Lumbago (acute discogenic lumbodynia) - This is a symptom associated with the pathology of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which is characterized by the occurrence of severe acute pain in the lumbar spine, like a lumbago.
Lumbago causes
The mechanism of development of lumbago is always the same and does not depend on the reasons. When the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are displaced or deformed, numerous painful nerve endings located in the annulus fibrosus (the outer part of the intervertebral disc) and the ligaments surrounding the vertebrae are excited. As a result, severe pain and spasm (severe tension and inability to relax) occurs in the muscles surrounding the spinal column.Intervertebral disc injury
The intervertebral disc consists of two parts:- in the center there is a softer pulpous (gelatinous) nucleus that performs a spring function;
- along the periphery, it is surrounded by a dense annulus fibrosus.
With intense physical activity, the following occurs:- rupture of the annulus fibrosus;
- displacement of the intervertebral disc;
- exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond the annulus fibrosus and vertebra;
- tear of the ligaments.
Displacement of the vertebrae
It is the result of a long-term current osteochondrosis. In this case, one of the vertebrae begins to shift relative to the underlying one anteriorly or posteriorly. At the same time, the vertebrae themselves and their processes are deformed, bony outgrowths - osteophytes appear on them, damage to the intervertebral discs occurs. The ligaments are also deformed and torn (often microscopic tears appear on them, which cannot be seen during examination).Congenital anomalies of the vertebrae
Congenital disorders of the structure of the lumbar vertebrae are detected in 10 - 30% of all people. A third of the world's population runs the risk of experiencing symptoms of acute discogenic lumbodynia with age.Congenital malformations of the vertebrae that lead to lumbago:
- Splitting of the vertebral arches.
- Lumbarization - an additional lumbar vertebra (6 vertebrae instead of 5) and a reduced size of the sacrum.
- Sacralization - an accessory sacral vertebra and a reduced number of lumbar vertebrae (4 instead of 5). With sacralization and lumbarization, the loads in the lumbar spine are not distributed correctly, and with age it leads to osteochondrosis, displacement of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
- Violation of the shape of the intervertebral joints.
- InterconnectionI -III lumbar vertebrae, due to which the mobility in the lower back is impaired. The load on the lower lumbar vertebrae increases.
- Violations of the shape of the vertebrae - butterfly-shaped and wedge-shaped vertebrae. This contributes to their displacement.
- Congenital disorders of the shape and size of the processes of the vertebrae.
- Spondylolisthesis (displacement of the vertebra relative to the one below) may not occur as a result of osteochondrosis, but be congenital. In this case, it is detected at a younger age.
Rare causes of lumbago
- Tumors of the vertebrae. Lumbago can occur with severe destruction of the vertebra by a tumor.
- benign tumors of the vertebrae: osteoma, osteoblastoma;
- vascular tumor - hemangioma located inside the vertebra;
- malignant tumors - multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma;
- metastases to the vertebrae from other tumors.
- Infectious diseases in which spondylitis develops is an inflammatory process in the spine.
Lumbago symptoms
Most often, acute discogenic lumbodynia occurs in people aged 30 - 40 years.The reasons that provoke the occurrence of lumbago:
- excessive physical exertion, overstrain of the muscles of the lower back: pain occurs at the time of load or after it;
strong heating and then sudden cooling (for example, diving into cold water) after using the sauna.
Pain
The main symptom of lumbago is severe pain. Its character is shooting, piercing, pulsating, tearing. It is very intense. The patient says he feels pain in the muscles of the back. Sometimes pain is given to the buttock and thigh. This condition is called sciatica and is associated with irritation of the sciatic nerve that innervates the leg. The pain is most severe within 30 minutes of the onset of the attack, sometimes up to several hours. After that, it subsides a little, but aggravates again at night.
On the 5-7th day, the attack usually goes away. Complete recovery and elimination of all symptoms occurs, as a rule, within 4 to 8 weeks.
Muscle spasm
Severe tension in the muscles of the lower back occurs reflexively as a result of pain. Sometimes the patient's muscles of the buttocks and thighs are strongly tense.Impaired mobility in the lower back
Due to strong muscle tension, the patient freezes in a monotonous position (a slight forward bend) and cannot move, becomes helpless. Any attempt at movement results in severe pain. When feeling the muscles of the lower back, their high density and tension are noted.Lower back flexion is impossible either independently or with someone else's help.
The position that the patient takes in bed:
- on the back, legs are pulled up to the stomach;
- a pillow is placed under the belly.
