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Burning pain in hip and lower back. Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

by alexxlab

What are the common causes of burning pain in hip and lower back. How can you identify symptoms of various conditions affecting the hip and lower back area. What treatment options are available for relieving burning hip and lower back pain.

Common Causes of Burning Hip and Lower Back Pain

Burning sensations in the hip and lower back can stem from various sources, ranging from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sprains and Strains

One of the most frequent causes of discomfort in the hip and lower back region is sprains and strains. These injuries occur when ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) are overstretched or torn. Common triggers include:

  • Sports-related injuries
  • Falls or traumatic impacts
  • Awkward body twisting
  • Lifting heavy objects improperly
  • Inadequate warm-up before physical activity

Sprains and strains typically manifest through symptoms such as:

  • Localized pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Reduced range of motion

Tight Hip Flexors

The hip flexors are a group of muscles extending from the hips to the knees, playing a crucial role in leg and hip mobility. When these muscles become tight or stiff, often due to prolonged periods of sitting, it can lead to discomfort in both the back and hips.

Symptoms of tight hip flexors include:

  • Tenderness in the upper leg area
  • Muscle spasms in the hips or thighs
  • Soreness in the hips and thighs
  • Difficulty or weakness when kicking or lifting the knee towards the chest

Herniated Disk

A herniated disk occurs when one of the cushioning disks between the vertebrae slips out of place, potentially putting pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can cause a burning sensation in the lower back that may extend to the hips and legs.

Risk factors for herniated disks include:

  • Age-related wear and tear of the spine
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Excess body weight
  • Repetitive strain on the back
  • Extended periods of driving
  • Smoking

Recognizing Symptoms of Hip and Lower Back Conditions

Identifying the specific symptoms associated with hip and lower back conditions is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

Sprains and Strains Symptoms

How can you tell if you’re dealing with a sprain or strain in your hip or lower back? Look for these signs:

  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
  • Localized muscle pain
  • Noticeable muscle weakness
  • Tenderness in the affected area
  • Visible swelling
  • Difficulty moving or reduced range of motion

Tight Hip Flexor Indicators

Tight hip flexors can cause discomfort and limit mobility. Be aware of these symptoms:

  • Tenderness or pain in the upper leg region
  • Muscle spasms occurring in the hips or thighs
  • General soreness in the hip and thigh areas
  • A sense of weakness when attempting to kick or lift the knee towards the chest

Herniated Disk Warning Signs

A herniated disk can produce a range of symptoms, some of which may be severe. Watch for:

  • Sciatica – a sharp, shooting pain from the buttocks down the back of one leg
  • Numbness in the leg or foot
  • Muscle weakness in the affected leg
  • In severe cases, loss of bowel and bladder function (requires immediate medical attention)

Effective Treatment Options for Hip and Lower Back Pain

Once the cause of your hip and lower back pain has been identified, various treatment options are available to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Managing Sprains and Strains

For most sprains and strains, the following treatments can be effective:

  • Rest for a few days to allow the injury to heal
  • Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and speed up recovery
  • Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time
  • Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling

If symptoms persist or worsen despite these treatments, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as the injury may be more severe than initially thought.

Alleviating Tight Hip Flexors

To address tight hip flexors and reduce associated discomfort, consider the following approaches:

  • Engaging in physical therapy exercises and stretches designed to target the hip flexor muscles
  • Practicing specific stretches, such as pulling the knee toward the chest or lunging one leg forward from a kneeling position
  • Avoiding activities that contribute to hip flexor tightness, like prolonged sitting or wearing high heels for extended periods

Treating Herniated Disks

The primary goal in treating a herniated disk is to relieve pain and discomfort while the injury heals. Treatment options include:

  • Bed rest to alleviate pressure on the affected area
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen supporting muscles
  • NSAIDs to manage pain and reduce inflammation
  • Epidural steroid injections to target inflammation in severe cases

In extreme situations, surgical intervention may be necessary, but this is typically considered only after conservative treatments have been exhausted.

Preventive Measures for Hip and Lower Back Health

Taking proactive steps to maintain hip and lower back health can help prevent many common causes of pain and discomfort in these areas.

