First of all, the doctor notes that in the norm there should be no lower back pain 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 appears regularly - every time after sitting in an uncomfortable chair - this is a reason to be wary 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 passes into a stronger phase and then returns to the lung, then this is already a reason for contacting a specialist. The neurologist complements:
In addition, the reason for making an appointment with a specialist may be a single, but acute pain that arose for no reason, as well as a sharp increase in the pain syndrome. Especially if the pain radiates to the leg or other parts of the body. This may be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations: loss of sensitivity, "goose bumps" on the skin, burning sensation. In such cases, you must go to the doctor.
Why can the lower back hurt?
According to the doctor, a common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, that is, pain associated with abnormal muscle tension in the lumbar region.
Pathological muscle syndrome arises precisely because we sit uncomfortably, physically load ourselves, lift weights, - says the doctor. As a result, the muscles spasm. But more often there is a compression of the root in the spine - this is a different, neuronal, nature of pain.
The neurologist explains that 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, pain can begin to be felt in various parts of the body: in the thighs, and in the coccyx, 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 the pain itself is of two types: nociceptive (that is, 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, goose bumps, numbness, coldness, a drop in sensitivity. Even a small injection in the lumbar region can make the pain worse. If you feel such symptoms, go to a neurologist urgently. And in general, the answer to the question of which doctor to go to for back pain is unambiguous: a neurologist.
Can pain be managed at home?
Some people think that the problem with 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 your chairs for more comfortable ones one by one. But it may turn out that this is not the question. Although you should have a comfortable office chair for work anyway, it would be nice to get up every two hours and give yourself some light physical activity: bend over, bend over to change the position of the lower back.
A pillow or roller placed under the back works according to a similar principle:
We sat as usual, then put a pillow. We stayed in this position for a bit - they removed it again, - the neurologist advises. - Such a lumbar support is also useful. You can change the angle of inclination of the monitor, including moving it slightly to the right, slightly to the left. Thus, the load changes - both on the lower back, and on the thoracic region, and on the neck.
If you need to alleviate the condition right 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, in no case should you go to 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 work too. These are rugs with needles: if you lie on them, then muscle tone will go away.
To this, the doctor advises to connect a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use a local anti-inflammatory ointment:
If you have done all this and the pain has gone away in 3-4 days, there are no problems, one might say. If the pain does not subside, there are no more options: you definitely need to go to the doctor.