First of all, the doctor notes that in the norm there should be no pain in the lower back at all:
If the pain syndrome occurs rarely - for example, after lifting weights, exercising or uncomfortable position - then this is a variant of the norm. But if the pain occurs regularly - every time after sitting in an uncomfortable chair - it is a reason to be careful and look for the cause.
With pain, which occurs once every six months or a year only after traumatic factors, you can not rush to the doctor. But if the pain syndrome becomes chronic or goes into a stronger phase, and then returns to the lungs, that is already a reason to contact a specialist. The neurologist supplements:
In addition, the reason for making an appointment with a specialist can be individual, but acute pain that occurred for no reason, as well as a sudden increase in the pain syndrome. Especially if the pain radiates to the leg or other parts of the body. This can be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations: loss of sensitivity, "goose bumps" on the skin, a burning sensation. In such cases you must go to the doctor.
Why can my lower back hurt?
According to the doctor, a common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, or pain associated with abnormal muscle tension in the lumbar region.
Pathological muscle syndrome occurs precisely because we sit uncomfortably, exercise physically, lift weights, - says the doctor. As a result, the muscles contract. But more often there is a compression of the roots in the spine - this is a different, neuronal, nature of pain.
The neurologist explains that the roots leave the spinal cord and spread to various parts of the body, including the lower back. And when there is pressure on these nerves, pain can begin to be felt in different parts of the body: in the thighs, in the coccyx, sacrum, and even in the abdomen.
The third option is pathology of internal organs. These can be problems with the kidneys, intestines and in the urological or gynecological part. In this case, back pain acts as a signal of the presence of other diseases.
We also add that pain itself is of two types: nociceptive (i. e. , inflammatory) and neuropathic.
The first is associated with inflammation in muscle fibers - it manifests itself in myofascial pain syndrome and is associated with a traumatic factor. This pain is usually dull, pulling with an increase in local temperature, when the lower back is hot to the touch.
Neuropathic pain manifests itself differently: it is a burning sensation, goosebumps, numbness, coldness, decreased sensitivity. Even a small injection into the lumbar region can make the pain worse. If you experience such symptoms, consult a neurologist immediately. And in general, the answer to the question of which doctor to go to for back pain is simple: a neurologist.
Can pain be resolved at home?
Some think that the problem of lower back pain will be solved by replacing the chair. The neurologist is sure: it is always easier to see a doctor.
Of course, you can change the chairs for more comfortable, one by one. But it may turn out that this is not an issue. Although you should have a comfortable office chair for work anyway, it would be nice to get up every two hours and indulge in a little physical activity: bend over, bend over to change the position of your lower back.
A pillow or roller placed under the back works on a similar principle:
We sat down as usual and then put on a pillow. We stayed in this position for a while - they removed it again, - advises the neurologist. - Such lumbar support is also useful. You can change the tilt angle of the monitor, including moving it slightly to the right, slightly to the left. So the load changes - and on the lower back, and on the thoracic region, and on the neck.
If you need to alleviate the condition at the moment, the doctor draws attention to the fact that only dry heat should be used to treat pain in the lumbar region:
In this situation, you should never take a hot bath. But electric and salt heating pads (in the form of bags that grandmothers used to make) help a lot. Various applicators will also work. These are mats with needles: if you lie on them, then the muscle tone will disappear.
To this the doctor advises you to connect a short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use a local anti-inflammatory ointment:
If you did all this and the pain passed in 3-4 days, no problem, you could say. If the pain doesn’t subside, there’s no more option: you definitely need to go to the doctor.