Proper Posture and Ergonomics

Maintaining good posture and ergonomics can significantly reduce strain on your hips and lower back. Consider these tips:

  • Use an ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support when sitting for extended periods
  • Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around if your job involves prolonged sitting
  • Adjust your computer screen to eye level to avoid neck strain, which can affect your overall posture
  • When standing for long periods, shift your weight from one foot to the other and use a footrest if possible

Regular Exercise and Stretching

Incorporating regular exercise and stretching into your routine can help maintain flexibility and strength in your hips and lower back. Try these activities:

  • Low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming or cycling
  • Yoga or Pilates to improve core strength and flexibility
  • Specific stretches targeting the hip flexors and lower back muscles
  • Strength training exercises to build supporting muscles around the hips and spine

Proper Lifting Techniques

Many hip and lower back injuries occur during lifting. Follow these guidelines to lift safely:

  • Bend at your knees, not your waist, when picking up objects
  • Keep the object close to your body as you lift
  • Avoid twisting your body while lifting; instead, pivot with your feet
  • Ask for help or use mechanical aids for very heavy objects

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hip and Lower Back Pain

While many cases of hip and lower back pain can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention.

Red Flags for Immediate Care

Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden, severe pain following an injury or fall
  • Loss of sensation in the legs or groin area
  • Inability to move your leg or foot
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Fever accompanying back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss along with back pain

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

Consult a healthcare provider if:

  • Pain persists for more than a few weeks despite home treatment
  • Pain gradually worsens over time
  • Pain interferes with daily activities or sleep
  • You experience recurring episodes of back pain

Innovative Treatments and Future Directions

As medical science advances, new treatments for hip and lower back pain are emerging, offering hope for those with chronic or difficult-to-treat conditions.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine techniques are showing promise in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including those affecting the hips and lower back. These approaches include:

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Growth factor injections

While more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy of these treatments, early results are encouraging for certain conditions.

Advanced Pain Management Techniques

New pain management strategies are being developed to provide more targeted and effective relief for hip and lower back pain. These include:

  • Radiofrequency ablation for nerve pain
  • Spinal cord stimulation for chronic back pain
  • Intrathecal pain pumps for severe, chronic pain

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Advancements in surgical techniques are making interventions for hip and lower back conditions less invasive and more precise. Examples include:

  • Endoscopic spine surgery
  • Robotic-assisted hip replacement
  • Laser spine procedures

These techniques often result in faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgeries.

Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Hip and Back Health

Adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact the long-term health of your hips and lower back, potentially preventing future issues and managing existing conditions.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight puts additional stress on your hips and lower back. Consider these strategies for weight management:

  • Adopt a balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
  • Practice portion control to avoid overeating
  • Engage in regular physical activity to burn calories and strengthen supporting muscles
  • Stay hydrated, as proper hydration supports overall health and can help with weight management

Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate existing pain. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as:

  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Regular engagement in hobbies or activities you enjoy

Sleep Hygiene and Proper Mattress Support

Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and can significantly impact hip and back pain. Improve your sleep habits by:

  • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
  • Investing in a supportive mattress and pillow that maintain proper spinal alignment
  • Avoiding electronic devices before bedtime to improve sleep quality

By implementing these lifestyle modifications, you can create a foundation for better hip and lower back health, complementing any medical treatments or interventions you may be undergoing.

Why does my lower back and hip hurt?

Sometimes lower back occurs alongside hip pain. This may happen on one side or both. Certain health conditions or injuries can affect the nerves in both the hips and the lower back.

These pains usually occur as a result of overuse or injury, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. People may notice the pain on the left or right side of the body or both.

In this article, we look at possible causes of lower back and hip pain. We also discuss the various treatment options and how to relieve pain.

Share on PinterestPossible causes of lower back and hip pain include sprains, strains, and a herniated disk.

It is easy to overwork the lower back and hips because they are responsible for lifting, twisting, and moving the legs and trunk. Pains due to overuse and minor injury are common in these areas of the body.

Although these pains are common, people should not ignore them. Rest and early treatment can significantly improve a person’s outlook.

The causes are similar in males and females. The following are some of the most common causes of lower back and hip pain.

Sprains and strains are a common cause of pain around the back and hips. A sprain is a torn or overstretched ligament, while a strain is a torn or overstretched tendon or muscle.

