Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

According to statistics, 80% of people have first-hand knowledge of back pain.More than one-third of all sick leave issued is related to this issue.The reason for this can be considered the weakness of fragile muscles and their rapid growth.To identify the problem, in addition to visual inspection, hardware diagnostics (X-ray, EMG, CT, etc.) and laboratory blood tests are required.Treatment is given only after a diagnosis has been made.

Why does my back hurt?

Spinal pain may occur after injury, pathology of the vertebrae, ligaments and discs, or soft tissue damage.It depends on the position of the body, the level of physical activity, but can also be reflected in diseases of the internal organs.To some extent, the back is inherently fragile due to its structure.

Its foundation is the spine, which provides support, protection, movement and shock absorption.This is due to the fact that the cartilage of the discs, muscles, and ligaments wears away easily over time and with the wrong lifestyle, leading to degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Inside the spine is the spinal cord, whose paired roots innervate nearly all organs and tissues.Any disturbance in this complex system can cause pain.The cervical and lumbar regions are most susceptible due to their greatest load and mobility.

What should I do if I have back pain?

A doctor's examination is needed to determine the cause, especially if the pain becomes frequent.Only an expert can make a correct diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.You can't self-diagnose.

First, you can contact a therapist who will identify a range of symptoms and refer you to the appropriate specialist.If the cause is known and obvious, you can continue with the prescribed treatment.Neurologists, orthopedists, and chiropractors treat back problems.

causes of back pain

Back pain is a non-specific symptom that can be caused by a variety of causes.

Physiological (common) causes:

• weight gain;
• recent childbirth or pregnancy;
• Low-motivation jobs - in the office, in front of the computer, driving;
• Standing jobs - barbers, waiters and salesmen, street advertisers, surgeons, teachers;
• Strenuous physical activity coupled with sudden movements of the body;
• Overload during training;
• There is a tendency for osteoporosis after menopause.

Pathological causes:

• Spinal diseases (osteochondrosis, spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis, tumors, arthritis, osteomyelitis, Reiter's syndrome) and spinal cord;
• Growth disorders - scoliosis and kyphosis;
• Infectious lesions of the spine;
• Osteoporosis, osteomalacia;
• Internal organ diseases - kidneys, pancreas, stomach, spleen, liver;
• Abdominal aortic atherosclerosis.

Acute pain may occur due to disc herniation, spondyloarthritis, spinal epiduralitis, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, atypical appendicitis and intestinal obstruction, kidney stones, fractures and sprains, spinal cord stroke, adnexal inflammation in women, and prostate cancer in men.

Types of disorders based on the nature of back pain

Causes of pain:

• hypothermia;
• Muscle strain;
• Myositis;
• Remaining in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time while sleeping or working;
• Low back pain (caused by labor);
• osteochondrosis;
• Herniated or displaced discs due to sudden lifting or turning of the body;
• Kidney disease - back pain due to the location of the kidneys close to the lower back;
• Stomach problems.

Causes of shooting pain:

• Intervertebral hernia - any physical pressure can worsen the condition;
• Radiculitis – This type of back pain often occurs on one side and radiates to the thigh or buttock, causing numbness in the leg and also depending on physical strength;
• Osteochondrosis – Patients may experience persistent pain that radiates into the legs and is worsened by coughing, sneezing, exertion, walking, or bending.

Causes of throbbing pain:

• osteochondrosis;
• intervertebral hernia;
• low back pain;
• Spondylosis - is acute and cannot be relieved with analgesics.

Severe back pain:

• ischemia;
• heart attack;
• Terra;
• gallbladder inflammation;
• Stress increases dramatically;
• Atherosclerosis.

Why does my back hurt after sleeping?

Most people often feel back pain after going to bed in the morning. The reasons may be:

• If you lift heavy weights and move vigorously, you overloaded the day before;
• Weakness of back muscles;
• low temperature;
• Vertebral hernia or osteochondrosis;
• Scoliosis – a curvature of the spine that causes uneven muscle contraction;
• Pregnancy - when the center of the body shifts;
• Obesity - The load on the spine is also uneven.

Sleeping conditions are also important.The bed should not be too hard or too soft - in any case, the person is forced into uncomfortable and unphysiological positions while sleeping, resulting in excessive muscle tension and a lack of rest at night.Posture is so important that even an orthopedic mattress won't help.It is recommended to sleep on your back with your legs elevated.

In addition, the cause of pain after sleep can be diseases of the spine and internal organs (urinary system, gastrointestinal tract, including tumors).

