First of all, the doctor notes that in the norm there should be no back pain at all:
If pain syndrome occurs infrequently - for example, after lifting weights, exercising or in an uncomfortable position - then this is a variant of the norm. But if the pain appears regularly - every time you sit in an uncomfortable chair - this 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 stage and then returns to the lungs, then this is already a reason to contact a specialist. The neurologist completes:
In addition, the reason for making an appointment with a specialist may be a single but acute pain that arose for no apparent reason, as well as a sharp increase in pain syndrome. Especially if the pain radiates to the legs or other parts of the body. This can be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations: loss of sensation, "goose bumps" on the skin, burning sensation. In such cases, you should go to the doctor.
Why can the lower back hurt?
According to the doctor, a common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, i. e. pain associated with abnormal muscle tension in the lumbar region.
"Pathological muscle syndrome occurs precisely because we are sitting uncomfortably, physically loading, lifting weights, " says the doctor. As a result, the muscles suffer. But more often there is a compression of the root in the spine - it is a different, neuronal, pain nature.
The neurologist explains that the roots leave the spinal cord and extend to different parts of the body, including the lower back. And when there is pressure on these nerves, the pain can start to be felt in different parts of the body: in the thighs, and in the scalp, in the sacrum and even in the abdomen.
The third option is the pathology of the internal organs. These can be problems with the kidneys, and with the 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 - manifested 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, goose bumps, numbness, coldness, decreased sensitivity. Even a small injection in the lumbar region can make the pain worse. If you experience such symptoms, go to a neurologist urgently. And in general, the answer to the question of which doctor should be referred for back pain is unclear: a neurologist.
Can pain be managed at home?
Some people think that the problem with low back pain will be solved by replacing the chair. The neurologist is sure: it is increasingly easy to see a doctor.
Of course, you can change your chairs for the more comfortable ones one by one. But it may turn out that this is not the issue. Although you should have a comfortable office chair for work anyway, it would be good to get up every two hours and give yourself some light physical activity: bend over, bend over to change the position of your lower back.
A cushion or roller placed under the back works according to a similar principle:
We sat down as usual, then put on a pillow. We stayed in this position for a while - they removed it again, - advises the neurologist. - Such a lumbar support is also useful. You can change the angle of inclination of the monitor, including its movement slightly to the right, slightly to the left. Thus, the load varies - both in the lower back and in the chest region and neck.
If you need to alleviate the condition now, the doctor draws attention to the fact that only dry heat should be used to treat pain in the lumbar region:
In this situation, under no circumstances should you go to a hot bath. But pillows for electric heating and salt (in the form of bags made by grandmothers) help a lot. Different applicants will also work. These are carpet needles: if you lie on them, then the muscle tone will disappear.
For this, the doctor advises to link a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use a local anti-inflammatory oil:
If you have done all this and the pain has passed in 3-4 days, no problems, one might say. If the pain does not subside, there is no chance: you should definitely go to the doctor.