When is back pain a cause for concern. How can you distinguish between normal discomfort and a medical emergency. What are the 5 key signs that indicate your back pain might require immediate medical attention.

Understanding Back Pain: Common Causes and Prevalence

Back pain is an incredibly common ailment that affects a vast majority of adults at some point in their lives. Approximately 80% of adults will experience back pain, making it crucial to understand its various causes and when it might indicate a more serious condition.

In our younger years, typically in our 20s and 30s, back pain often stems from everyday activities. These can include:

• Prolonged sitting
• Lifting children
• Overexertion during exercise

As we age, particularly in our 40s and beyond, the causes of back pain tend to shift. Work-related injuries become more prevalent, and we start to see the onset of arthritis and other degenerative conditions.

When Should You Be Concerned About Back Pain?

Given how common back pain is, many people tend to dismiss symptoms that could potentially indicate a medical emergency. It’s crucial to be able to differentiate between typical discomfort and more serious conditions.

Is your back pain linked to a specific activity? If you can trace your pain to a particular incident, such as lifting something incorrectly or an awkward twist, and the pain subsides within 72 hours after rest and ice application, it’s generally not a cause for major concern.

However, certain characteristics of back pain should raise red flags:

• Gradual onset of pain with no apparent cause
• Sudden, intense pain
• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.

5 Emergency Signs of Back Pain You Shouldn’t Ignore

While most instances of back pain are not emergencies, certain symptoms should never be overlooked. Here are five key signs that your back pain might be more than just a minor issue:

1. Sharp Pain Instead of a Dull Ache

A sharp, intense pain that feels different from the usual dull ache of common back pain could be a sign of a more serious condition. This type of pain might indicate:

• A torn muscle or ligament
• An issue with an internal organ in the back or side

2. Radiating Pain

Pain that seems to move or shoot into your glutes or legs could be a sign of nerve compression. This type of pain is often described as:

• Shooting
• Electric
• Burning

Radiating pain can be a symptom of conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc, which may require medical intervention.

3. Sudden Weakness in the Legs

Experiencing sudden weakness in your legs alongside back pain is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. This could be caused by:

• Compressed nerves in the spine (e.g., due to sciatica or spinal stenosis)
• In some cases, it might even indicate a stroke

Regardless of the cause, sudden leg weakness warrants immediate medical attention.

4. Incontinence

If you’re experiencing back pain coupled with an inability to control your bowels or bladder, this could be a sign of a severe condition. Potential causes include:

• Serious nerve compression
• Spine infection (e.g., discitis or meningitis)

Incontinence paired with back pain is always a reason to seek emergency medical care.

5. Numbness or Pins and Needles in the Groin or Glutes

This sensation, known as saddle anesthesia, is another sign of a serious nerve or spine condition. It’s characterized by numbness or tingling in the areas of your body that would touch a saddle if you were riding a horse.

If you experience leg weakness, incontinence, and numbness together, you might have a condition called cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency characterized by spinal cord nerve damage and typically requires immediate surgery to prevent permanent damage.

Common Back Pain Conditions in Older Adults

As we age, our spines become more susceptible to certain conditions that can cause pain. While these conditions are often less severe than the emergency signs mentioned above, they can still significantly impact quality of life.

Degenerative Disc Disease

This condition can cause pain throughout the entire spine. It occurs when the discs between the vertebrae begin to break down, leading to:

• Decreased shock absorption
• Reduced flexibility
• Potential nerve compression

Lumbar Arthritis

Typically causing low-back pain, lumbar arthritis is a wear-and-tear condition that affects the joints in the lower spine. Symptoms may include:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Decreased range of motion

Most patients with these conditions will not require surgery. Treatment options often include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Injectable anesthetics
• A combination of these treatments

When to Seek Medical Attention for Back Pain

Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional about your back pain is crucial. While not all back pain requires a doctor’s visit, certain situations call for medical evaluation:

• Pain persists for more than a few weeks
• Pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain spreads down one or both legs, especially if it extends below the knee
• You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
• You have unexplained weight loss along with your back pain

If you experience any of the emergency signs discussed earlier, seek immediate medical attention.

