As Lower back pain refers to pain in the lower area of the back, usually the sacroiliac joint is affected. This connects the sacrum with the hip bones. Every adult suffers from lower back pain at least once in their life - back pain in general is the most common reason for sick leave in Germany.
What is lower back pain?
Basically, all forms of back pain that affects the lower part of the back are called low back pain. These make up about 60 percent of all back pain and are therefore quite common.
Lower back pain is also often referred to as lumbar syndrome by doctors, with three types being distinguished: The local lumbar syndrome only affects the area of the lumbar spine, while the pain in the lumbar root syndrome extends to the legs. The alarming lumbar syndrome is particularly dangerous, because it causes symptoms of paralysis.
Acute low back pain that occurs suddenly and without warning is popularly referred to as lumbago or lumbago.
causes
The causes of low back pain are diverse, so that the treating doctor usually has to carry out a large number of examinations to find out the exact causes.
In many cases - especially in older people, of course - low back pain is caused by natural breakdown processes or wear and tear. Bone loss in particular, also known as osteoporosis, can cause pain in the lower back.
Furthermore, lower back pain can also be caused by inflammation or postural damage. Even Crohn's disease, an inflammation of the digestive tract, can cause lower back pain.
Last but not least, the psychosomatic causes should not be left unmentioned. It has been scientifically proven that mental problems not only affect the mind, but also damage the back. If aggression, anger or sadness are not acted out, lower back pain is almost inevitable.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines for back painDiseases with this symptom
- Lumbago
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- ankylosing spondylitis
- Crohn's disease (chronic bowel inflammation)
- disc prolapse
Diagnosis & course
A few comprehensive examinations are usually necessary for a clear diagnosis. To rule out a herniated disc, for example, an MRI is useful.
The symptoms of low back pain are often not limited to the lower part of the back, the pain often radiates to the buttocks and legs - in this case one speaks of sciatica. In addition, large parts of the back muscles are very tense when there is lower back pain - a real vicious circle, because this tension causes new pain.
With the right treatment, however, the back pain disappears in most patients after a few days or weeks. In a third of all patients, however, these take a chronic course. One speaks of chronic low back pain if it lasts longer than twelve weeks.
When should you go to the doctor?
Lower back pain does not always require treatment. They can arise as a result of long stoops or a slightly bent position over a sink that is too low. Constantly sitting in an unsuitable office chair also puts a heavy strain on the cross. In addition, those affected can wake up with pain in the lower back. In this case, the person concerned should check whether a new mattress is due or whether the mattress is too soft. With increasing age, the spine needs more support, relief and, if necessary, physiotherapy interventions.
A visit to the doctor is advisable if there is unusually severe lower back pain. The same applies if pain in the lower back persists for days despite taking measures. In the case of accompanying symptoms such as the pain radiating into the leg, numbness or tingling in the leg, as well as movement restrictions, a visit to a doctor is advisable. There may be vertebral incidents, pinched nerves or other problems that require treatment. Unintentional leakage of urine when there is lower back pain is a warning signal.
The trivialization or self-treatment of acute low back pain can make the pain chronic. Serious problems that the patient ignores can also cause consequential damage. Ignored vertebral or intervertebral disc problems, for example, can lead to paralysis. The causes of the lower back pain can be determined by the doctor. These could also be triggered by a tumor or a bone metastasis.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
Treatment for low back pain depends on the underlying cause. If another illness is the trigger for the lower back pain, it is important to treat it first. If, for example, Crohn's disease is suspected to be the cause of the lower back pain, the doctor will probably suggest an endoscopy, i.e. an examination of the gastrointestinal tract.
Various painkillers work very well against acute pain, and physiotherapy can also work wonders.Massages, heat therapy and back exercises make perfect sense here. Ultrasound or electrical stimulation or short-wave therapy have already achieved good results in low back pain. If muscles are blocked, so-called manual therapy can help loosen and relax them.
If the back pain is degenerative, the patient will probably have to take supplements such as calcium or vitamin D to strengthen the bones.
In addition to drug treatment, there are also numerous areas of alternative medicine that can achieve good results. This includes acupuncture as well as warming plasters, packs and poultices. Visits to the sauna also usually have a soothing effect on lower back pain.
Outlook & forecast
Lower back pain often occurs after a careless, jerky movement and shows up as lumbago. Despite the pain, the patient should move, because this is the best way to relieve tension. Relieving posture when getting up and sitting down can have a positive effect on the course of the disease; extreme bending and stretching as well as lifting heavy loads should be avoided in the acute phase.
Lifting movements should only be done with the knees bent. Sudden back pain can be relieved with ice massages. The massage should not last longer than 5-7 minutes. After that, relaxation is important. The stepped positioning of the legs brings relief, especially in the first few days.
If the pain is accompanied by tingling in the hands and legs or symptoms of paralysis, this may indicate a herniated disc. A specialist examination is then urgently required. If back pain does not improve even with a change in posture, an X-ray examination or magnetic resonance tomography is also recommended. This is the best way to diagnose damaged intervertebral discs.
The stronger the muscles in the spinal area, the easier it is to prevent back pain. Losing excess weight and exercising are important preventive measures. If a disc surgery is necessary, the prognosis is excellent here too. Modern, minimally invasive surgical methods are not very stressful. If the patient behaves according to the doctor's instructions during the rehabilitation phase, healing will take place quickly and easily. Then muscle building is recommended.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines for back painprevention
The best way to prevent lower back pain is to strengthen your back muscles.
Vertebrae and intervertebral discs are particularly stressed when people walk upright - it is all the more important to relieve the back through movement. By the way, water aerobics and Nordic walking are particularly good sports for preventing back pain. Furthermore, you should avoid being overweight as much as possible, because every kilo too much puts additional strain on your back.
You can do that yourself
Low back pain can often be relieved by simple means, as it is caused by a sedentary lifestyle for most people. The intervertebral discs are only supplied with nutrients if there is enough exercise. Sitting for long periods leads to one-sided stress. If it comes to pain, the person automatically takes a gentle posture, which exacerbates the problem. The cramped muscles are hardly supplied with oxygen, harden and cause even more severe pain.
The best way to relieve back pain is through exercise. In acute cases, warmth in the form of fango packs, infrared radiation or a cherry stone pillow helps. All methods relieve muscle tension. Obesity is a common cause of low back pain that diet can resolve. Even the painful consequences of age-related signs of wear and tear can be alleviated through gentle sports such as swimming, cycling and walking. Since the bone and muscle mass also decrease with age and the skeleton is less stable, exercise should be started early. Only constant exercise can permanently relieve lower back pain. A bike tour every three weeks hardly helps.
It is advisable to integrate exercise into everyday office life. People at risk should take a break at least every half hour and do relaxation exercises. Activating muscles means better blood flow and oxygen supply. This also increases productivity.
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