People with sprains and strains are likely to experience discomfort that worsens with activity and gets better with rest.

Common causes of sprains and strains in this area include:

  • sports injuries
  • a fall or trauma
  • twisting the body in an awkward way
  • lifting something heavy

Playing a sport or engaging in other physical activity without warming up properly can contribute to muscle strain.

Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the hip or lower back can cause:

  • muscle pain
  • muscle weakness
  • tenderness
  • swelling
  • reduced range of motion

Treatment

People will usually find that their symptoms improve with a few days of rest.

Gentle stretching can speed up recovery. Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the pain and swelling that these muscle injuries cause.

If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, the injury may be more serious, for example, a muscle tear. In this case, a person should see their doctor.

The hip flexors are muscles that extend from the hips to the knees. They are responsible for the range of motion in the legs and hips. If these muscles are stiff and tight, often due to remaining in a seated position for too long, a person may experience back and hip pain.

Hip flexor strains, which are strains in the hip flexor muscles, can also cause sharp pain in the back and hips.

Symptoms of tight hip flexor muscles include:

  • tenderness in the upper leg
  • muscle spasms in the hips or thighs
  • soreness in the hips and thighs

Some people may also experience a sense of weakness when trying to kick the leg or lift the knee toward the chest.

Read about 10 stretches for tight hips here.

Treatment

Physical therapy exercises and stretching can help relieve tight hip flexors and reduce discomfort. Examples include pulling the knee toward the chest or lunging one leg forward from a kneeling position to create a stretch in the hips.

Avoiding activities that can increase hip flexor tightness, such as sitting too long at a desk or wearing high heels for extended periods, can also help.

Share on PinterestA herniated disk may cause pain in the lower back, legs, and hips.

A herniated disk occurs when one of the cushioning disks between the vertebrae slips out of place. The disk can put pressure on a nearby nerve, which may cause tingling and burning pain in the lower back that extends to the hips and legs.

Older adults are prone to herniated disks because of the natural wear and tear of the spine that occurs over time. The disks also become less flexible with age.

Common causes of a herniated disk include:

  • improper lifting or twisting while lifting
  • a fall or trauma
  • being overweight
  • repetitive strain on the back
  • driving for long periods
  • smoking

Symptoms of a herniated disk include:

  • sciatica, or a sharp, shooting pain from the buttocks down the back of one leg
  • numbness in the leg or foot
  • muscle weakness in the leg or foot

In severe cases, people may experience a loss of bowel and bladder function. If this occurs, they should go to the hospital or call 911 right away.

Treatment

The treatment for a herniated disk involves relieving pain and discomfort while it heals. Bed rest will usually help relieve the pain too.

Other treatment options include:

  • physical therapy exercises
  • taking NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation
  • epidural steroid injections, which involve injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space containing the inflamed nerves

In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to correct a herniated disk.

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the lower portion of the spine to the pelvis. If these joints move too much or too little, people may feel pain in the back and hips.

The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include an aching lower back that makes it difficult for a person to find a comfortable position. The pain will usually worsen with physical activity, such as running or climbing stairs.

A herniated disk and arthritis can cause symptoms similar to those of SI joint dysfunction.

Treatment

Treatment options for SI joint dysfunction include:

  • NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation
  • physical therapy exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic muscles
  • stretching and applying ice to the affected areas
  • the injection of a steroid into the SI joint

A doctor may suggest that a person has corticosteroid injections to reduce spinal inflammation. In rare instances, they may recommend surgery to fuse the joints.

Osteoarthritis of the back can result in the breakdown of the protective and cushioning cartilage of the spine. This loss of cushioning can cause the spinal bones to rub together and place greater pressure on the nerves, including the nerves that go to the lower back and hips.

Arthritis in the back and hips causes joint stiffness and pain. A person may also experience weakness in the legs and hips, which can interfere with their everyday activities.

Treatment

Doctors do not have a cure for arthritis, but people can manage their symptoms using medication and lifestyle methods. These include:

  • exercises that strengthen the back and hips muscles to improve flexibility and range of motion
  • trying home remedies for arthritis
  • alternative therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and nutritional supplementation
  • surgery, if arthritis causes significant spinal canal narrowing
  • NSAIDs

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing chronic inflammation in the spinal joints. Lower back and hip pain are often some of the first symptoms that a person with ankylosing spondylitis experiences.

Symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness that is usually worse in the morning. Other symptoms may include:

  • low-grade fever
  • appetite loss
  • malaise, which is a general feeling of discomfort

Treatment

Doctors do not have a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but, as with other forms of arthritis, people can manage the condition with a range of medical and at-home treatments.

Prescription medications, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and NSAIDs, can help. Certain lifestyle measures, including doing regular physical activity, icing affected areas, and not smoking, can also be beneficial.

Share on PinterestHeadaches may be a symptom of Paget’s disease.

Paget’s disease of bone is a rare disorder that affects an estimated 1% of people in the United States, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

This condition causes a person’s bones to remodel abnormally, leading to bone softening, which can affect the pelvis, lower back, hips, and arms. A person with Paget’s disease has a higher risk of bone pain and fractures.

The symptoms of Paget’s disease include:

  • hip pain
  • hearing loss
  • bowed legs, where the knees are wider apart than usual
  • headaches
  • tingling and numbness down the legs

Treatment

The treatment for Paget’s disease involves medications to reduce the likelihood of the bones breaking. Doctors usually prescribe these medicines to treat osteoporosis. In rare cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to repair bones and restore alignment.

People should seek emergency attention if they experience any of the following symptoms alongside lower back and hip pain:

  • loss of bowel and bladder function
  • inability to move one or both legs
  • loss of sensation in one or both legs
  • visible deformity in the legs or back, such as the inability to stand up straight

If a person experiences less severe symptoms that do not improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments, they should make an appointment with their doctor. A doctor can evaluate their symptoms, make a diagnosis, and recommend the most effective treatments.

When a person experiences lower back and hip pain simultaneously, there may be an underlying injury or medical condition causing both of these symptoms. In other cases, the causes may be distinct.

Lower back and hip pain can make performing daily activities difficult. If these symptoms do not resolve or suddenly get worse, a person should seek medical attention.

Regardless of the cause, early treatment helps improve the outlook of a person with back and hip pain. Without treatment, some causes of the pain can get worse and may ultimately affect a person’s mobility and quality of life.

Burning Hip Pain. What Causes It? — Michael Rock MD Chicago Neuropathic Pain

Burning hip pain is caused by a multitude of conditions like bursitis, tendinitis, a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve. Burning hip pain can feel like a sharp, searing or achy pain in the upper outer thigh. This often results from inflammation. And, if it lingers, it can be debilitating. When left untreated, the pain can become so severe that you may end up unable to walk.

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. There is cartilage that covers the ball of the thigh bone and lines the socket of the pelvic bone. Your tendons attach muscles in the upper leg and thigh. Burning hip pain develops when any of these components—cartilage, muscles, tendons, nerves or the joint space—are defective, injured or not working properly.  

The hip joint is the largest weight-bearing joint in the human body. It helps the hip remain stable during twisting and extreme ranges of motion. A healthy hip joint allows you to walk, squat and turn smoothly without pain. 

Here are some common causes of hip pain.

Hip impingement, also known as Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the labrum, a thick cartilage that acts like a bumper cushion around the ball and socket hip joint, tears away from the socket. The bones of the hip joint—the acetabulum and the proximal femur—rub against one another during movement, which causes pain.

The wearing down of the cartilage and the friction caused by the rubbing of these two bones causes degenerative changes and osteoarthritis. This can sometimes produce a burning sensation that can also be accompanied by a sharp, stabbing sensation similar to an electric shock.

FAI usually develops from hip deformities or traumatic injury. The pain from this can be felt in the groin area and the outer hip. It’s often worse at night and may be mild, moderate, or severe.

People with FAI often find that it interferes with important parts of life such as sleep, sex, work and exercise.

Hip bursitis is one of the most common causes of burning hip pain. The hip has small, jelly-like sacs, called bursa that help cushion the bones and soft tissues in the joint. The bursa, which usually reduce friction, can become inflamed after repetitive motion injuries or certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes.