Preventing Back Pain: Tips and Strategies

While not all back pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain a healthy spine:

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can help strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Good exercises for back health include:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Yoga
• Pilates

Maintain Good Posture

Poor posture can put unnecessary strain on your back. Be mindful of your posture when sitting, standing, and lifting objects.

Lift Properly

When lifting heavy objects, bend at your knees and keep your back straight. Avoid twisting while lifting.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight, especially around the midsection, can put added stress on your back muscles and spine.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can reduce blood flow to the lower spine and cause the spinal discs to degenerate more quickly.

Diagnostic Procedures for Back Pain

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe back pain, your healthcare provider may recommend various diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying cause:

Physical Examination

Your doctor will likely start with a physical exam, checking your range of motion and testing for areas of tenderness or numbness.

Imaging Tests

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might order:

• X-rays: To check for bone problems
• MRI or CT scans: To visualize soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and potential nerve compression

Blood Tests

In some cases, blood tests might be ordered to check for indicators of inflammation or infection.

Nerve Studies

If nerve damage is suspected, your doctor might recommend electromyography (EMG) to measure electrical impulses produced by nerves and muscles.

Treatment Options for Back Pain

The treatment for back pain varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches:

Conservative Treatments

For many cases of back pain, conservative treatments are the first line of defense:

• Rest
• Ice or heat therapy
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Gentle stretching and exercise

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your core and back muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.

Medications

Your doctor might prescribe:

• Muscle relaxants
• Prescription pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

Injections

For some conditions, corticosteroid injections might be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

Surgery

In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery might be necessary. This could include procedures like:

• Disc replacement
• Spinal fusion
• Laminectomy

Remember, the appropriate treatment will depend on your specific condition and should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Living with Chronic Back Pain: Coping Strategies

For some individuals, back pain becomes a chronic condition. While managing chronic pain can be challenging, there are strategies that can help improve quality of life:

Pain Management Techniques

Learning various pain management techniques can be beneficial:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain changes to your daily routine can help manage pain:

• Using ergonomic furniture
• Taking frequent breaks to move and stretch
• Modifying activities that exacerbate pain

Support Groups

Joining a support group for individuals with chronic pain can provide emotional support and practical advice for coping with daily challenges.

Mental Health Support

Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health. Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in chronic pain management.

While back pain is a common ailment, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that might indicate a more serious condition. By understanding the different types of back pain and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can ensure proper care and potentially prevent more severe complications. Remember, your spine health is integral to your overall well-being, so don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your back pain.

5 signs your back pain might be an emergency | Back and Spine | Orthopaedics and Rehab

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About 80% of adults will experience back pain in their lives, so it’s important to be able to identify the severity of your symptoms.

In our 20s and 30s, “normal” back pain often can be attributed to factors of daily life, such as sitting too long, picking up children, or overdoing it while exercising.  

In our 40s and older, work injuries and the beginnings of arthritis and degenerative conditions are more common.

Back pain is so common, in fact, that many patients shrug off symptoms that might indicate a medical emergency.

Approximately 80% of adults will experience back pain in their lives, so it’s important to be able to identify the severity of your symptoms and track how long the pain lasts.

If back pain can be associated with a specific activity, such as lifting or twisting wrong, and the pain goes away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if pain creeps on gradually, appears suddenly, or doesn’t go away, you might have a more serious condition. 

5 sensations that might indicate a medical emergency

1. Sharp pain rather than a dull ache: This could indicate a torn muscle or ligament, or a problem with an internal organ in the back or side.
2. Radiating pain: This pain “moves” or shoots to the glutes or legs, which could indicate a nerve compression condition.

Radiating pain could be a sign of nerve damage.

3. Sudden weakness in the legs: Limb weakness can be caused by compressed nerves in the spine due to conditions like sciatica or spinal stenosis. However, sudden leg weakness could also indicate a stroke.
4. Incontinence: Back pain paired with inability to control the bowels or bladder might be a sign of serious nerve compression or a spine infection, such as discitis or meningitis.
5. Numbness or pins and needles in the groin or glutes: This is known as saddle anesthesia and is also a sign of a serious nerve or spine condition. 

