Today, back pain is one of the common reasons people seek specialist advice. According to some data, it occurs at least once in a lifetime in at least 80% of the adult population, and at least 4-9% annually seek specialist advice about it. Painful sensations just above the lumbar region, in the back, are 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
Most cases of back and lumbar pain 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 by certain conditions of the human body. Let's look at some common reasons.
Osteochondrosis
Or, according to the term adopted today in the international classification of diseases - dorsal. These are dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, which compensate for the load on the spine, provide shock absorption during movement, vibration loads, etc. In most cases, the pathology can appear due to a genetic predisposition, as well as a sedentary lifestyle and a 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 support and stabilize the spine. Therefore, the reason for painful sensations in them 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 vertebral osteochondrosis, in which the integrity of the intervertebral disc is disturbed, and the fluid nucleus located inside protrudes into the spinal canal. Depending on the size of the hernia and its location on the back, sharp pains may appear that sometimes radiate to other parts of the body and limbs (with pathology above the lower back, this can be either the leg orhand).
Diseases of internal organs
Back pain is not always an indication of problems with the spine. 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 apparatus, muscles and bone tissue. Osteochondrosis and arthropathy, combined with muscle atrophy and loss of ligament elasticity, can periodically cause pain in the lumbar region.
Pregnancy
Back pain is not always a sign of any pathology. For example, late pregnancy can also cause this condition 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 does this happen? The reasons are normal changes in the biomechanics of the pelvis and spine. In most cases, pain can occur in women who have previously experienced 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 shingles, aching, pulling, dull, sharp, etc. Sensations are only additional data used in diagnosis. You should not fully rely on them, let alone make a diagnosis based solely on this information.
Some possible diagnostic methods
During a special consultation, memories and data about symptoms are collected. However, this is not enough: additional tests are required to make a more accurate 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 kyphosis and other disorders. When performing an X-ray, the image of the organ under study is projected on film or paper in only one projection - this method is less informative than CT and X-ray MRI.
CT scan (X-ray computed tomography)
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 image is obtained, but a 3D image, which is available for layer-by-layer study. For this, stronger ionizing radiation is used, which should not be used too often. RCT 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 one to obtain a multi-layered image in several views, but is in no way related to the use of X-rays. It is based on magnetic resonance and is therefore safer than X-rays and CT scans, but it is not suitable for patients with permanent metal structures in the body. Additionally, this study is noisier and larger. Like a CT scan, an 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 highly informative and safe to study organs and tissues. An ultrasound of the spine is also done, but extremely rarely.
Laboratory diagnosis
To diagnose an inflammatory process, the presence of an infection or a tumor, a general blood test with an ESR-leukocyte formula may be prescribed. In the future, if there are suspicions of pathologies of internal organs, additional laboratory tests may also be prescribed.
Other diagnostic methods
If a specific nature of pain or disease of internal organs is suspected, other tests 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 getting expert advice. After diagnosis, exclusion of diseases of internal organs, serious pathologies of the spine and determination of pain as non-specific, the following may be recommended:
- taking NSAIDs.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for internal and local use are often used to relieve non-specific back pain, osteochondrosis, hernia and other pathologies. The class of such drugs includes the active ingredient in the composition - nimesulide.
- taking muscle relaxants.They are designed to help combat muscle spasm, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain.
- taking other medicines.For diseases of internal organs or back pain during pregnancy, the set of drugs will probably be different.
- physiotherapy and exercise.During the acute period, various natural procedures may be recommended to relieve pain and speed improvement. These include, for example, electrophoresis with analgesics, pulse currents, ultraviolet radiation, massage, exercise therapy, as well as mineral baths, mud therapy, etc.
- surgery.Surgery may be prescribed for herniated discs if other methods of pain relief do not produce results for a long time, and may also be indicated based on the results of an MRI, X-ray, or X-ray.
Some possible preventive measures
Since risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal pain in the back, including 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 thatminimizing these factors as a precautionary measure. If your back already hurts above the lower back, you should not immediately overload your muscles with gymnastics and special sports - you should first seek specialist advice to rule out pathologies.