Diagnosis of lumbodynia
The standard scheme for diagnosing low back pain:| Diagnostic method | The essence of the method, which helps to identify |
| Examination by a neurologist |
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| X-ray examination |
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CT scan  | Same as X-ray, but more accurate:
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| Magnetic resonance imaging | Same as X-ray and CT. Allows you to better assess the state of soft tissues (spinal cord, nerve roots, intervertebral discs, etc.) |
Spine scintigraphy  | A diagnostic method in which a patient is injected intravenously with a safe isotope that accumulates in the vertebrae. Then photographs are taken in which the places of accumulation of the isotope are clearly visible. Allows you to identify:
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| Electroneuromyography | EKG-like examination. Electrical impulses are recorded that travel along the nerves and muscles. Electroneuromyography helps to identify disorders of innervation caused by compression of the roots of the spinal cord. |
| General analysis of blood and urine | General clinical analyzes that are performed for all diseases. They help to identify the inflammatory process in the body. |
Lumbago treatment
Standard treatment regimen for lumbago
| Drug or procedure | Mechanism of action | Mode of application |
| Treatment positions in bed |
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| Kyphosis of the spinal column | It is a special way of putting the patient in bed. He should lie on his back, with his legs bent at the hip and knee joints. Below them is a box, stool or other elevation installed on the bed. Its height should be such that the position is as comfortable and physiological as possible.  | The patient should be in this position for most of the day. Kyphosis helps eliminate pain and promotes faster recovery. |
| Position on the stomach | It is used less often, but for some patients it is more physiological and convenient. In this case, 2 - 3 pillows are placed under the patient's stomach. | Just like kyphosis, this pose helps to relax muscles and relieve pain. |
| Medications |
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| Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) | Lumbago is caused not only by the trauma or displacement itself, but also by the inflammatory process that occurs during this. Aspirin is anti-inflammatory and pain relief. |
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| Ibuprofen (Nurofen) | Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. | 0.2 - 0.8 g (1 - 4 tablets, depending on the weight of the tablets) 3 - 4 times a day. When the pain becomes less intense, 0.6 - 0.8 g (1 - 4 tablets) are used. (Neurology, Guide for Physicians, Medical Information Agency, 2002; M. D Mashkovsky, "Medicines", 2005). |
| Diclofenac (Ortofen, Diclogen, Voltaren, Rapten Rapid) | Strong pain reliever. The anti-inflammatory effect is less pronounced. | In tablets:
In injections:
Ointment rubbed into the skin of the lower back 1 - 2 times a day in the amount of 2 - 4 grams. |
| Dimexide | Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever that easily penetrates the skin. | Moisten a napkin in a 50% solution of Dimexidum and apply to the lower back for 10 - 30 minutes, covering it with a piece of cotton cloth. Repeat the procedure 2 - 3 times daily. |
| Tranquilizers | Eliminate severe anxiety, nervousness and anxiety in a patient with lumbago. | Strictly according to the testimony of a doctor. |
| Hypnotics | Fight insomnia caused by severe pain. | Strictly as prescribed by a doctor. |
| Spasmolitin | Blocks nerve endings and relieves muscle spasm. | Average doses:
The drug is used strictly according to the doctor's prescription! (Neurology, Guide for Physicians, Medical Information Agency, 2002; M. D Mashkovsky, "Medicines", 2005). |
Alternative treatments for lumbago
Physiotherapy
The effectiveness of most physiotherapeutic techniques for acute discogenic lumbodynia has not been proven.Physiotherapy methods that can be used for low back pain associated with lumbodynia and other conditions:
| Procedure | The essence | Mode of application |
| Ozokerite applications | Ozokerite is a refined product with a high heat capacity. When heated, it then retains heat for a very long time. | Ozokerite is melted in a steam bath, and then 6 - 8 layers of gauze are soaked in it, cooled to a temperature of + 50 * C. Make a compress:
(M. D Mashkovsky, "Medicines", 2005). |
| Applications with hard paraffin (ceresin) | Just like ozokerite, it has a warming effect and is able to relieve pain. | It is used similarly to ozokerite, but the paraffin temperature should be 40 - 45 * С. |
| Applying cold | Cooling the lumbar region with a towel soaked in cold water can sometimes help relieve pain and inflammation. | The procedure should be performed very carefully, since cooling the kidney area can lead to inflammatory and infectious processes. |
Acupuncture for lumbago
There are numerous indications that properly performed acupuncture can improve the condition of patients with lumbago. But to date, not a single massive study has been carried out that would confirm this reliably.Manual therapy and lumbago
Manual therapy is a technique that is aimed at artificially eliminating the resulting displacement by exposing the lumbar vertebrae to a specialist's hands. There are many known cases when a chiropractor was able to either completely rid the patient of lumbodynia, or to speed up recovery. Lumbago massage
Massage for acute discogenic lumbodynia is carried out gently and carefully. Its duration is 5-10 minutes.Massage techniques for lumbago:
- short general back massage;
- stroking the lower back;
- rubbing the lower back;
- soft kneading of the muscles of the lower back.
- relieve inflammation;
- eliminate pain syndrome;
- improve blood circulation and lymph flow in the affected area.
Gymnastics with lumbago
In case of acute discogenic lumbodynia, strict bed rest is prescribed. Any movement and physical activity is strictly contraindicated. Gymnastics is carried out only after the pain has gone away and complete recovery has come. A simple set of physical exercises (bends, turns, squats, lying exercises) is performed, which is aimed at strengthening the back muscles.
Diet for lumbago
Spicy, fatty, and salty foods can increase pain. Therefore, with acute discogenic lumbodynia, they are contraindicated.Traditional methods of treating lumbago
The most common folk remedies for treating acute discogenic lumbodynia are:- Wearing a belt knitted from dog hair. It has a warming effect, relieves pain and inflammation.
- Lubricate the lumbar region with 5 g of turpentine. Then put the rye flour dough, oilcloth on this place, insulate with cotton wool and wear for about an hour. After that, remove the remains of turpentine from the skin with a napkin. Do not smear with Vaseline. If a strong burning sensation occurs, immediately remove the compress. Repeat the procedure for 3 days.
Rehabilitation treatment after suffering lumbago:
- wearing a corset;
- periodic courses of back and lumbar massage (at least once a year)
- spa treatment;
- mud therapy, salt baths;
- optimal mode of work and rest, refusal from hard physical work.