People with hip bursitis may report a burning sensation as well as sharp, achy pain in the hip and outer thigh. For many people, the pain worsens at night, when lying on the hip, or when getting up after a period of rest. Prolonged activity like walking, climbing stairs, or squatting may also make the pain worse. Injury, like falling on the hip or banging it on a hard surface, athletic activities, and hip-related surgery are the most common causes of hip bursitis.

Meralgia paresthetica is a neurological disorder. It happens when your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, the nerve that provides sensation to the thigh, becomes trapped. This causes numbness and/or burning pain on the outer part of the thigh.

Wearing tight clothes or belts, obesity, and pregnancy are the most common causes of meralgia paresthetica, although injury and diabetes may cause nerve entrapment. Meralgia paresthetica improves by wearing loose clothing or treating the underlying condition.

If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, burning sensation or numbness and tingling that travels down your leg, after a long period of sitting, you may have a pinched nerve in your hip. If the nerve is pinched for a prolonged period of time, it may even cause weakness. Obesity, a herniated disc, arthritis and/or a strained muscle may cause a pinched nerve. Pain is usually felt in the groin and radiates down the thigh or buttocks.

Hip arthritis mainly occurs in old age due to the wearing away of joint cartilage. This leaves the raw bone beneath it exposed. Without the cartilage pad to protect from friction, pain and stiffness set in. If left untreated, you may develop a joint deformity, which may require hip replacement surgery. Mild burning sensation of the hip may be resolved through modifying activity, medications and/or injections.

Sacroiliac joint pain is accompanied by inflammation at the point of insertion, where the backbone meets the pelvis. The sacrum is made of fused, immovable bones in the spine that attach to the right and left iliac bones of the hip. Together this joint supports the weight of the entire upper body. Repetitive joint use, uneven leg length, previous spine surgery, pregnancy, injury or trauma to ligaments surrounding SI joint and gout can lead to sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

The pain is typically worse with walking or standing and is relieved when lying down. Compression of the joint space and inflammation can cause a burning sensation or stiffness in the pelvic region. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are often prescribed. In some cases, oral steroids like prednisone may be taken for a short period of time to relieve severe inflammation.

A hip labral tear occurs when the ring of cartilage that stabilizes the hip joint—the labrum—tears off. Without the shock absorption of the labrum, you can feel a deep pain in your groin or the front of your hip. Sometimes labrum tears are small and you feel nothing, except during rigorous activities like running.

Overdoing the running, especially without strength training, can lead to an imbalance of muscle strength in the muscles and tendons that surround the hip. Strong quads, glutes, back and core abdominal muscles are needed to absorb the forces of running. An imbalance can lead to mechanical failure of the structures that support the hip such as the labrum.

The sensation that you feel depends on the location of the tear, but often a burning sensation is reported. Clicking and clunking of the hip during movement and increasingly more consistent pain are tell-tale signs that you might have a hip labral tear. A clinical examination and an MRI are usually needed to make the diagnosis. 

If hip pain is interfering with your everyday life, it may be time to contact a doctor. If you have a mild or moderate burning sensation in the hip, but are able to complete your activities of daily living, ask yourself these questions to gauge whether or not you should seek help:

  • Is the hip warm or tender to the touch?

  • Does the hip appear deformed?

  • Are you unable to move or bear weight on the affected leg?

  • Did your hip suddenly “give out” from under you?

  • Did you experience sudden swelling or intense pain in the hip?

  • Have home treatments like rest, ice, heat, or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications failed to improve your symptoms?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden pain

  • Tenderness

  • Swelling

  • Muscle weakness

  • Limited range of motion

  • Fever

  • Numbness and tingling

  • Loss of sensation or increased pain when moving the hip

Top 9 causes of low back pain

About 80% of adults experience low back pain at least once in their lives. It affects both men and women equally. The pain manifests itself in different ways: from dull and constant, to sudden, but very sharp, which temporarily disables. Sudden pain in the lower back appears after an injury or lifting a heavy object. If we consider chronic pain, it often manifests itself due to age-related changes in the spine. In this article, we will look at the main causes of lower back pain.

The lumbar spine contains 5 vertebrae (L1-L5) that support most of the upper body weight. The space between the vertebrae is filled with round elastic pads – intervertebral discs. They act as shock absorbers, absorbing loads and softening their impact on the spine.

