribed - they normalize the functioning of the nervous system and improve the psycho-emotional state.

To relieve pain, painkillers and antispasmodics are used - they relax muscle fibers and tissues that are in hypertonicity.

Diet for irritable bowel syndrome

The diet for IBS depends on what symptoms accompany the pathology. If you experience frequent constipation, you should exclude dry, salty foods from your diet. For diarrhea, avoid liquid foods, vegetables, and fruits.

If you suffer from flatulence, you should limit dairy products, nuts, and beans. If there is severe pain in the intestines, fatty, salty, and heavy foods are not allowed.

At the Medunion clinic you can undergo a full examination and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. We employ practicing doctors with over 10 years of experience. In the diagnostic room you can take all tests and undergo hardware examination in a comfortable environment. For our clients there is a special offer “doctor at home”. If you are unable to visit our medical center yourself, a doctor will come to you and conduct an examination at home.

Take care of your health and make an appointment with a multidisciplinary medical center directly on our website.

Which doctor should I contact with a complaint of lower back pain?

If you have lower back pain, it is best to consult a general practitioner, since first of all you need to determine which organ disease is causing the pain. Depending on the results of the examination, consultation with a particular medical specialist may be required. Can be assigned:

• consultation with a neurologist to assess the condition of the spine, back muscles and nervous system;
• consultation with a urologist – in case of suspected urinary system disease;
• consultation with a gynecologist – if chronic diseases of the female reproductive system are suspected or present;
• general blood test and general urinalysis - to confirm or exclude the inflammatory nature of the disease;
• radiography of the spine;
• Ultrasound of the hip joints;
• as well as other studies.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

This is a disorder of the intestines and discomfort in the abdomen during bowel movements. The syndrome itself is not a disease, but rather a set of symptoms that often occur for an unknown reason. Unfortunately, such a disorder can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, forcing him to remain in an uncomfortable state: digestion is disrupted, metabolic processes in the body worsen, and the saturation of the human body with nutrients decreases.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common occurrence among people aged 25 to 40 years. Statistics show that at least once in their life, every third person has experienced the unpleasant symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Self-medication in this case can be very dangerous to health. The fact is that the syndrome is treated comprehensively and under the close attention of the attending physician. The consequence of self-medication can be intestinal obstruction and numerous chronic gastrointestinal diseases. With the first signs of irritable bowel syndrome, you should contact a therapist, who will refer you to a more specialized specialist - a gastroenterologist. The diagnosis is usually made only after excluding tumors and inflammatory changes in the intestines.

The intestines are where food is digested and nutrients are obtained by the body. When food enters the intestines, it moves along the intestines. This process of advancement is achieved through the work of smooth muscle cells within the intestinal walls. The cells alternately contract and relax. But when IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) appears, cell function is disrupted. Food begins to pass through the intestines either too quickly or too slowly. The result is discomfort and constipation or diarrhea.