What is lumbago with sciatica
Lumbago - Intense sharp pain in the lower back, which suddenly occurs when bending over, lifting weights, coughing, sneezing. Lumbago leads to a sharp limitation of movement. The patient cannot straighten up, and sometimes even deep breathing causes severe pain. If the pain is localized in a small area on the lower back, then this is lumbago. If the discomfort spreads to the buttock, thigh, lower leg and toes, then this lumbago with sciatica.Lumbago with sciatica can provoke pregnancy or obesity when the load on the lumbar region increases sharply. As a result, the roots leading to the sciatic nerve are compressed. Irritation and pain spreads along the nerve fibers of the sciatic nerve. In addition to these "harmless" reasons, the appearance of symptoms of sciatica with lumbago may indicate serious pathologies:
- prolapse of the intervertebral disc;
Therefore, the appearance of the symptoms described below requires a visit to a neurologist.
Symptoms of lumbago with sciatica:
- Acute back pain;
- Constant aching pain in the buttock, back of the thigh, popliteal fossa, lower leg, foot;
- Numbness in the buttock and leg;
- Burning or tingling sensation along the sciatic nerve;
- Difficulty moving your entire leg or foot
- Gait change;
- Violent shooting pain on rising and changing positions.
Treatment for lumbago with sciatica aimed at relieving inflammation in the nerve roots. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and B vitamins described in the main part of the article are used.
What is the difference between lumbago and lumbodynia?
Lumbago and lumbodynia - diseases with similar names, but different symptoms that require a different approach to treatment.| Lumbago | Lumbodynia |
| Sudden onset - piercing stabbing pain that develops at the same time | Subacute onset - pain gradually intensifies over 1-2 days |
| The pain is most pronounced immediately after the "lumbago" | The pain is most severe in the morning. |
| The pain increases when trying to change position, coughing, sometimes in stressful situations | Pain increases after work, with prolonged standing or sitting |
| The pain is relieved at rest | Decreases after walking or warm-up, during movement |
| The patient takes a forced position: lying down with legs raised to the stomach | The patient is forced to change posture often, he rises, leaning on his hands, straightens up, pressing on the lower back |
| Reflex muscle tension - spasm is moderate | Muscle tension is more pronounced than with lumbago |
| Localization of pain mainly in the lower back | Pain often spreads to the buttocks and thighs |
| People who lead a sedentary lifestyle get sick more often, since sedentary work provokes weakness of the muscles that support the spine | People who were actively involved in sports in the past, who experienced heavy loads on the spine, get sick |
| The duration passes in 2-7 days. It usually weakens after a few days. | Without treatment, the patient's situation is aggravated. The pain increases, persists even at rest. |
What exercises can heal lumbago?
Physiotherapy exercises (LFK) with lumbago can relieve muscle spasm, improve blood flow to the affected area and reduce pain. Basic rules of exercise therapy: - Before starting classes, consult with an orthopedist or neurologist;
- Exercises are performed smoothly, at a slow pace;
- Perform 8-10 repetitions;
- If pain occurs, it is necessary to reduce the range of motion or completely exclude the exercise from the complex;
- During classes, make sure that the lumbar lordosis does not increase (deflection of the spine forward in the lower back) - this provokes pain.
1. Diaphragmatic breathing: inhale - the stomach is inflated, exhale - is drawn in.
2. Flexion of fingers and toes.
3. Rotation with both feet inward and outward.
4. Alternate straightening of the legs. In this case, the thigh rests on the roller to reduce the load.
5. Legs are bent at the knees, feet are on the bed. Alternate flexion and extension of the leg at the knee, the heel slides along the bed.
6. Alternate raising of hands up.
7. The left leg is bent at the knee. Straighten the right one and take it to the side, without lifting the heel from the bed. After 8-10 reps, do the same with the other leg.
Exercises allowed for 3-7 days of illness.
1. Starting position: lying on your back, legs bent, feet on the bed. Raising the sacrum and lumbar spine. Emphasis on the feet and on the thoracic spine.
2. Starting position: lying on your back, legs straightened. Raising the head and at the same time tightening the abdominal muscles.
3. Alternate bending of the knees. When unbending, the foot slides along the bed with effort, at the same time the lumbar dress is rounded and pressed against the bed.
4. The same exercise, but performed simultaneously with two legs.
5. Tension of the gluteus maximus muscles for 4-6 seconds, squeezing the buttocks. Repeat 8-10 times.
6. Starting position: lying down, roll under the calves. Raising the lumbar spine, with emphasis on the thoracic spine and straight legs lying on a roller.
7. Bent legs rest their feet on the bed. Alternate abduction of the knees to the side.
8. Starting position: emphasis on the hands and knees. As you exhale, without taking your hands off the bed, sit on your heels. On inhalation, return to the starting position.
9. The starting position is the same. On inhalation, round the back, on exhalation, align without bending down.
In the subacute period (7-12 days), exercises are added to this complex that increase blood circulation and stretch spasmodic muscles. Starting position: lying on your back.
1. The left leg is pressed to the stomach. Raising the right leg 4-6 times. Ditto for the other leg.
2. Legs are bent at the knees, hands are folded on the stomach. Raising the head and shoulders.
3. Focus on hands and knees. Straighten and raise your right leg. Ditto for the other leg.
How effective are alternative therapies for lumbago?
Before proceeding with the treatment of lumbago with non-traditional methods, it is necessary to correctly diagnose, make an X-ray, CT or MRI. So, for example, manipulations with the spine are prohibited if the patient has a hernia or protrusion.Effective unconventional treatments for lumbago
Osteopathy. The osteopath's main working tool is his hands. A mild effect on the joints of the vertebrae, ligaments and muscles restores the natural position of the spine, eliminates muscle tension and pain. The result of treatment largely depends on the qualifications and experience of the specialist.
Manual therapy. The specialist "puts in place" the shifted vertebra and removes the pinched nerve. However, such a procedure threatens with serious complications if the patient has acute diseases of the spinal cord or instability of the vertebral segments. In case of inept handling, pinching of a vertebral hernia is possible. Therefore, only gentle manual techniques (relaxation, stretching, acupressure) are permissible, which relax the muscles and reduce the pressure on the nerve. Neurologists strongly discourage the use of manual therapy in the acute period.