Ligaments hold the vertebrae in place and tendons attach the muscles to them. Inside the spinal column are 31 pairs of nerves that control our movements and transmit signals from all parts of the body to the brain.

In most cases, pain is of mechanical origin. Next, we will look at the most common causes:

  1. Sprain or tear of ligaments, tendons and muscles is the most common cause of acute low back pain. They appear after twisting the spine, lifting objects improperly, lifting something very heavy, or putting excessive strain on ligaments, tendons, and muscles. All this also provokes painful spasms in the muscles of the back.
  2. Degeneration (wear and tear) of the intervertebral discs is another of the most common causes of lower back pain. It appears when the elastic discs lose their integrity during the aging process. In healthy people, intervertebral discs allow normal flexion and twisting of the torso. As the disks deteriorate, they lose their ability to absorb loads.
  3. Disc protrusion or herniation. This occurs when the intervertebral discs are severely compressed, bulge outward (protrusion) or rupture (herniated).
  4. Radiculopathy. This is a condition caused by compression, inflammation and/or injury to a spinal nerve root. Pressure on the nerve causes lower back pain, as well as numbness or a tingling sensation. These symptoms spread to those parts of the body that are innervated by the nerve emerging from the root. Also, radiculopathy occurs due to compression of the nerve root during spinal canal stenosis, protrusion or rupture of the intervertebral disc.
  5. Sciatica is a form of radiculopathy that develops due to compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs through the buttocks and extends down the back of the leg all the way to the heel. Compression of the sciatic nerve causes shooting or burning pain in the lower back, which is associated with pain in the buttocks and one leg. In the most severe cases, when the nerve is pinched between the disc and the bone adjacent to it, not only pain, but also numbness and weakness in the leg are of concern. This is due to a disruption in the transmission of nerve signals. In rare cases, the nerve or its root is pinched due to a cyst or tumor.
  6. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition in which the vertebrae fall out of place and compress the nerves that exit the spinal column.
  7. Injuries eg due to sports, car accidents or falls. Injuries are a source of sprains or ruptures of ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They also lead to excessive compression of the spine, which in turn causes protrusion or herniated discs.
  8. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the lumen that creates increased pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. As a result, walking causes pain or numbness. Over time, stenosis leads to weakness and loss of sensation in the legs.
  9. Scoliosis and other skeletal imbalances. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that usually causes no pain until middle age. Another common violation is hyperlordosis, in which there is an excessive deflection of the spine in the lower back.

Who is most at risk for lower back pain?

Several factors increase your chances of experiencing this problem. Among them:

  • Age – for the first time pain attacks at the age of 30-50 years. Due to osteoporosis, bone strength is lost with age, which leads to fractures, as well as a decrease in muscle tone and elasticity. The intervertebral discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, which in turn impairs their ability to absorb stress. The risk of spinal stenosis also increases with age.
  • Lack of movement – Weak abdominal and back muscles may not properly support the spine. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of training to strengthen muscles are to blame. Particularly often affected are people who spend a whole week without moving, and on the weekends they try to catch up and train too hard. Significantly less often, people who train at moderate intensity, but most of the days of the week, experience lower back pain. Research shows that low-intensity aerobic exercise is beneficial in maintaining the integrity of the intervertebral discs.
  • Pregnancy – expectant mothers often experience back pain. All the fault – structural changes in the pelvis and the redistribution of weight. One thing pleases – after childbirth, the pain disappears in almost everyone.
  • Gaining weight – being overweight, obese, or simply putting on too much weight puts strain on your back and leads to lower back pain.
  • Hereditary predisposition. One type of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, is often inherited. In this disease, the joints of the vertebrae grow together, which causes pain, as well as a decrease in mobility in the spine.
  • The specifics of labor activity. If your job involves lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, you risk injury or pain in your lower back. Especially dangerous are the movements of weights, in which the spine twists or vibrates. Inactive work also increases the risk of experiencing pain. Particularly affected are those who do not follow their posture or sit all day in a chair with an inappropriate back.

The problem of overloading schoolchildren with textbooks and accessories that they carry in their backpacks stands apart. Experts from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons note that the maximum weight of a backpack should be no more than 15-20% of the child’s weight.