Diseases related to joints and spine

All conditions that cause back pain have a common basis - uneven loading of the spine.These include:

1. Ankylosing Spondylitis - Ongoing inflammation of ligaments and joints causing chronic spasm of surrounding muscles.The process is autoimmune; over time, the vertebrae begin to fuse together, which greatly disrupts the spine's function.
2. Spondylolisthesis - The vertebrae are in an abnormal position.They are displaced and affect the brain or roots.
3. Osteochondrosis – The discs become thinned, ruptured and replaced with bone tissue.Depreciation becomes impossible.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammation of the joints.Most commonly affects the cervical spine.
5. Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues.Causes severe pain.
6. Reiter's disease is a rheumatic disease involving simultaneous lesions of the urogenital tract, joints, and eye conjunctiva.Small muscles in the back are affected.More common in young people, it develops gradually.The pain is severe in the morning and lessened in the evening.
7. Spinal stenosis - The cause may be a herniated or herniated disc (bulging into the spinal canal).More commonly, the process involves the lowest roots of the spinal cord, which innervate the legs.Pain can be felt from the lower back to the feet and is worsened by resting and walking.
8. Facet syndrome is a disorder of the intervertebral (facet) joints.The pain can be localized or radiate to the groin, tailbone, or thighs.Physical dependence.The condition worsens at night and gets better after rest.Occurs more often in the elderly.

muscle related diseases

In the context of bone tissue or joint pathology, muscle tissue is secondarily affected.Painful muscle spasms and tightness, impaired mobility:

1. Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome that extends from the neck to the lower back.Neurological symptoms may occur: increased sensitivity, stiffness, and stiffness when pressing certain points on the back.
2. Polymyositis - Occurs due to hypothermia, injury, sprain, or strenuous physical exertion.Muscle weakness occurs, causing pain and problems even when turning to one side.
3. Dermatomyositis is a chronic disease of the muscles, organs, and skin that is often autoimmune.
4. Charcot's disease is an inflammation of the peripheral nerves along the spine.This can lead to gait changes, muscle weakness, and increased nerve root sensitivity.
5. Polymyalgia rheumatica refers to negative environmental influences such as hypothermia, overload, uncomfortable postures, etc.Causes individual muscle spasms and pain.So-called trigger points occur, and when pressed, the muscle reacts with severe pain.Neurologists know this.This pain can be eliminated with warm ointments and needle applicators.

spinal cord pathology

These include injuries to the spinal cord, which has 31 pairs of branches, each nerve responsible for innervation of its region.This happens when:

• Injury (spinal fracture);
• Tumor;
• Osteochondrosis or disc herniation;
• Inflammation caused by abscesses and hematomas;
• cerebral hemorrhage;
• Myositis;
• lack of minerals and vitamins;
• Complications of HIV or neurosyphilis;
• hardening.

Back pain caused by psychosomatic diseases

In recent years, back pain began to occur due to psychosomatic reasons.In this case, if the main complaint is back pain, the examination will not reveal pathology.This condition is associated with chronic stress, depression, and lack of libido.The result is not only pain, but may also lead to changes in gait, increased low back pain, and sensory impairment.

Causes of different parts of back pain

Pain may occur in multiple areas of the back.Then they talk about localizing it.

pain on right side

The right side of the back may be painful due to spinal curvature, kyphosis, lordosis, myositis, disc displacement, and obesity.

Somatic lesions can also cause pain in this area:

• Stone formation in urinary system organs;
• Worm-like inflammation of the appendix (appendix) in the cecum;
• gallbladder inflammation;
• Nephritis;
• inflammation of the ovaries;
• Salpingitis.

pain on left side

This area of the back may be injured if:

• splenitis;
• ICD;
• pinch the roots;
• Duodenitis;
• Ovaritis.

Pain located in the upper part of the lower back may be related to inflammation of the serosa covering the lungs, bronchial damage, intercostal neuralgia, and ischemia.

lower back pain

The lower back often suffers because of the huge load it bears.This part becomes inflamed when the nerve root is damaged, osteochondrosis, or a hernia protrudes.Less common causes may be spinal tuberculosis, arthritis, lumbar pain, reduced density and structural destruction of bone tissue, Reiter's syndrome (a combination of urethritis and prostatitis).

Lower back pain is often chronic.

In the right waist area

Low back pain is associated with scoliosis, tuberculosis, myositis, neuralgia, tumors, osteomyelitis, and spondylitis.Acute attacks may be caused by urolithiasis or pyelonephritis.

Shooting is a classic symptom of a disease of the lower back that often involves the roots of the spine (radiculitis).Persistent dull and monotonous pain is more common in organs such as the liver.

left waist area

Most commonly, pain begins on the left side after physical activity.The condition improved after rest.Pain can also occur due to diabetes or tooth root extrusion.If this phenomenon does not go away when you rest, the reasons may be:

• Scoliosis;
• Osteochondrosis (sedentary lifestyle or poor posture);
• spinal infection;
• Circulation disorders.

pinched nerve

The most common is a pinched sciatic nerve—sciatica.Its myelin sheath is not damaged.This is often the result of osteochondrosis.When pinched, severe pain occurs that radiates to the legs, sacrum, and waist.

