Today, back pain is one of the common reasons why people seek qualified advice. According to some data, this occurs at least once in a lifetime in at least 80% of the adult population, and at least 4-9% per year seek qualified advice on this matter. Painful sensations just above the lumbar region, in the back, are among the common complaints. In this article we will talk about the problems that can cause pain in this area, how they are identified, and also touch on the topic of combating them.
Some possible causes of pain
The majority of cases of pain in the back and lumbar region are musculoskeletal pain, which can be caused by osteochondrosis, myositis and intervertebral hernia. However, it can also be caused by other pathologies, as well as certain conditions in the human body. Let's look at some common reasons.
Osteochondrosis
Or, according to the term adopted today in the international classification of diseases - dorsopathy. These are dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs, compensating for the load on the spine, providing shock absorption during movement, vibration loads, etc. In most cases, pathology can appear due to a genetic predisposition, as well as a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.
Myalgia
These are muscle pains that can be caused by various reasons. Just above the lower back are the muscles that hold and stabilize the spine. Therefore, the cause of painful sensations can be various diseases of the spine itself, as well as increased physical activity, hypothermia, etc.
Intervertebral hernia
This is one of the complications of spinal osteochondrosis, in which the integrity of the intervertebral disc is disrupted and the watery core located inside protrudes into the spinal canal. Depending on the size of the hernia and its location in the back, sharp shooting pains may occur, sometimes radiating to other parts of the body and limbs (in case of pathology above the lower back, it may beeither the leg or the arm).
Diseases of internal organs
Back pain is not always a sign of spinal problems. Often it can also be a symptom of pathologies of internal organs: gastric and duodenal ulcers, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, urolithiasis, kidney diseases, etc. However, it does not always hurt in the abdomen, side, or other area where the affected organ is located. .
Age-related changes
With age, the structure of the spine undergoes a number of changes, especially noticeable with a sedentary lifestyle and reduced load. They concern the ligamentous system, muscles and bone tissue. Osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis, combined with muscle atrophy and loss of elasticity of the ligaments, can periodically cause pain in the lumbar region.
Pregnancy
Back pain is not always a sign of a pathology. For example, late pregnancy can also cause this pathology in women. According to available data, 90% of pregnant women complain of back pain and 50% of discomfort located specifically in the lumbar region. But why is this happening? The reasons are physiological changes in the biomechanics of the pelvis and spine. In most cases, pain can occur in women who have previously suffered from back problems.
Types of painful sensations
Understanding the type of pain a person is experiencing is important for diagnosis. Back pain above the lower back can be girdling, painful, pulling, dull, sharp, etc. Sensations are just additional data used in diagnosis. You should not rely on it entirely, let alone diagnose yourself based on this information alone.
Some possible diagnostic methods
During a qualified consultation, anamnesis and data on symptoms are collected. However, this is not enough: additional tests are necessary to make a more precise diagnosis. The specialist can either limit himself to one of them or prescribe several.
X-ray
This is a diagnostic technique based on the use of X-rays. With the help of such an examination, it is possible to identify fractures, osteochondrosis of the spine, spondylosis, neoplasms, as well as curvatures and other disorders. During radiography, the image of the studied organ is projected onto film or paper in a single projection - this method is less informative than X-ray CT and MRI.
X-ray CT scan (X-ray CT scan)
X-ray computed tomography is similar to radiography in the technology used: it is also based on X-ray radiation. However, as a result of such diagnostics, not a 2D, but a 3D image is obtained, available forlayer by layer study. For this, more powerful ionizing radiation is used, which should not be used too often. RCTs can be performed with or without contrast, which provides a clearer picture and increases the success of diagnosing certain diseases.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic method that also allows you to obtain a multi-layer image in several projections, but is in no way related to the use of X-rays. It is based on magnetic resonance and is thereforesafer than x-rays and CT scan, but not suitable for patients with permanent metal structures in the body. In addition, this study is noisier and longer. Like CT scanning, MRI can be performed with contrast to more accurately diagnose certain diseases.
Ultrasound
This technique is based on the principle of echolocation and, as a rule, is used to diagnose diseases of internal organs if the symptoms give reason to suspect their presence. It is very informative and safe for the study of organs and tissues. An ultrasound of the spine is also performed, but extremely rarely.
Laboratory diagnosis
To diagnose an inflammatory process, the presence of an infection or tumor, a general blood test with the ESR-leukocyte formula can be prescribed. In the future, if pathologies of internal organs are suspected, additional laboratory tests may also be prescribed.
Other diagnostic methods
If a specific nature of pain or disease of internal organs is suspected, further examinations may be prescribed until a diagnosis is made and the cause of the pain is identified.
Treatment of back pain above the lumbar region
The most important step in getting rid of back pain is to get qualified advice. After diagnosis, exclusion of diseases of internal organs, serious pathologies of the spine and determination of pain as nonspecific, the following can be recommended:
- take NSAIDs.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for internal and local use are often used to relieve nonspecific back pain, osteochondrosis, hernias and other pathologies. The category of these drugs includes the active ingredient in the composition – nimesulide;
- take muscle relaxers.They are designed to help combat muscle spasms, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain;
- take other medications.For diseases of internal organs or back pain during pregnancy, the set of medications will most likely be different;
- physiotherapy and exercise therapy.During the acute period, various physical interventions may be recommended to relieve pain and speed improvement. These include, for example, electrophoresis with analgesics, pulsed currents, ultraviolet irradiation, massage, exercise therapy, as well as mineral baths, mud therapy, etc.
- surgical intervention.Surgery may be prescribed for herniated discs if other methods of pain relief do not provide results for a long time, and may also be indicated based on the results of MRI, radiography or x-rays.
Some possible prevention measures
Since risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal back pain, including in the area above the lumbar region, include heavy physical work, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as frequent bending of the body, heavy lifting and vibration, it is recommended to minimize these factors. as a preventative measure. If your back already hurts above the lower back, you should not immediately overload your muscles with gymnastics and especially sports - you should first seek advice from a specialist to exclude pathologies.