Treatment of low back pain

The treatment strategy will depend on whether the pain is short term acute or chronic. The most commonly used pain management techniques include:

Applying warm or cold compresses

Compresses are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They can be used for any lower back pain – both acute and chronic. Compresses do not treat the underlying cause, but only help relieve pain and improve joint mobility.

Keeping active

Bed rest should be kept to a minimum. Stretching should be done and normal movement should be maintained, avoiding movements that aggravate pain. Research shows that staying active after the onset of low back pain helps maintain flexibility. Moreover, bed rest can even increase pain and lead to secondary complications. These include depression, decreased muscle tone, and the formation of blood clots in the legs.

Strength training (in addition to the usual physical activity) is not recommended for acute pain . They can be considered as an effective tool for accelerated recovery chronic low back pain .

Maintaining and increasing the strength of the muscles of the back and abdomen is especially important for people who suffer from musculoskeletal imbalances (scoliosis, hyperlordosis). To correct posture and muscle imbalance, you need to contact an orthopedist-traumatologist. The doctor will develop a set of exercises that will help correct these disorders.

By the way, research shows that yoga can also help relieve pain.

Medication for low back pain

Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors prescribe one or more drugs:

  • Painkillers – to relieve pain.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Anticonvulsant medicines, which are prescribed to treat seizures, may be helpful in people with radiculopathy.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are prescribed for chronic pain. Although their effectiveness for the treatment of low back pain has not been proven.
  • Creams and sprays – for cooling or warming.

Surgery is only recommended if there is progressive nerve damage or structural changes in the spine.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is severe and:

  • After a fall, injury or blow to the back,
  • Worse during rest or at night,
  • Worse during coughing or urination,

    • 900 11 Distributed in one or both legs,

  • Associated with weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs,
  • Associated with fever or unexplained weight loss,
  • Associated with abdominal pain or throbbing,
  • Accompanied by inability to control urination or defecation.

Don’t wait until your lower back pain gets so bad that you’re ready for anything. It is better to contact the orthopedist-traumatologist of the Persomed clinic.

Sources:

  1. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
  2. Low Back Pain, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons,
  3. Low back pain, Mayo Clinic,
  4. A Visual Guide to Low Back Pain, WebMD.

Back pain

back pain

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Kidney pain – causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, what to take, how to remove

900 02 Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Kidney pain is not a single disease, but a symptom that can appear in a variety of diseases. The main causes of this complaint on the part of the patient are pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis. However, the pain syndrome can develop against the background of urolithiasis, thrombosis of the veins or renal arteries, as well as with a heart attack.

Pain in the region of the kidneys requires immediate medical attention. Therapists, nephrologists or urologists deal with this problem. It is important to find out the cause that led to the development of this symptom and eliminate it. Treatment of pain alone, for example, with painkillers, will not give the desired result, and soon the symptom will return again.

Causes and triggers

It is difficult to understand on your own why pain in the kidneys appeared – this symptom has many causes and provoking factors. Most often, such a complaint occurs in patients suffering from the following diseases:

  • pyelonephritis is a purulent infectious inflammatory disease that is manifested by poor urinalysis, fever, back pain;
  • urolithiasis;
  • sciatica with exacerbations in the lumbar region;
  • spondyloarthrosis, when dystrophic, non-treatable changes begin to occur in the spine;
  • oncological neoplasms;
  • benign tumors in this area;
  • a renal cyst, which can cause blood in the urine, severe back pain, and the size of the organ increases significantly;
  • renal artery thrombosis – this condition occurs when the main vessel that feeds the kidneys is blocked by a thrombus, which causes severe pain, constipation, nausea and other symptoms;
  • atherosclerosis of large renal vessels;
  • pinched nerve in osteochondrosis.

Pain in the kidneys in women may occur during pregnancy. Often this condition is accompanied by the appearance of protein in the urine, which is the first sign that these paired organs are not doing their job, and the woman urgently needs to consult a gynecologist.

Kidney pain in men may result from trauma, gastrointestinal disease, or stroke. It is important to remember that this symptom does not always indicate that it is the described paired organs that are affected. Sometimes it appears due to diseases of other organs, and then a mandatory consultation of a neurologist, phlebologist or other specialists is required.