With compressive radiculopathy, the spinal nerve roots can also be compressed by a herniated disc or a loss of height, causing the distance between the vertebrae to decrease.This pain is considered "superficial" and can worsen sharply when coughing, straining, or sneezing.

intervertebral hernia

A herniation is a protrusion of the disc core into the spinal canal.More commonly, it is the result of untreated osteochondrosis.The central part protrudes toward the spinal cord, compressing the spinal cord.In this case, even a small load can lead to a reduction in cartilage height and a larger herniation.The pain is sharp and sharp, radiating to the arms or legs.

in the scapula area

Pain characteristics may indicate the diagnosis:

1. A stomach ulcer is a dull pain that gradually gets worse.Eliminate with medication.
2. Intercostal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe pain that occurs with any physical activity.
3. Osteochondrosis - Dizziness, pressure changes, numbness in hands.
4. Increased angina - pain localized to the left shoulder blade area, radiating to the chest and below the collarbone.

spine and back pain

They are more common when the nerve endings are pinched.Exacerbations are associated with spinal curvature.If the pain is not noticeable, we can discuss herniation.As the pain worsens, you may consider osteochondrosis.Spinal pain is characteristic of myositis, fractures, disc thinning and wear, and spondyloarthritis.They are always sharp and determined.

Causes of pain below the waist

This pain is often associated with osteochondrosis and spondyloarthropathies.Less commonly, this feeling may occur in the following situations:

• Diseases of the female genital area (endometritis, adnexitis, vulvitis, cervicitis, oophoritis);
• Pregnant;
• menstruation;
• ulcerative colitis;
• appendicitis;
• Prostate or bladder disease - men.

Related symptoms

The manifestations of spinal pain vary depending on the location.If the cervical spine is affected, migraines and dizziness, weakness and numbness in the hands, surges in pressure, spots and flashes of light in the eyes can occur.When the chest area is affected, there is a burning and stiffness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and pain in the shoulder blades.

Situations requiring emergency medical assistance

Back pain requires urgent consultation with a doctor if:

• bruises;
• Neurological symptoms, manifesting as tingling and numbness in the extremities;
• Increased body temperature with back pain;
• numbness, weakness, and tingling in the arms and legs;
• Change in gait or loss of legs;
• Have a history of cancer;
• Weight loss without apparent cause;
• Impaired urination and defecation - a person cannot control these processes;
• Back pain radiating to the chest, jaw, and neck;
• Confusion, dizziness;
• Numbness and weakness in the genitals, "hairy" legs;
• leg cramps;
• Conception or erection problems;
• Gastrointestinal problems, for which treatment by a gastroenterologist will not help;
• Pain in the tailbone and pelvic area that worsens with changes in body position;
• Pain that worsens when you sit or stand for long periods of time.

A specialist will help you find the cause of your pain.

diagnosis

To determine the cause of back pain, a neurologist will perform a comprehensive examination:

1. Blood tests.They help identify the presence of infection and inflammation in the form of leukocytosis and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate.A decrease in hemoglobin indicates anemia, which can have many causes, oncology being one of the possible causes.
2. MRI.Visualize the condition of all components of the spine.Helps distinguish the type and nature of tumors, determines the distance between vertebrae and the degree of root compression.
3. CT.Detects fractures and allows you to find the smallest fragments after an injury.All this in three dimensions.
4. Radiography.The cheapest way to diagnose back pain and determine the condition of bone tissue.Used for suspected fractures, arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, and spondyloarthropathy.
5. Electromyography (EMG).Determine bioelectrical activity indicators of muscles and peripheral nerve endings.
6. Ultrasound examination of blood vessels in the neck and brain.In triple or dual mode, it is used to assess the patency of blood flow through arteries and blood vessels.Check their condition – wall thickness, permeability, etc.

Back pain treatment

There are several ways to treat back pain.A neurologist will choose the best treatment option for you based on the patient's age, lifestyle, physical mobility, and clinical presentation.

In the medical treatment of back pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, muscle relaxants and B vitamins are often used.Physiotherapy, exercise therapy, IRT, massage, spinal traction and muscle relaxation are also prescribed.

For back pain, to ensure quality treatment, it is recommended to see a doctor.

prevention

Precautions:

• Learn to maintain posture and stand correctly;
• Don’t slouch;
• Keep your back straight while sitting with a brace under your feet;
• Arrange your sleeping area correctly;
• Don't jump up when you get up - stretch slowly and do simple arm and leg exercises;
• Distribute the weight between your hands - do not carry everything with one hand, refuse to carry the bag on your shoulder - a backpack is better;
• Do not bend backwards to pick up your child;
• Lifting weights with squats;
• Do not clean floors without a mop, leaning forward, or kneeling;
• Eat a balanced diet that provides adequate minerals and vitamins;
• Quit smoking and drinking;
• Don’t forget about physical activity – swimming, Nordic walking, yoga;
• Take a contrast shower in the morning;
• taking care of the liver, which produces collagen for spinal ligaments and vertebral bodies;
• Enhance immunity;
• control weight;
• Manual therapy is recommended every 6 months for 5-10 sessions (based on expert advice);
• avoid stress;
• Don't forget to have a physical exam with your doctor.

If you are experiencing back pain, consult your doctor who can provide appropriate help.Remember that any disease is easier to treat in its initial stages.