Acupuncture... Inserting needles into reflex points already during the first session significantly reduces back pain. In addition, acupuncture relieves the inflammatory response in the nerve roots, reduces muscle tone, and increases the general protective properties of the body.
How is lumbago treated with physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy of lumbago is carried out starting from the 2-3rd day of the attack, when the acute burning pain has already passed, and the patient suffers from pulling pain, which intensifies during movements. During this period, it will successfully provide pain relief without medication. - Magnetotherapy - the magnetic field has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and also reduces edema. Daily sessions of 15-20 minutes are recommended. At home, you can use portable devices.
- Diadynamic therapy (DDT) - low-frequency impulse currents affect the nerve fibers that are responsible for the perception of pain. Due to this, pain sensitivity of the focus is blocked. In addition, the swelling around the nerve decreases and the protective properties of the tissues increase. This procedure relieves pain for 2-4 hours, and repeated DDT sessions completely eliminate the pain syndrome. For anesthesia in one session, the following types of currents alternate: DN, DP, KP, DV. 7-10 procedures are recommended, they are performed daily, and in case of severe pain 2 times a day with an interval of 6 hours.
- Amplipulse therapy -treatment with sinusoidal modulated currents has an analgesic effect, leads to the regeneration of nerve and muscle fibers. 5-10 sessions per course are recommended.
- Ultraviolet irradiation (UFO) lower back. Daily 2-4 biodoses for 4-5 days. Under the influence of UV rays, the immunobiological properties of tissues change and recovery is accelerated.
- Electrophoresis pain relievers - with the help of an electric current through the skin, solutions of drugs are injected into the tissues to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve. For these purposes, magnesium sulfate, lidase, novocaine, potassium iodide are used.
- Baths (radon, iodine-bromine, hydrogen sulfide or sodium chloride). They have a complex effect on the body: mechanical, chemical and thermal. Baths have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and prevent recurrent attacks and chronic lumbodynia. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, the course is 15-20 procedures.
Lumbago - This is a disease, the main manifestation of which is lumbago in the lower back; they can be in the form of an attack and continuously cause physical discomfort for a long time, disrupting the accepted daily routine.
Often, an ailment is a consequence of other lesions of the musculoskeletal system, therefore, to make an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you need to seek help from specialists.
What is lumbago?
Lumbago refers to neurological diseases that usually occur in people over 25 years old, regardless of gender.
It can not only cause significant physical discomfort and provoke bouts of severe pain, but also become chronic, so timely seeking professional medical help is required.
The clinical picture that develops with lumbago is similar to the scenario for the development of some other neurological diseases, including - for this reason, only a specialist can make an appropriate diagnosis.
In accordance with the international classification of diseases (ICD-10), this ailment is assigned the code M54.5.
Lumbago with sciatica
- It consists in the introduction of the solution into the spine, the procedure is performed only by a specialist with a prolonged course of lumbago.
- The main purpose of such measures Is the elimination of acute pain and physical discomfort, the return of mobility.
- In the most difficult cases, novocaine solution is not enough, and blockades with the use of hormonal agents are practiced, "Hydrocortisone", "Diprospan" and other corticosteroids are used.
Homeopathy
For the treatment of lumbago, it is possible to use homeopathic remedies, two drugs have shown the greatest efficiency.
Traumeel-S:
- Allows you to relieve pain, eliminate swelling and reduce inflammation.
- The drug is available in the form of a topical ointment, injection solution or tablets.
- The effectiveness of the product is due to the natural effects of the natural ingredients included in the composition; for this reason, a contraindication is a tendency to manifest an allergic reaction.
Traumeel-S
Homeopathic remedy "Zel-T":
- It is a sulfur-based homeopathic remedy, it is used to treat various diseases of the joints, but it is also effective for lumbago.
- In this case, pills are best., which must be kept under the tongue until they are completely dissolved.
- Depending on the severity of pain up to 8 tablets are allowed per day.
Lumbago during pregnancy
Lumbago syndrome is a threat to the fetus at any stage of pregnancy, since this disease increases the risk of miscarriage.
During pregnancy, the following measures may be prescribed to treat lumbago:
- Wearing a bandage to support the anterior abdominal wall.
- Short-term application of ice to the lower back. It is strictly forbidden to use warming agents and ointments with a similar effect during pregnancy; thermal effects on this area can provoke the opening of uterine bleeding.
- Use of anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs that are safe for pregnant women... The admissibility of such measures is determined by a specialist depending on the severity of lumbago symptoms, gestational age, contraindications and other factors.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation measures are the final part of lumbago treatment, they are necessary to achieve the following goals:
- Reducing the risk of relapse.
- Reducing pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve.
- Strengthening the muscle corset.
The duration of the rehabilitation period is determined by the attending physician, it depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Usually at this time the following rules must be observed: 
- Wearing a brace for heavy physical exertion or heavy lifting.
- Holidays in the balneological institution.
- Performing medical gymnastics.
- Taking salt baths.
- Mud therapy.
- Passage of a massage course.
What should not be done with lumbago?
With lumbago, the following actions are strictly prohibited: 
- Continuation of vigorous activity and non-compliance with bed rest.
- Bending and frequent changes in the position of the lumbar spine.
- Self-medication and lifting weights, making sudden movements.
- The use of any warming agents at the initial stage of the disease.
- A visit to the bathhouse and sauna, as it is impossible to warm up in the acute phase.