Rare provoking factors include both acute and chronic renal failure, nephritis, pyonephrosis and carbuncle of the kidney, genetic anomalies, nephropathy, hepatorenal syndrome.

Symptoms

Kidney pain is rarely an independent symptom. Most often, a patient is diagnosed with fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, itchy skin, high blood pressure, swelling of the face or legs, and poor general health.

When urinating, the urine may become cloudy or have obvious signs of blood. It is impossible to say exactly what signs of pain in the kidneys will disturb a person. It all depends on what disease this symptom was provoked. Therefore, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible to find out the reasons for the development of discomfort in the lower back.

What kind of pain in the kidneys occurs in nature, also depends on the underlying disease. Sensations can disturb constantly or appear only from time to time, be dull or acute, occur on one side or both. Aching and long-term pain occurs in chronic processes, and an increase in discomfort can be influenced by a change in body position, being in a horizontal or vertical position.

Drawing pains usually occur when muscles are injured or damaged. Dull pain speaks of pathologies in the pelvic organs. When the kidneys are lowered, discomfort occurs with any physical effort. Pulsating pain sensations appear during an acute inflammatory process.

Pain in the kidneys often radiates to other areas: lower back, leg, groin, lower abdomen. Also, the patient notes a violation of urination, at night you have to go to the toilet especially often, and during urination, discomfort is noted.

Diagnosis

How to distinguish pain in the kidneys from damage to other organs? Usually, only a doctor can do this during examination and after questioning the patient. It is impossible to independently determine the cause of these unpleasant sensations.

Tests are of great importance for diagnosis. They must be done in the first place and it is not worth pulling with their surrender. The main thing is a urine test. It will show the presence of specific changes that occur in this fluid only with kidney disease. This may be the presence of a large amount of protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria. Urinalysis can be done by the usual method with a sediment study, or it can be done according to Zimnitsky or Nechiporenko.

A blood test often shows an elevated ESR as well as a high white blood cell count. This indicates the development of the inflammatory process. In a biochemical study, the emphasis is on the level of protein and albumin, as well as creatinine and urea.

An ultrasound is performed to determine how the kidneys are working. It helps to determine the presence of tumors, cysts, as well as the size of the kidneys, find foci of inflammation and understand exactly where the pathological process takes place. Blood flow in paired organs is determined using dopplerography.

Additional methods include radiography with contrast, CT or MRI, as well as urography and biopsy.

Treatment

Kidney pain is often treated in a hospital. The patient is prescribed a special diet with a minimum content of salt and protein. Also, in acute inflammation, bed rest and limitation of physical activity are recommended.

What to take if there is pain in the kidneys, only a doctor can tell. Diuretics are recommended to relieve swelling and normalize diuresis. Corticosteroids effectively eliminate the inflammatory process, which is often the cause of the disease. Hormonal preparations are usually used for glomerulonephritis or ordinary nephritis.

What should I do if my kidney pain is caused by an infectious disease? In this case, it is recommended to take antibiotics, but it is possible to decide on their appointment only after determining the sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs. Self-administration of these drugs can lead to numerous complications. Antihypertensive drugs are used in chronic renal failure, as well as high blood pressure.

How to relieve pain in the kidneys, if it is necessary to do it urgently? The best solution would be drugs of the antispasmodic group. Painkillers for pain in the kidneys are better to choose from the group of NSAIDs. But you can take them only after eating, besides, they have a considerable number of contraindications and you must carefully read the instructions.

Kidney pain pills are not recommended to be taken for too long – if the discomfort does not stop within 1-2 days, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Nephrology surgery is usually done for stones that cannot pass on their own. In cases of severe anomalies in the development of this paired organ or a total lesion of the entire kidney, it is removed with further transplantation.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to treat all diseases in a timely manner, not neglect annual medical examinations, be sure to pay attention to physical education, avoid hypothermia and reduce the amount of salt consumed to a minimum. It is necessary to stop smoking and abuse alcoholic beverages, always monitor blood pressure and sugar, give urine for analysis once a year and take vitamin-mineral complexes in accordance with age.

The author of the article:

Pavlova Olga Grigorievna

general practitioner, nephrologist

work experience 33 years

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