If you have leg weakness, incontinence, and numbness together, you might have cauda equina syndrome, a serious illness characterized by spinal cord nerve damage. This is a medical emergency, and patients usually need surgery immediately to decompress the nerves and reduce permanent damage.

Related reading: Get help for back, neck, and leg pain caused by spinal stenosis

Other conditions that cause back pain in older adults

We often see a range of less serious but still painful spine conditions in seniors. Most patients with these conditions will not require surgery. Physical therapy, medication, injectable anesthetics, or a combination of treatments usually can control symptoms.

• Degenerative disc disease, which can cause whole spine pain, and lumbar arthritis, which usually causes low-back pain, commonly develop with age and are considered wear-and-tear conditions.
• Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the joints that connect your spine and pelvis. This condition can cause pain in the low back, glutes, and upper legs.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that causes patients’ spines to become inflexible, resulting in a continual hunched forward position and spine pain.
• We also check for adult degenerative scoliosis and kyphosis, spine-curving conditions that can result in back pain and weakness in the lower extremities.

Take an inside look at The Spine Center at UT Southwestern, where the multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and providers delivers cutting edge treatment for back pain and spine-related injuries.

Rare, non-spine conditions that cause back pain

Occasionally, our spine team finds that a patient’s back pain is caused by an underlying condition that is not spine related. 

Kidney and digestive issues, including pancreatitis and gallstones, can cause low-back discomfort that patients might assume is spine pain. In women, uterine fibroids and endometriosis are notorious for causing core pain that can radiate into the back.

Rarely, we discover that a patient with sudden, severe back pain has experienced a ruptured aneurysm, which is a weakening and tearing of part of a blood vessel. This is a medical emergency because it causes internal bleeding that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Similarly, aortic dissection – the tearing of an inner layer of tissue in the aorta, the main vessel carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body – sometimes causes back pain and can be fatal if not immediately treated.

Research suggests the spine is also prone to receiving cancer cells that spread from other parts of the body. Batson’s plexus, a network of veins that connect the venous system and spine, might (for unknown reasons) direct spreading cancer cells to the spine. For example, prostate cancer has been known to spread to the spine.

Related reading: Prostate Cancer Awareness Guide

Existing patients may also schedule an appointment using MyChart.

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Why back pain requires a team approach to care

Whether back pain requires surgery or is manageable with conservative treatment, it’s important to see a spine specialist for diagnosis and care. The doctors at our Spine Center work as a team with experts in nerve, muscle, and bone conditions, as well as nurses and physical therapists who work closely with patients to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.  

Each week, our multidisciplinary team meets to discuss challenging cases and educate each other on the latest research and techniques. Together, we see a range of patients with complex medical needs. For example, if a patient with a spinal infection is taking a medication that suppresses the immune system, such as immunotherapy for cancer, we work together to find an effective treatment that is safe for their unique needs.

Some medications or medical conditions put patients at greater risk for low bone density, fractured vertebrae, or back pain. In these cases, we get referrals from and collaborate with oncologists, hematologists, rheumatologists, mineral metabolism doctors, and primary care doctors to reduce patients’ risks and manage their symptoms. 

If you are worried about back pain, come see us for reassurance. The earlier you are diagnosed, the better your outcomes can be. 

If you or a loved one might benefit from a back pain consultation, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.  

Laurie Zapatka was injured in a car accident 20 years ago and her condition became progressively worse. By the time she came to UT Southwestern, her mobility was severely limited. A day after posterior spinal fusion surgery, she was up and moving with “zero pain.”

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Get help for back, neck, and leg pain caused by spinal stenosis | Orthopaedics and Rehab

Too many people live with unnecessary pain related to spinal conditions. One of the most common ones I treat is spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Normal wear and tear as we age causes our spines to change. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says up to 95 percent of people 50 or older experience degenerative changes of the spine, and spinal stenosis can affect 8 to 11 percent of them.

Spinal stenosis symptoms can be managed and treated. This doesn’t always mean surgery, but if you do need surgery, know there are minimally invasive options that can make recovery a little easier than in the past. Let’s talk about what causes spinal stenosis, its symptoms, and how we can treat it.

What is spinal stenosis?

The spinal canal is the space though which the spinal cord passes. When this space narrows, it can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and cause pain.

