The Twenty-first century has given us many things along with the development of our standards of living.
Lower Back Pain can be counted as a bonus for our day to day life. Eventually, this disease is spreading everywhere.
People of every sphere go very often to see therapists or medicine specialists due to this particular problem.
In this article, we will try to find out the scene behind lower back pain, its affection and the prevention of this chronic disease.
Lumbago refers to a pain felt in the lumbar region. You may also have a stiff back, slow movement of the lower back and difficulty standing up straight. Acute back pain can last from a few days to a few weeks.
Causes
That in which you get to know the reason, which happens only in 20% of cases. In 5% of patients, low back pain is a symptom of a severe underlying disease. These are the cases that should be ruled out in the emergency department. In 15% of cases, it is a specific alteration of the non-severe area.
Below are several examples of causes of back pain, which are specific diseases with a particular treatment in turn:
Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) produces a deterioration of the cartilage that covers and protects the vertebrae.
Some people believed that this disorder occurs due in part to the wear and tear created by years of use.
The disks located between the vertebrae deteriorate, narrowing the spaces and compressing the spinal nerve roots, and sometimes irregular projections of bone development in the vertebrae, which also compress the spinal nerve roots. All these changes can produce back pain and stiffness.
Osteoporosis decreases bone density, causing bones to be more fragile (more prone to fracture).
The vertebrae, in particular, are susceptible to the effects of osteoporosis, which often causes crush fractures (compression), which can cause severe and sudden back pain and compression of the spinal nerve roots (which can lead to depression in the spine). Chronic back).
However, most fractures due to osteoporosis occur in the upper and middle part of the back and cause pain in those areas rather than in the lower end.
Herniated or broken or herniated disk. Each disc has a resistant cover, and its interior is soft and gelatinous.
If a drive gets suddenly compressed by the vertebrae that are above and below it, the cover can tear (rupture), causing pain.
The inside of the disc can break through the tearing of the cover, so that part of its interior protrudes (it herniates).
This bump can compress, irritate and even injure the spinal nerve root contiguous to it, which causes more pain.
The vertebral stenosis (narrowing of the medullary canal, which crosses the center of the spinal column and contains the spinal cord).
Vertebral stenosis, which in the elderly is a frequent cause of low back pain, can occur in people of mature age who have narrow medullary canal of birth.
Causes of sudden lumbago include:
- Compression fractures of the spine due to osteoporosis
- Cancer that compromises the spine
- Rupture of the spinal cord
- Muscle spasm (taut muscles)
- Herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Curvatures of the spine (such as scoliosis or kyphosis), which can be inherited and seen in children or adolescents
- Tension or tears of the muscles or ligaments that support the back
Lumbago may also be due to:
- An abnormal aortic aneurysm that is leaking
- Arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Infection of the spine (osteomyelitis and abscess)
- Kidney infection or kidney stones
- Problems related to pregnancy
- Diseases that affect the female reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer or uterine fibroids
Symptoms
You may feel a variety of symptoms if your back is injured. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a feeling of a dull ache or sharp pain.
The pain may be mild, or it may be so intense that you are not able to move. Depending on the cause of your back pain, you may also have pain in your leg, hip, or sole. You may also have weakness in your legs and feet.
Results of Lower Back Pain
The after effect of lower back pain is very serious. Discomfort is the first outcome of this chronic illness.The patient cannot sit tight in the same place for a long time.
It can also turn to an intermediary stage if the patient does not take the cure in time. Sometimes lower back pain affects the nervous system and causes paralysis. So, this should be taken care of properly.
Tests and exams
When you see your provider for the first time, they will ask you about your back pain, including how often it happens and how severe it is.
Your provider will try to determine the cause of your back pain and whether it is likely to improve quickly with simple measures like ice, mild pain relievers, physical therapy, and proper exercises. Most of the time, back pain will improve using these methods.
During the physical examination, your provider will try to locate the pain area accurately and assess how it affects your movement.
Most people with back pain improve or recover after 4 to 6 weeks. Your provider may not order any tests during your first visit unless you have specific symptoms.
Tests may include:
- Bone scan
- Computed tomography of the lumbar region
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar region
Treatment
To improve quickly, take appropriate action when you first feel pain.
Here are some tips on managing pain:
Discontinue regular physical activity during the first few days. This measure will help alleviate your symptoms and reduce any inflammation in the pain area.
Apply heat or ice to the area of pain. A suitable method is to use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours and then use heat.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Follow the directions on the packaging about how much to take.
Do not take more than the recommended amount. When you sleep, try to lie down curled up in a fetal position with a pillow between your legs.
If you usually sleep on your back, put a pad or rolled towel under your knees to relieve pressure.
A common misconception about back pain is that it is necessary to rest and avoid activity for a long time.
Medical experts do not recommend bed rest. If you do not have any sign of a serious cause of your back pain (such as loss of bowel or bladder control, weakness, weight loss, or fever), then you should stay as active as possible.
You may want to reduce your activity only for the first two days. Then, slowly restart your usual routine.
Do not perform actions involving heavy lifting or twisting of the back during the first six weeks after the pain starts. After 2 to 3 weeks, you should begin gradually with exercises again.
The Prevention and Relief of Lower Back Pain
To prevent the disease is not essential that the patient has to pay a lot of money to doctors. Rather than doing so, the following instructions can be fruitful.
- Regular freehand exercise
- Yoga
- Walking
- Cholesterol-free diet
- More vegetables and fewer calories in the diet chart
- Follow up with the doctor after a certain period
These preventions can give any person relief from lower back pain forever.