Prevention and nutrition
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of lumbago, but adherence to the following preventive measures will minimize the likelihood of developing the disease:
- Periodic change in back position when performing physical activity.
- Leading a healthy lifestyle and playing sports, the most useful exercises on the horizontal bar and swimming.
- Correct lifting of weights, implying a preliminary squat with the direction of the load on the muscle mass of the arms.
- Plating plywood under the mattress to ensure sufficient rigidity of the berth and timely treatment of neurological diseases.
Reducing stress on the spine
Ensuring a healthy diet and normalizing the diet is the main rule of both treatment and prevention of lumbago.
The basic rules of the diet are as follows:
- Consuming large amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. If necessary, additional intake of vitamin and mineral complexes.
- Refusal to use spicy foods, various spices and seasonings.
- Minimizing or eliminating salt intake.
- Minimizing the intake of fats, especially of animal origin.
- Strong tea, alcoholic drinks and any coffee should be completely excluded.
Do they take into the army with lumbago?
There is a possibility of exemption from military service with lumbago if the following factors are present:
- Recurring seizures diseases, regardless of its handicap and degree.
- Impaired hand or leg function, as well as any other residual pathologies resulting from lumbago.
- Neurologist's records in the medical recordconfirming these facts.
In some cases, recruits with lumbago undergo military service, but are assigned to the troops, where increased physical training is not required.
Conclusion
Many people don't take back shots seriously and delay seeking medical attention. You should not try to diagnose yourself and prescribe a treatment for yourself, such symptoms can be evidence of the presence of a variety of diseases.
The clinical picture of the disease is expressed by a sharp pain in the lower back that occurs with any, intense or not, physical activity. Sometimes it is enough for a person to cough or sneeze to cause a lumbago in the back, after which it is impossible to straighten up.
With lumbago, the pain syndrome is localized in a small area of \u200b\u200bthe lower back, if the pain radiates to other parts of the body, below the waist, they say that the disease is accompanied by sciatica.
An attack can last for several minutes or hours. Usually men are susceptible to the problem, but sciatica symptoms are often manifested in women.
What causes lumbago
The main reason is deformation, displacement of the intervertebral discs or vertebrae, which causes pain and spasm due to excitation of nerve endings.
Discs and vertebrae are damaged and displaced during intense physical exertion, injury, and heavy lifting.
Such a displacement can also be caused by the usual osteochondrosis or intervertebral hernias, hypothermia of the body, diseases of the bones and joints.
In rare cases, congenital disorders of the structure of the musculoskeletal system become the cause of the disease. Even less often, the problem occurs due to various neoplasms in the spine or rheumatism.
Lumbago with sciatica can be caused by increased body weight due to metabolic disorders or during pregnancy, as a result of which the pressure on the spinal column increases.
Symptoms
The main signs of lumbago include:
- Severe pain syndrome that looks like a prostate in the lower back. Often the pain is pulsating, tearing, piercing and is observed in the muscles of the back. If pain symptoms appear in the thigh or buttock, then sciatica is observed, which is associated with pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pain is most pronounced within half an hour, then subsides, but can resume at night. The attack usually goes away completely after a few days.
- Muscle spasm of the lower back appears reflexively against the background of pain, often it looks like tension in the muscles of the thigh or buttocks. On palpation, you can find that the muscles are dense.
- A decrease in the mobility of the joints of the spine also causes symptoms of the disease, the pain does not allow a person to move, so he is forced to freeze in one position, leaning forward a little. Any attempt to move leads to acute pain. A person cannot move either independently or with outside help.
Due to severe pain, a person is forced to stay for a long time in two positions that help him survive the symptoms of the disease:
- lying on your back with bent knees;
- lying on his stomach with a pillow.
If the disease is accompanied by sciatica, the nature of the pain changes, it becomes aching and sharp, shooting deep into the bones, muscles and ligaments.
It can not only give to the lower parts of the body, but cause numbness, tingling, burning in some areas. Sciatica usually affects the lower back and radiates to one leg.
Lumbago requires treatment, otherwise the symptoms of the disease will occur every time with hypothermia, heavy lifting, awkward movements.
Drug treatment
Drugs for treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor, in some cases pills are prescribed, in others injections.
The therapy does not eliminate the main causes of lumbago with sciatica (displacement, deformation of the vertebrae or intervertebral discs), drug treatment relieves the inflammatory process, eliminates pain and spasm caused by compression of the nerve roots.
Typically, treatment is carried out with:
- aspirin;
- ibuprofen;
- diclofenac;
- dimexidum.
Additionally, the doctor may prescribe tranquilizers, drugs with a sedative effect. Injections, which act much faster than pills, are attributed to acute, unbearable pain.
Physiotherapy
As physical therapy, the doctor prescribes exercises that relieve the main symptoms of lumbago. In different periods of the disease, exercises differ in intensity:
- In the acute period of the disease, which is characterized by 1–2 days after the onset of an attack, it is necessary to perform only light movements (rotations) with the feet and hands, lying on the back, on a flat surface. You can also raise your arms up, and bend your legs alternately at the knees, or in a horizontal position take them to the sides. Exercises are performed slowly.
- Starting from 3 days for 4 subsequent ones, it is recommended to perform exercises that lead to tension in the muscles of the buttocks and abdominal muscles. It is also necessary to lift the lumbar spine, take the bent knees to the sides. The exercises are also performed while lying on your back.
- In the subacute period, which begins after a few weeks, the symptoms of the disease are relieved by a set of exercises, which increases blood circulation in the lumbar region. In parallel, spasmodic muscles should be stretched. In this case, you can perform exercises with the legs, arms and shoulders lying on your back, raising and lowering them.