There are several types of spinal stenosis, and they relate to where along the spine the narrowing occurs:

• Cervical spinal stenosis, which occurs in the neck
• Thoracic stenosis, which occurs in the mid-back
• Lumbar stenosis, which occurs in the lower back

Spinal stenosis can develop at any age, but it’s most common among people 50 and older. Some of the most common causes of spinal stenosis include:

• Aging: As noted earlier, the spine changes as we age. The ligaments become thicker or the bones and joints get bigger, resulting in a narrower spinal canal.
• Arthritis: Vertebrae, or the bones that form the spine, can begin to compress and wear against the joints that allow it to flex after years of repetitive motion. This can cause the joints to deteriorate, resulting in inflammation or the development of bone spurs, which are bony projections that form on the surface of bones.
• Congenital defect: Some people are born with a small spinal canal. This is the most common type of spinal stenosis found in young people. It might present in teens who play contact sports and experience recurring numbness or weakness in their hands, or what we call “stingers,” which are pinched nerve injuries.
• Spinal deformities: Spinal conditions such as scoliosis, in which there is a curvature of the spine, or spondylolisthesis, in which a vertebrae moves out of position onto the vertebra below it, can cause the spinal canal to narrow.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative disease, which means it gets worse over time. It starts slowly, and by the time you notice pain, it’s probably been brewing for some time.

Nerves relay sensation to specific parts of the body. Pressure on these nerves can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in those body parts. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the neck or back
• Pain that radiates down into the legs
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, legs, or buttocks
• Muscle atrophy or motor loss in extreme cases

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, request an appointment to talk to a doctor about whether you may have spinal stenosis or another spinal condition.

Diagnosis of spinal stenosis starts with discussing your medical history and symptoms. If we suspect spinal stenosis, we’ll likely get high-resolution imaging such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan. Once we confirm it’s spinal stenosis, we can discuss treatment options.

How we treat spinal stenosis

There isn’t one “right” treatment for spinal stenosis. What works for one person may not work for another.

We always try to start with the most conservative methods, such as:

• Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants
• Cortisone injections
• Physical therapy

These treatments work for the vast majority of spinal stenosis patients, with only a small percentage needing surgery. Remember, spinal stenosis is a degenerative disease, and these methods are most effective at the early stage, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

If these methods don’t bring pain relief, you may need surgery to make more room for the spinal cord and nerves in the spinal canal. I know many people are scared by the thought of back surgery, but these aren’t the surgeries of years past. We offer a number of minimally invasive options, which require smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period, allowing you to more quickly get back to daily activities.

You and your doctor will examine the best options for your situation. If you don’t feel comfortable, get a second opinion. You shouldn’t have to live with back pain or tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms and legs. Talk with your doctor to find the cause of your pain and to begin a treatment plan.

Lumboischialgia – causes, treatment | MOTRIN®

Author, editor and medical expert – Anna Yurievna Budovskaya.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna

Number of views: 35 841

Last update date: 12/29/2022 9 0003

Average reading time: 6 minutes

Content:

Causes of sciatica
Symptoms of sciatica
Diagnosis of lumboischialgia
Treatment of lumboischialgia
Prevention of lumboischialgia

Pain in the lower back during life occurs in more than 70% of people, most often in young people aged 35 to 55 years. Lumbosacral pain is one of the most common causes of temporary disability ^1.2 .

Pain in the lower back is called variously ³ :

• lumbalgia – if it is felt only in the lower back;
• lumboischialgia – when pain occurs not only in the lumbar region, but also spreads to the lower limb;
• lumbago – in cases where there is acute and intense pain in the lower back (lumbar backache).

In all these cases, back pain is a serious symptom that requires alertness and a mandatory visit to a doctor. In this article, we will talk in detail about lumboischialgia: why it occurs, how to alleviate unpleasant symptoms and prevent their recurrence.

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Causes of lumboischialgia

In more than 90% of cases, doctors do not find any serious disease (inflammation, infection, tumor, or fracture) that could cause lumboischialgia attacks ² . The most common causes of pain are complications of lumbar osteochondrosis, such as displacement of the vertebrae or a herniated disc ³ . In the elderly, lumboischialgia is usually due to degenerative processes (disc destruction) in the lumbar spine ^2.9 , and in young and middle-aged people it is often due to reflex irritation of the nerves, for example, when the intervertebral disc bulges ^9.12 .

