First of all, the doctor states that under normal circumstances there should be no lower back pain at all:
If pain syndrome is rare - for example, after lifting weights, exercising or being uncomfortable - then this is a variant of the norm. But if the pain appears frequently - each time after sitting in an uncomfortable chair - this is a reason to be careful and find the cause.
With pain, which occurs 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 enters a stronger phase and then returns to the lungs, then this is already a reason to contact a specialist. Neurologists complete:
Moreover, the reason for making an appointment with a specialist may be a single pain, but acute pain that arises for no 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 may be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations: loss of sensitivity, "goose bumps" on the skin, burning sensation. In such cases, you must see a doctor.
Why can the lower back hurt?
According to doctors, the most common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, which is pain associated with abnormal muscle tension in the lumbar region.
Pathological muscle syndrome occurs precisely because we sit uncomfortably, physically load ourselves, lift weights, - says the doctor. As a result, muscles spasm. But more often there is a root pressure in the spine - this is a different nature of nerve pain.
Neurologists explain 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, pain can begin to be felt in various parts of the body: in the thighs, and in the spine, sacrum, and even in the abdomen.
The third option is pathology of internal organs. This can be a problem with the kidneys, and intestines, and in the urology or gynecology department. In this case, back pain acts as a sign of the presence of another disease.
We also add that the pain itself is of two types: nociceptive (i. e. inflammatory) and neuropathic.
The first is associated with inflammation of the muscle fibers - it manifests itself in myofascial pain syndrome and is associated with traumatic factors. This pain is usually dull, pulling with an increase in local temperature, when the lower back feels hot to the touch.
Neuropathic pain manifests itself differently: it is a burning sensation, goose bumps, numbness, chills, decreased sensitivity. Even a small injection in the lumbar region can make the pain worse. If you experience such symptoms, see a neurologist immediately. And in general, the answer to the question of which doctor to visit for back pain is unclear: a neurologist.
Can the pain be overcome at home?
Some people think that the problem with lower back pain will be solved by replacing the chair. Neurologists are sure: it is always easier to see a doctor.
Of course, you can change your seat more comfortably one by one. But maybe this is not the question. While you must have a comfortable office chair to work on, it’s a good idea to get up every two hours and give yourself a little bit of physical activity: bending over, bending 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 down as usual, then put down the pillows. We stay in this position for a while - they throw it away again, - the neurologist advises. - Such lumbar support is also useful. You can change the inclination angle of the monitor, including moving it slightly to the right, slightly to the left. Therefore, the load changes - both in the lower back, and in the thoracic area, and in the neck.
If you need to alleviate the current situation, the doctor draws attention to the fact that only dry heat should be used to treat pain in the lumbar region:
In this case, you do not need a hot shower. But electric heating pads and salt (in the form of a bag usually made by grandma) help a lot. Various applicators will work as well. This is a carpet with needles: if you lie on it, then the muscle tone will disappear.
For this, doctors advise to connect non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use local anti-inflammatory ointments:
If you do all this and the pain has passed in 3-4 days, no problem, someone might say. If the pain does not subside, there is no other option: you definitely need to go to the doctor.