Physiotherapy
An integrated approach to the treatment of lumbago includes physical therapy procedures, which the doctor recommends starting after the acute burning pain subsides. Usually, treatment is carried out with:
- magnetotherapy;
- diadynamic therapy;
- amplipulse therapy;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- electrophoresis;
- relaxing baths.
Also, the doctor may prescribe manual therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, acupressure.
What can you do at home
Treatment of lumbago at home comes down to preventive measures that help relieve pain, prevent the occurrence of new attacks.
- for the period of acute pain, observe a forced position, lying on your back with bent legs or on your stomach with a pillow. This position helps to relax the large muscles of the lower back and reduce pain. With the onset of an attack, the patient is best not to move for several hours;
- use pain relievers prescribed by your doctor;
- use ointments and gels to relieve pain and inflammation;
- wear a woolen elastic waistband that fits snugly around the waist. This squeezing of the muscles of the lower back helps to reduce swelling and act on the skin receptors with overflowing heat;
- adhere to a diet, reducing the use of foods that retain fluid in the body;
- engage in physiotherapy exercises, which is great for lumbago with sciatica.
Doctors identify the following causes of lumbago: intervertebral hernia, in which nerve roots are pinched, hypothermia, colds, bruises. Muscles tense in response to pain, causing back pain and headache. Often, lumbago is combined with such an unpleasant disease as sciatica. In this case, pain is transmitted along the nerve trunks to the leg. This can take several hours.
Lumbago symptoms
In addition to back pain, you may find yourself unable to straighten out. The pain can be given to the buttock. Ask your family to put some pillows on the floor and raise your legs. If you do not provide help to the patient in time, in a month the pain will become chronic, and it will be much more difficult to cope with it. Pain occurs when bending forward, such as when clearing snow.
Lying down significantly reduces pain. Lumbago pain is shooting, and extension is limited. This condition lasts for several hours, the patient with a lumbago is helpless, he cannot cough and sneeze, any tension causes intense pain.
Forms
Lumbago with sciatica
Lumbago with sciatica is most often caused by osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Cystitis, pyelonephritis and kidney stones are a consequence of problems in the lumbar spine. Injuries, scoliosis, obesity lead to osteochondrosis. Other factors: physical strain, infections. You can fight osteochondrosis at an early stage by strengthening the surrounding muscles. The fetus posture relieves tension in the muscles of the back.
Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The methods are most often the following: acupressure and manual therapy. Choose a chiropractor carefully! Treatment of lumbago with sciatica should be aimed at improving muscular trophism, cleansing tissues from toxins and improving legs.
Not only pain can occur, but also a violation of sensitivity, a burning sensation, numbness. The patient takes a forced position of the body with bending of the spine forward. Sciatica affects muscle function and can cause paralysis and paresis.
Lumbago attack
An attack of lumbago can provoke a sharp jerk and carrying weights. If you have a lumbago, even once, do not pull your body with medical help. The doctor will prescribe an X-ray for you to identify signs of osteochondrosis - the most common culprit in this trouble. Medicine has safe conservative methods of treatment and rehabilitation after a lumbago attack. As a result, blood circulation and nutrition of the damaged discs are improved.
To prevent a lumbago attack, do not stay in one position for a long time, do not lift too heavy a load, be careful in the gym.
What happens during a lumbago? The structure of the intervertebral disc is like jelly. It can lose elasticity if there are pathologies of the spinal column, especially osteochondrosis in the lumbar region.
The first attack of lumbago and sciatica sometimes occurs during pregnancy. Contact a neurologist, he will prescribe a course of treatment that is harmless for the baby, because if you start this condition, the lumbago can bother you after childbirth or worsen during childbirth, which is very dangerous. Prescribed drugs that relieve back muscle spasm and warming ointments. Do not under any circumstances assign them to yourself. Also an effective remedy is the Dorsaplast plaster. It effectively relieves spasms and inflammation around the prolapsed spinal disc, allows you to reduce the dosage of anti-inflammatory. It needs to be glued all day for 10 days. It is very easy to use, does not require a prescription, and is sold in many pharmacies in Ukraine. Wear a bandage if you are pregnant. Do not overcool the lower back.
Diagnostics of the lumbago
Diagnosis of lumbago primarily consists in assessing the patient's appearance, the characteristic posture that he takes. A sharp pain testifies to a lumbago, a person cannot straighten up, walk, freezes in place. In case of difficulty, an x-ray of the spine may be prescribed. The most modern and reliable method is magnetic resonance imaging. The doctor can send you to her to clarify the condition of the intervertebral disc. In every third case, the cause of the lumbago cannot be established.
Lumbago treatment
During treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, pepper plaster are used (applied to the sore spot every day, it improves blood circulation and has a resorbing effect), vitamins and manual therapy. Bed rest is recommended for 14 days. Exercise therapy is also performed with flexion and extension exercises. Swimming in the pool is very useful to relieve the spine. Exclude from the diet salty and smoked foods that retain water in the body. Eat more vegetables. If necessary, spinal traction or exercises on special simulators can be prescribed. Sanatorium treatment is shown.
Office work, improper diet and hypothermia, even in middle-aged people, can cause back pain - lumbago. Lumbago is a consequence of spinal osteochondrosis and scoliosis. Treatment consists in the appointment of physiotherapy exercises and manual therapy. The doctor will also prescribe topical gels and creams for you. For example, this is Fastum Gel. The drug is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory topical agent. The gel is applied to the skin once a day and rubbed in. The duration of treatment is up to 20 days. Carefully prescribed for pregnant women. Possible eczema, purpura, urticaria, edema, and stomatitis. Do not apply to wounds and abrasions, do not use on children.
