First of all, the doctor notes that in the norm there should be no pain in the lower back:
If the pain syndrome occurs infrequently - for example, after lifting weights, exercising or being in an awkward 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 investigate the cause.
With pain, which occurs once every six months or only a year 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, 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 sharp pain, which occurred 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 can be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations: loss of sensitivity, "goose bumps" on the skin, a burning sensation. In such cases, you need to go to the doctor.
Why can the lower back hurt?
According to the doctor, a 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, lift weights, - says the doctor. As a result, the muscles contract. But most often there is a compression of the root in the spine - this is a different neural nature of pain.
The neurologist explains that the roots leave the spinal cord and spread 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 tailbone, sacrum and even in the abdomen.
The third option is the pathology of internal organs. These can be problems with the kidneys, and with the intestines, and in the urological or gynecological part. In this case, the back pain acts as a signal for the presence of other diseases.
We also add that the pain itself is of two types: nociceptive (i. e. inflammatory) and neuropathic.
The first is associated with inflammation of muscle fibers - it manifests itself as myofascial pain syndrome and is associated with a traumatic factor. This pain is usually dull, shooting with an increase in local temperature, when the lower back is warm 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 lower back can make the pain worse. If you experience such symptoms, urgently see a neurologist. And in general, the answer to the question of which doctor to consult for back pain is straightforward: a neurologist.
Can Pain Be Managed at Home?
Some people think that the problem of low 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 one by one for more comfortable chairs. But that may not be the question. Although you should have a comfortable office chair to work with anyway, it would be nice to get up every two hours and give yourself some light physical activity: bend down, bend over to change the position of the lower back.
A pillow or roller placed under the back works on a similar principle:
We sat down as usual, then put on a pillow. We stayed in this position for a bit - they took it off again, - advises the neurologist. - Such lumbar support is also useful. You can change the tilt angle of the monitor, including moving it slightly to the right, slightly to the left. Thus, the load changes - both on the lower back, on the thoracic region and on the neck.
If you need to relieve the disease 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 electric and salt heating pads (in the form of bags grandmothers made) help a lot. Various applicators will also work. These are mats with needles: if you lie on them, the muscle tone will disappear.
With this, the doctor advises to combine a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to use a local anti-inflammatory ointment:
If you have done all of this and the pain has passed in 3-4 days, there are no problems, you might say. If the pain does not subside, there are no more options: you should definitely go to the doctor.