What causes sudden sharp pains in the back. How to differentiate between mechanical and medical causes of acute back pain. When should you seek immediate medical attention for stabbing back pain. What are the best treatment options for various types of sharp back pain.

Understanding Sharp Back Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

Sharp back pain, also known as acute back pain, can be a debilitating experience that significantly impacts daily life. Unlike the dull ache associated with prolonged sitting or gradual stiffness from excessive driving, the onset of sharp back pain is often sudden and its cause not immediately apparent. This type of pain can be attributed to various factors, both mechanical and medical in nature.

Mechanical Causes of Sharp Back Pain

Mechanical issues within the back, involving the bones, disks, ligaments, or muscles, are among the most common causes of acute back pain. These include:

• Muscle spasms
• Herniated disks
• Compression fractures
• Strains and sprains

Muscle spasms, for instance, can occur due to trauma or repetitive strain, leading to a prolonged contraction or stiffening of the back muscles. This protective mechanism can result in sharp pain in either the upper or lower back.

Medical Causes of Sharp Back Pain

While less common, certain medical conditions can also manifest as sharp back pain. These include:

• Infections (e.g., osteomyelitis)
• Kidney problems
• Pleurisy
• Aneurysms

For example, osteomyelitis, a rare condition where the vertebrae become infected, often presents with sharp back pain accompanied by fever and other systemic symptoms.

Diagnosing the Root Cause of Stabbing Back Pain

Accurately diagnosing the underlying cause of sharp back pain is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals employ various methods to determine the source of the pain:

1. Physical examination
2. Medical history review
3. Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
4. Blood tests

During the diagnostic process, it’s important to provide detailed information about the pain, including its onset, duration, and any associated symptoms. This helps healthcare providers narrow down potential causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While many cases of sharp back pain can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include:

• Back pain accompanied by fever
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Shooting pains in the extremities or groin
• Progressive weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

If you experience any of these symptoms alongside sharp back pain, it’s crucial to seek medical help promptly to rule out serious underlying conditions.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Sharp Back Pain

The treatment of sharp back pain depends on its underlying cause. However, several general approaches can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

Conservative Treatment Options

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice and heat therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Physical therapy

For many cases of mechanical back pain, these conservative measures can provide significant relief. It’s important to follow healthcare provider recommendations and gradually increase activity levels as pain subsides.

Advanced Treatment Options

In cases where conservative treatments prove ineffective or for more severe conditions, advanced treatment options may be considered:

• Prescription medications
• Epidural steroid injections
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Surgery (in rare cases)

These treatments are typically reserved for cases where the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with neurological symptoms.

Preventing Sharp Back Pain: Lifestyle Modifications and Ergonomic Considerations

While not all cases of sharp back pain can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications and ergonomic considerations can help reduce the risk:

• Maintaining good posture
• Regular exercise and stretching
• Proper lifting techniques
• Ergonomic workstation setup
• Stress management
• Healthy weight maintenance

Incorporating these practices into daily life can significantly contribute to overall back health and potentially prevent episodes of sharp back pain.

The Role of Exercise in Back Pain Prevention and Management

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing back pain. However, it’s important to engage in the right types of exercises to avoid exacerbating existing pain or causing new injuries.

Beneficial Exercises for Back Health

• Low-impact aerobic activities (e.g., swimming, walking)
• Core-strengthening exercises
• Gentle yoga or Pilates
• Stretching routines focusing on the back and hamstrings

Always consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have a history of back pain.

The Impact of Footwear on Back Pain: Choosing the Right Shoes

The shoes we wear can significantly impact our back health. Improper footwear can contribute to poor posture, altered gait, and increased stress on the back, potentially leading to pain.

Characteristics of Back-Friendly Shoes

• Proper arch support
• Cushioned soles
• Stability features
• Appropriate heel height
• Good fit and comfort

When selecting shoes, prioritize comfort and support over fashion. For those with chronic back pain, consulting with a podiatrist for personalized recommendations can be beneficial.