For pain relief, ibuprofen, an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug, can be prescribed. Available in tablet form. The daily dose is 800 mg. One tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. Side effects such as nausea, heartburn, indigestion, dizziness may occur. Allergy is possible. Very rarely, aseptic meningitis. In childhood, with ulcerative colitis and impaired renal and liver function, the drug is not prescribed. It is necessary to control the composition of the blood.
Medication for lumbago
After helping a family move out, did you experience back pain that made you bedridden? In a week, if you follow bed rest and the recommendations of a doctor, who must be called to your home, only a terrible memory will remain of the attack.
How to relieve suffering from a lumbago attack? Taking anti-inflammatory local gels and ointments and tablets. For example, Voltaren tablets can serve as such a medicine. Take 2 tablets per day. Potential side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, ulcers, stomatitis, glossitis. Do not appoint for stomach ulcers, blood clotting and hematopoiesis disorders and in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Lumbago injections
For very severe pain, you may be prescribed injections for lumbago, for example, Voltaren in the form of injections. Voltaren is administered intramuscularly 1 ampoule, 1 time per day. Side effects: You may have stomach aches, vomit and vomit, or enterocolitis, ulcers, and stomach bleeding. If you have already had something like this (stomach problems, ulcers), it is better not to use Voltaren in an injection, but to consult a doctor so that he prescribes another medicine.
Ointments for lumbago
An effective remedy for lumbago is Bystrum gel. Fast gel is our analogue of German Fastum gel. Contains ketoprofen and essential oils. It is enough to apply it to the skin and rub in once a day. Usually well tolerated, but contraindicated during pregnancy. Do not apply Quick Gel to open wounds.
Pain relievers for lumbago
With lumbago, Nimesulide effectively relieves pain - anesthetic - sulfanilide. Inside take 1 t. 1 time per day after meals, or 100 ml of suspension. There is also Nimesulide in the form of a gel, it is applied and lightly rubbed 2 times a day. Do not use during pregnancy and in children under 12 years of age, in patients with severe hepatic, cardiac and renal failure. Possible drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, urticaria, allergies, anemia, prolonged bleeding time, impaired blood formation. It is especially dangerous to prescribe the drug in the last months of pregnancy.
Alternative treatment of lumbago
Treatment of lumbago with traditional medicine methods is, first of all, cans on the lumbar region, infusion of plum kernels of plum seeds (pour 30 g of kernels pour 200 ml of plum tincture) and leave for 4 days. Use for rubbing.
Mix 1 horseradish root in a 1: 1: 1 ratio with flour and salt and apply compresses, keeping it on the sore spot for 1 hour.
Take a lingonberry leaf, angelica root and nettle in equal parts, pour the collection into a thermos (1 tablespoon per 500 ml of water) and leave overnight. Drink 0.5 cups in the morning on an empty stomach.
Lumbago treatment at home
The best home treatment for lumbago is bed rest. You can return to an active life, on average, after 10 days. In the acute period of the disease, the bath, exercise therapy is prohibited.
Peel the radish, rub it, spread it on a cloth and apply a compress to the lower back.
Make compresses from valerian tincture.
Make an ointment from American agave leaves by grating and rubbing overnight.
Rub in capsicum extract 2 times a day for 14 days.
Lumbago massage
For lumbago, a general warming massage with creams and ointments is used. The masseur strokes and kneads the back muscles for 10-15 minutes. The massage effectively relieves pain and restores the function of the spine. Patting and stroking are used to relieve increased tone. The vertebral tissues receive the nutrients necessary for their regeneration during a therapeutic massage session. Electrophoresis is also used, which activates local metabolism and defenses. Also, acupuncture is successfully used to treat lumbago.
Lumbago (pain in the lumbar spine) is a common symptom. About half of older people suffer from lower back pain.
The spine (vertebral column) is made up of vertebrae. The vertebrae are covered and separated from each other by intervertebral discs, consisting of an external fibrous membrane or so-called. "fibrous ring" and gelatinous nucleus pulposus. The intervertebral discs function as friction absorbers. They are securely anchored by ligaments and muscles. The muscles help stabilize the spine. The abdominal muscles that run from the lower chest to the pelvis also help stabilize the spinal column by providing support to the abdominal organs. Inside the spinal column is the spinal cord. From the spinal cord through the spaces between the vertebrae spinal nerves branch off. The part of the spinal nerve adjacent to the spinal cord is called the "nerve root". It is the most vulnerable part of the nerve and is often compressed by injury or herniated disc, resulting in pain.
The lumbar spine connects the ribcage to the pelvis and legs, which provides mobility (turning, bending, etc.). It also provides strength (lifting objects, walking, standing). Thus, the lumbar region is involved in almost all types of daily activities. Lumbago can significantly reduce the amount of movement performed and seriously reduce the quality of life.
Lumbago symptoms
Pain in the lumbar spine can be local, radiating and reflected.
Local pain syndrome occurs in a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe lumbar spine. This is the most common type of lumbago. This pain can be caused by a sprain or other injury. The pain can be constant and aching, or at times sudden and sharp. Sudden pain usually occurs with trauma. By finding a comfortable posture, local pain is reduced. There may be soreness when touching the lumbar spine. Another common symptom is muscle spasm.
Radiating pain is a dull aching pain that travels from the lumbar region down the leg.
It can be accompanied by bouts of intense, acute pain. Usually this type of lumbago is felt only on the side of the leg or on the back of the leg and does not cover the entire leg. The pain can go down to the foot or to the knee. Most often, radiating pain is an indicator of compression of the nerve root, for example, with an intervertebral hernia, spondylosis, or stenosis of the spinal canal. Coughing, sneezing, straightening, or bending forward with straight legs can trigger an onset of pain. If the pressure on the nerve root is too intense or if the spinal cord is compressed, the pain may be accompanied by muscle weakness in the legs, tingling, or even loss of sensation. In some cases, urinary and / or fecal incontinence is observed. This condition is called cauda equina syndrome and requires immediate treatment.
