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Lower lumbar pain
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
[ What types of lower back pain are there?
With sprains, the motor activity of the lumbar region is limited, the pain can radiate to the buttocks. With neuroradicular syndrome, painful sensations radiate to the legs, accompanied by a crawling sensation, numbness, usually increasing if the patient coughs, sneezes, stays in a sitting or lying position for a long time. Pain in the lower back of a pulling nature, accompanied by discomfort or painful sensations in the lower abdomen, is typical for the premenstrual period and the onset of menstruation in women, this type of pain can also make itself felt during pregnancy and, depending on the accompanying symptoms, may indicate the presence of some pathologies. If the cause of pain in the lower back is osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, painful sensations can radiate to the legs and buttocks, accompanied by stiffness of movement, shooting pains, the inability to straighten the leg.
Diagnostics
The following examination methods are used to diagnose the disease:
- X-ray examination. Mainly prescribed for injuries, osteoporosis, steroid use.
- Myelogram. This diagnostic method is based on the introduction of a contrast agent into the spinal canal, and is often performed along with computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging is performed using magnets to display information. MRI is usually prescribed when severe pathologies are suspected (cauda equina syndrome, tumors, fractures).
- Electromyogram: This involves placing special needles into the muscles to check electrical activity and differentiate between muscle and nerve root diseases.
- During an in-person examination, the doctor checks reflexes, muscle strength, and sciatic nerve compression.
Treatment of lower back pain
Treatment depends on the nature of the disease and accompanying symptoms. In osteochondrosis, a balanced diet, massage procedures, manual therapy, acupuncture, and therapeutic exercises are indicated.
In case of a lumbar hernia, it is necessary to provide the patient with absolute rest and bed rest; it is advisable to take painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If the cause of the lower back pain is lumbago, it is necessary to urgently put the patient on a hard surface, to reduce the pain you can take analgin or spazmalgon, the patient can apply a dry heating pad, you can also rub indovazin, fastumgel, finalgon, finalgel into the affected area. The patient should limit the consumption of liquid and salt. In the presence of acute and sharp pains, immediately call a doctor.
In case of hypothermia, the back should be rubbed with a warming ointment (apizartron, viprosal) or alcohol, and wrapped with a downy shawl on top. Dress warmly when going outside. If you often have to be in drafts, it is recommended to wear a special warming woolen belt for the lower back (sheep or dog). In case of severe pain, intramuscular injections (movalis, diclofenac, etc.) may be prescribed.
How to prevent lower back pain?
There is an opinion that to prevent lower back pain, it is necessary to regularly do sports and gymnastics. However, with excessive loads or too abrupt and careless movements, on the contrary, you can provoke pain. Experts advise to prevent lower back diseases to go swimming, walk more often, ride a bike, do gymnastics daily, do exercises for the abdominal muscles, stretches, bends. Do not lift heavy objects, distribute the loads evenly.
Lower back pain, depending on additional symptoms, may indicate various diseases. Self-diagnosis and self-medication are strictly prohibited, as this can harm your health. Treatment in each case is selected by a doctor individually.