Intervertebral discs are structures that serve as shock absorbers during the movement of the spine. Each disc has a nucleus pulposus and a fibrous (dense) annulus that prevents the nucleus from going beyond the disc ¹³ .

In a herniated disc, the intervertebral disc moves outward and irritates the pain receptors of the annulus fibrosus. This causes reflex muscle spasms, which provoke pain in the lower back and lower limbs ⁹ .

At risk of developing lumboischialgia are people whose work is associated with lifting weights or “twisting” loads that are inadequate for the spine. Such movements during work are usually performed by loaders, locksmiths, as well as athletes – gymnasts, tennis players, skiers ¹¹ . However, osteochondrosis and its complications in the form of lumboischialgia are also often found in people of “sedentary” professions, for example, office workers and drivers of vehicles who are forced to stay in one, sometimes very uncomfortable for the spine, position for a long time.0035 11 .

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Symptoms of sciatica

Lumbosciatica can occur due to sudden movement, bending over, lifting heavy objects or falling ⁹ . For many, the pain is aggravated by straining, coughing, sneezing, staying in one position for a long time, and even sitting in a deep chair ⁹ . At the moment of the attack, the person takes a forced position, usually leaning to the healthy side, or lies with his leg pressed to his stomach to relieve pain ⁹ .

There are 2 forms of lumboischialgia:

• In neuropathic the source of pain is the root of the spinal nerve, which turned out to be compressed by a displaced vertebra or herniated disc ³ . When squeezing the root (radiculopathy), the pain is sudden, shooting and intense ³ . Since the sciatic nerve is part of the root ¹⁴ , the pain “radiates” to one leg, but does not have clear boundaries and can “move” within the lower limb ³ .
• Reflex occurs due to irritation of the muscles, joints and ligaments in the lumbar region ¹¹ . At the same time, aching and more often bilateral pain is observed, which is most pronounced in the buttocks and thighs, rarely goes below the knee ³ . Sometimes discomfort is felt constantly ³ .

Consult your doctor if you experience any pain. Often low back pain is a manifestation of specific conditions that require emergency care ³ .

The following danger symptoms (“red flags”) are distinguished for lumboischialgia ² :

• under 18 and over 50 years of age;
• recent back injury;
• long-term treatment with hormonal drugs;
• dramatic weight loss;
• persistent progressive pain that does not improve with rest;
• soreness, which is felt not only in the back, but also in the perineum, vagina, rectum, sometimes associated with urination or defecation;
• increased body temperature;
• marked spinal deformity.

If on the background of lumboischialgia you have found at least one “red flag” – immediately seek help from a specialist ⁵ .

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Diagnosis of lumboischialgia

Pain in the lumbar region radiating to the gluteal region and the leg (or both legs) can be a manifestation of acute lumboischialgia (lasts up to 6 weeks) and chronic (troubles more than 12 weeks ) ³ . Often it goes away on its own ⁵ , but in order for the problem not to become chronic, you need to be examined by a doctor in time and exclude serious diseases.

If you have frequent symptoms of sciatica, you should contact your general practitioner. If necessary, he will refer you to a neurologist, traumatologist, rheumatologist and other specialists ² .

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Treatment of lumboischialgia

Pain relief is one of the important tasks of the syndrome therapy ¹¹ . For this purpose, non-drug, medical and surgical methods can be used ^{8. 11} .

For the symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic sciatica, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used ^4,6,11 , which relieve pain and increase the functional activity of patients ¹¹ . Motrin® is a drug from the NSAID group, the active ingredient of which is naproxen. The drug is indicated for adults and adolescents from 15 years of age with lumboischialgia as an anesthetic ⁷ .

Tablets should be taken whole (including with meals) and washed down with a sufficient amount of liquid ⁷ . To relieve the pain of sciatica, you can take as follows: starting dose – 2 tablets (500 mg), and then one tablet (250 mg) up to 4 times a day (every 8 hours). In this case, usually the daily dose used to relieve pain is 2-3 tablets (500-750 mg). It is allowed to use the drug as an anesthetic without consulting a doctor for up to 5 days. If unpleasant symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to consult a specialist ⁷ .