Reflected pain is felt in a location other than the source of the pain. For example, some people experience pain in their left arm during a heart attack. Reflected lower back pain is usually deep and intense, and its location is difficult to determine. Typically, this pain does not increase with various movements.
Lumbago causes
Most cases of lumbago are caused by diseases of the spine, as well as the muscles, ligaments, and nerve roots around it, or the discs between the vertebrae. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the cause of the pain. Regardless of the cause, there are a number of factors, such as fatigue, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, that can lead to increased pain. Also, any painful condition of the spine can cause a reflex spasm of the back muscles. The spasm makes the pain worse. Stress also negatively affects the intensity of pain.
Rarely caused by diseases of other organs such as the kidneys, organs of the excretory system and blood vessels.
The most common causes of lumbago include:
- intervertebral hernia of the lumbar spine;
- protrusion of the lumbar spine;
- stretching of muscles and ligaments;
- spinal compression fracture;
- narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal in the lumbar spine;
- spondylolisthesis;
- fibromyalgia.
Sprains of muscles and ligaments can be the result of lifting weights, exercising, falling, or any other trauma. Poor physical fitness and weakness in the lower back muscles are a contributing factor. Poor posture, improper lifting, heavy weight, and fatigue can also play a role in causing sprains.
Spondyloarthrosis (degenerative arthritis) causes degeneration of the cartilage tissue that covers and protects the vertebrae. This condition is believed to be caused by the deterioration of the cartilage. People who constantly load one joint or group of joints are more likely to develop spondyloarthrosis.
Spondylosis - the intervertebral discs also degenerate, the space between the vertebrae narrows, which often leads to compression of the nerve roots. Bony growths or osteophytes may appear on the vertebra, which also leads to pinching of the nerve roots. All of these changes can cause lumbago.
Compression fractures of the spine are more common in people with reduced bone density due to osteoporosis, which usually affects the elderly. The spine is particularly susceptible to the effects of osteoporosis. A compression fracture, which sometimes causes severe, severe pain, can compress the nerve roots. However, most fractures involve the cervical and thoracic regions.
The most common cause of lumbago. The disc has a hard outer layer and soft inner content. If the disc is unexpectedly compressed by the vertebrae above and below it, as is the case when lifting heavy objects, the outer layer may tear and some of the contents may come out. A hernia can compress, irritate, and even damage nearby nerve roots, causing pain. A hernia of the lumbar spine often leads to sciatica.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that runs through the center of the spine and contains the spinal cord in the lumbar region. This is a very common cause of low back pain in older patients. Spinal stenosis also develops in middle-aged people born with a narrow spinal canal. It can also be caused by diseases such as spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, rheumatoid arthritis, Scheuermann-Mau disease and Paget disease. Spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine can also cause sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis is a partial displacement of a vertebra. Spondylolisthesis often occurs in young athletes. A minor trauma ends with a part of the vertebra breaking. As a result, the vertebra slides forward relative to the underlying vertebra. If it slides a little further, then pain symptoms arise. Spondylolisthesis can also occur in older patients. People with spondylolisthesis are at increased risk of developing stenosis.
Fibromyalgia is the cause of pain in the body, including in the lumbar spine. This disease causes chronic diffuse pain in muscles and other soft tissues in various areas of the body. Usually, this diagnosis is made due to the lack of diagnostic methods of research.
Other causes of lumbago include:
- spinal infection;
- spinal tumors;
- aneurysm of the abdominal aorta;
- some diseases of the digestive system, such as perforated peptic ulcer, diverticulitis and pancreatitis;
- some diseases of the genitourinary system, such as kidney infection, kidney stones, prostate infections;
- certain diseases of the pelvic region, such as ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer of the ovaries and other reproductive organs.
Other rare and less serious causes of lumbago include herpes zoster and several types of inflammatory arthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis.
Diagnosis of the causes of lumbago
The first step to diagnosing the cause of low back pain is to see a doctor. The doctor will draw up a medical history and conduct an examination. In some cases, additional information is required to make a diagnosis, which can be obtained using laboratory tests or radiological studies.
The following laboratory tests are usually used to make a diagnosis:
- x-ray of the spine. X-ray only shows bone abnormalities, such as degenerative changes in spondyloarthrosis, compression fracture, spondylolisthesis, and ankylosing spondylitis;
- computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) give a clearer picture of the state of the skeletal system and, in particular, MRI, allow you to see soft tissues. An MRI or CT scan is usually done if a doctor suspects a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or infection.
If the doctor suspects spinal cord compression, an MRI is done immediately. In those rare cases where the results of an MRI are not fully understood, the doctor may prescribe myelography along with a CT scan. If cancer or infection is suspected, a biopsy is necessary. Electromyography and nerve conduction tests can determine the presence, location, and sometimes duration and degree of nerve root compression.
Lumbago treatment
Lumbago is not a diagnosis, but a symptom caused by various problems with the spine or other organs. Accordingly, treatment for lumbar pain depends on the cause. For example, antibiotics are used for prostate infections. However, there is no specific treatment for a muscle or ligament strain, but some general measures can help. For example, changing activity, taking pain relievers, ice or heat, exercise.
For the treatment of lumbago with osteochondrosis of the spine, massage, spinal traction, and physiotherapy exercises are used.
Surgery is required for chronic pain with muscle weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation during urination and bowel movements.