Shoes to Avoid

Certain types of shoes are more likely to contribute to back pain:

• High heels
• Flip-flops
• Completely flat shoes without arch support
• Worn-out shoes with uneven soles

If you must wear these types of shoes, limit their use and alternate with more supportive footwear when possible.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Back Pain

Emerging research suggests that diet may play a role in the development and management of back pain, particularly chronic low back pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Back Pain

An anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially alleviating back pain. Key components of an anti-inflammatory diet include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory properties

Conversely, a pro-inflammatory diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats may contribute to increased inflammation and potentially exacerbate back pain.

Hydration and Back Health

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining the health of intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers in the spine. Dehydration can lead to decreased disc height and increased risk of back pain.

Aim to drink adequate water throughout the day and limit consumption of dehydrating beverages such as alcohol and caffeine.

Alternative Therapies for Managing Sharp Back Pain

In addition to conventional treatments, several alternative therapies have shown promise in managing back pain. While scientific evidence varies, many individuals report benefits from these approaches:

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest acupuncture may help relieve chronic low back pain.

Massage Therapy

Massage can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation, potentially reducing back pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve spinal alignment and function, which may alleviate certain types of back pain.

Mindfulness and Meditation

These practices can help manage stress and change pain perception, potentially reducing the impact of chronic back pain on daily life.

Reiki

This Japanese healing technique involves the transfer of energy through the practitioner’s hands. While scientific evidence is limited, some individuals report reduced pain and improved relaxation with Reiki treatments.

Before trying any alternative therapy, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

The Importance of Sleep in Back Pain Management

Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and plays a significant role in managing back pain. Poor sleep can exacerbate pain, while chronic pain can disrupt sleep, creating a challenging cycle.

Choosing the Right Mattress

A supportive yet comfortable mattress is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment during sleep. Factors to consider when selecting a mattress include:

• Firmness level (medium-firm is often recommended for back pain)
• Material (memory foam, latex, innerspring, or hybrid)
• Sleep position preferences
• Body weight and shape

It’s important to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and individual preferences play a significant role in mattress selection.

Sleep Posture and Back Pain

Proper sleep posture can help alleviate and prevent back pain. Consider the following tips:

• Side sleepers: Place a pillow between your knees to maintain spinal alignment
• Back sleepers: Use a small pillow under your knees to reduce lower back strain
• Stomach sleepers: Place a thin pillow under your pelvis to reduce lower back stress

Regardless of sleep position, aim to keep your spine in a neutral alignment throughout the night.

Establishing a Sleep Routine

Developing good sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality and potentially reduce back pain:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Limit screen time before bed
• Ensure a comfortable sleep environment (cool, dark, and quiet)

If sleep problems persist, consult with a healthcare provider to address underlying issues that may be contributing to both poor sleep and back pain.

Ergonomic Considerations for Preventing and Managing Back Pain

Proper ergonomics in daily activities can significantly impact back health. Whether at work, home, or during leisure activities, paying attention to body positioning and movement can help prevent and manage back pain.

Workplace Ergonomics

For those who spend long hours at a desk, proper workstation setup is crucial:

• Adjust chair height so feet are flat on the floor
• Position monitor at eye level
• Use a keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height
• Take regular breaks to stand and stretch
• Consider a standing desk or sit-stand workstation

Proper Lifting Techniques

Improper lifting is a common cause of back injuries. Follow these guidelines to lift safely:

• Bend at the knees, not the waist
• Keep the object close to your body
• Avoid twisting while lifting
• Use leg muscles to lift, not back muscles
• Ask for help with heavy or awkward items

Ergonomics in Daily Activities

Apply ergonomic principles to everyday tasks:

• When driving, adjust the seat to maintain proper posture
• Use proper form during exercise and sports activities
• Be mindful of posture while using mobile devices
• Choose backpacks with proper support and distribute weight evenly

By incorporating these ergonomic principles into daily life, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating back pain.

The Psychological Aspect of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain can have significant psychological impacts, often leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Understanding and addressing these psychological factors is crucial for comprehensive pain management.