Non-drug methods of pain relief include ^3.8 :

• therapeutic exercises;
• manual therapy;
• acupuncture;
• massage.

If there is pain in the lower back that radiates to the leg, experts recommend maintaining physical activity and avoiding bed rest – this has a beneficial effect on the course of the pathology and helps to recover faster ^6,8,11 .

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Prevention of lumboischialgia

To prevent attacks of pain, it is important to follow the recommendations of doctors: 5 2 ;

Lumbosciatica is a problem that can affect both the elderly and young people ¹ . It indicates the resulting complications of osteochondrosis and requires careful attention ³ . With a properly organized work schedule, sufficient physical activity and timely access to a doctor, exacerbations and complications of chronic back pain can be avoided ¹¹ .

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

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References

1. WHO Priority diseases and reasons for inclusion 2013 6.24 Low back pain https : //www . who . int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_24LBP.pdf
2. Parfenov Vladimir Anatolyevich, Golovacheva Veronika Alexandrovna Diagnosis and treatment of acute nonspecific lumbosacral pain // Therapeutic archive. 2019. No. 8. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/diagnostika-i-lechenie-ostroy-nespetsificheskoy-o-krpoyasnichtsovoy-boli
3. Levin O. S., Chimagomedova A.Sh., Shugurova I.M., Nikitina A.N. Modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic back pain // STPN. 2020. No. 3-4. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/sovremennye-podhody-k-diagnostike-i-lecheniyu-hronicheskoy-boli-v-spine
4. Shirokov Vasily Afonasevich, Potaturko A.V., Terekhov N.L. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and vitamins of group B in the treatment of lumboischialgia // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. 2020. №6. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/nesteroidnye-protivovospalitelnye-preparaty-miorelaksanty-i-vitaminy-gruppy-v-v-lechenii-lyumboishialgii
5. Shakhabov I.V., Polishchuk N.S. Evaluation of recommendations for the appointment of magnetic resonance imaging in the provision of outpatient care in a planned form for pain at the level of the lumbar spine // ORGZDRAV: News. Opinions. Education. Vestnik VSHOUZ. 2020. No. 3 (21). URL: https://cyberleninka. ru/article/n/otsenka-rekomendatsiy-po-naznacheniyu-…
6. Parfenov Vladimir Anatolievich, Isaikin A.I., Kuzminova T.I., Chernenko O.A., Milovanova O.V., Romanova A.V., Samkhaeva N.D., Shor Yu.M. Treatment of patients with acute and subacute lumbodynia and lumboischialgia // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. 2019. No. 3. URL: https : //cyberleninka . en/article/n/lechenie-patsientov-s-ostroy-i-podostroy-lyumbalgiey-i-lyumboishialgiey
7. Instructions for use of the drug MOTRIN ® tablets //Reg.number P N002874/01// GRLS RF. – URL: https : //grls . rosminzdrav . en/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=868bad0c-d10e-47a9-b9d8-2595d9a01ac7&t=
8. Parfenov V.A., Parfenova E.V. Questions of therapy of chronic nonspecific lumbalgia // MS. 2020. No. 8. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/voprosy-terapii-hronicheskoy-nespetsif…
9. Shostak N.A., Pravdyuk N.G. Back pain and comorbidity – diagnosis, treatment tactics. Outpatient surgery. 2016;(3-4):44-50. https://www.a-surgeon.ru/jour/article/view/59
10. Vertkin A.L., Karateev A.E., Kukushkin M.L., Martynov A.I., Parfenov V.A., Yakhno N.N., Knorring G.Yu. National guidelines for the management of patients with back pain for internists and general practitioners of polyclinics. Therapy. 2018; 3 (21) https://therapy-journal.ru/ru/archive/article/36103
11. Russian Interregional Society for the Study of Pain. Clinical guidelines Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal (non-specific) pain in the lower back, 2019https : //painrussia . en/educational-programs/2020/zoom/%D0%9A%D0%A0_%D0%91%D0%A1_%D0%A0%D0%9E%D0%98%D0%91_2020_%D1%84%D0% B8%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%20(1).pdf
12. Diagnosis of viscero-vertebral and vertebro-visceral pain syndrome in lumbar osteochondrosis. Drivotinov B.V., Gamanovich A.I., Medical Journal No. 4 2012 From 46-50.
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causes, treatment – how to get rid of pain

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Back pain above the waist

This symptom is treated by an Orthopedic Traumatologist.

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If the patient has back pain above the waist, it is necessary to conduct an examination with subsequent diagnosis. This may be a symptom of a disease of the spine, heart, digestive system, muscles, or pathology of another anatomical structure. Pain in this area occurs in people of any age, but more often elderly patients turn to specialists with such a complaint. To make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe therapeutic measures, laboratory and instrumental studies are needed.

CMRT specialist tells

Bulatsky S.O.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • 16 years of experience

Publication date: September 23, 2021

Verification date: January 30, 2023

All facts have been verified by a doctor.

Contents of the article

Causes of pain in the back above the lower back on the sides

Varieties

Which doctor to contact

Diagnostic methods

Treatment of pain in the back above the waist

Rehabilitation

After the main course of treatment, the patient may need a long recovery to return to normal life.

Depending on the disease that caused a sharp pain in the back on the right above the waist, the patient is prescribed manual therapy, exercise therapy, diet or physiotherapy.

In the rehabilitation center “Laboratory of Movement” specialists use modern methods of rehabilitation.

Consequences

Prevention of soreness in the back above the waist

Other related articles:

Pinching of the spine in the lower back

Patients often ask the doctor about the treatment of acute pain when the back is stuck in the lower back, what to do in this case. This is an infringement of a nerve or nerve bundle passing in the lumbosacral region. Due to severe pain, a person cannot walk normally, therefore, in such a situation, emergency medical care is often required. When a nerve is pinched in the lower back, a specialist can quickly relieve the pain. Fully study the pathology is possible only after the diagnosis.

Aortic aneurysm

Ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the most dangerous among the most complex diseases of the circulatory system. The expansion of the lumen of the largest artery in the human body, more than 2 times its normal maximum diameter, is the main cause of massive internal bleeding and thrombosis. And only timely detection and competent medical correction can eliminate the threat to health and return to a full life.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a dangerous clinical syndrome that is the outcome of many cardiopathologies. Violation of the anatomical and functional properties of the heart significantly impairs the quality of life of patients and is considered the most common cause of death. Therefore, it is very important to detect the disease in a timely manner and carry out competent complex treatment.

Cyst of the spine in the lumbosacral region

Cyst in the spine is a rare pathology characterized by the appearance of a neoplasm with liquid hemorrhagic or cerebrospinal fluid contents. With a small size, it is asymptomatic, it is detected by chance during MRI diagnostics. Large cysts provoke compression of the nerve roots, blood vessels, which leads to the appearance of chronic pain, circulatory disorders. A vertebrologist and a neurologist are engaged in conservative treatment, and a neurosurgeon is involved in surgical treatment.

Dorsalgia of the lumbar spine

Dorsalgia is a complex non-specific pain symptom radiating to various areas of the back. A common pathological condition diagnosed in more than 70% of clinical cases. The cause of occurrence is dystrophic changes in the spine, physical activity, stress, trauma. The main symptom is back pain of varying intensity for three to four weeks. For treatment, they turn to a neurologist, who, based on the results of CT, MRI and other methods, makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

Back strain

The most common cause of acute muscle pain is back strain. The tension that causes pain in the structures that provide support, protection and movement of the spine is associated with microtraumatization of muscle fibers. It can happen at any age, in any profession. And although in general such damage has a favorable prognosis, sometimes there is a threat of chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Therefore, a condition called “pulled back” is a reason to see a doctor.

Violation of spinal statics

Violation of spinal statics – pathological relationship between the structures of the segments, excessive mobility or stiffness of the vertebrae. The condition often develops against the background of a degenerative-destructive process – osteochondrosis. Clinical manifestations depend on the affected area, include pain syndrome, curvature of the vertebral column, neurological disorders. Treatment of spinal static function disorders implies an individual approach, it can be conservative or surgical.

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Moskaleva V.V.

Editor • Journalist • Experience 10 years

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