The Pain-Stress Cycle

Chronic pain and stress can create a self-perpetuating cycle:

• Pain causes stress and tension
• Stress and tension exacerbate pain
• Increased pain leads to more stress and tension

Breaking this cycle often requires a multifaceted approach addressing both physical and psychological aspects of pain.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Back Pain

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be an effective tool for managing chronic back pain. CBT helps individuals:

• Identify and change negative thought patterns about pain
• Develop coping strategies
• Improve pain management skills
• Reduce pain-related anxiety and depression

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage the psychological impact of chronic back pain:

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Deep breathing exercises
• Mindfulness meditation

These practices can help reduce stress, improve pain tolerance, and enhance overall well-being.

Support Groups and Peer Connections

Connecting with others who experience chronic back pain can provide valuable emotional support and practical coping strategies. Consider joining a support group or online community focused on back pain management.

Remember, addressing the psychological aspects of chronic back pain is just as important as managing the physical symptoms. A comprehensive approach that includes both physical and psychological interventions often yields the best results in managing chronic back pain.

Sharp Back Pain: Stabbing Pain in Back

Ouch! A sudden sharp pain in your back can stop you in your tracks. Unlike the dull ache of sitting too long at a computer or the gradual neck stiffness from too much driving, the cause of a sudden sharp pain in your back (also known as acute back pain) is not always obvious.

In fact, there are a number of common and less-common causes for acute back pain, and they are both mechanical and medical in nature.

Diagnosing Sharp Back Pain: Common Causes

Acute, sharp back pain caused by a mechanical problem within the back (meaning a problem with the bones, disks, ligaments, or muscles of the back) is one of the most common types of back pain. Some specific causes of acute, sharp back pain include:

• Muscle spasm. A muscle spasm is a prolonged contraction or stiffening of the back muscles, which can be triggered by trauma or repetitive strain. The back muscles spasm to protect the spine from further injury. A spasm can produce sharp back pain in either the upper or lower back.
• Herniated disk. A herniated disk — also called a bulging disk, slipped disk, ruptured disk, or pinched nerve — can also cause sudden, sharp back pain. It can result from the improper lifting of heavy objects or overly strenuous activity. Sharp back pain that shoots down through the buttocks into the legs, called sciatica, is a common symptom of a herniated disk.
• Compression fracture. This term refers to a fracture of the spine bones (vertebrae). It can be caused by trauma (a fall or car accident) or by weakened bones (osteoporosis), and the pain is often very sharp.
• Infection. Sometimes the vertebrae themselves can become infected in a rare condition known as osteomyelitis. With infection, back pain is usually accompanied by fever and other symptoms.

Other Causes of Sharp Back Pain

“Occasionally, sharp back pain that seems to be coming from the back is not really back pain at all,” says Cynthia Haines, MD, chief medical officer at HealthDay, a daily health news website based in Norwalk, Connecticut.

For example, rupture of the main artery in the abdomen (called a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm) can be a very serious cause of sharp back pain. Also, kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and an infection of the lining of the lungs and chest (pleurisy) can mimic back pain. In these cases, treatment of the underlying cause will usually resolve the back pain.

Keep in mind that it is always best to consult with your doctor.

“Anytime you experience a pain that comes on suddenly, with no apparent cause, you should call your doctor,” says Dr. Haines. She also advises a call to your doctor if the pain you are experiencing is anything other than very minor.

Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include back pain with fever, numbness or tingling, shooting pains in the extremities or groin, progressive weakness, difficulty walking, or loss of bowel or bladder control.

Bottom line: There are many causes of sharp back pain, but most have simple treatment solutions. By talking with your doctor, you can determine the cause and get on the road to recovery — and back to your everyday activities as soon as possible.

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Sharp Pains in Lower Back

What Causes Sharp Pains in Lower Back?

Pains in the lower back happen to most people at some point. Sedentary work days and hours on laptops and devices don’t help. If you have sharp pains in the lower back, DON’T PANIC!  Most of the time there are easy ways to relieve it.  

Watch this video from The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute to learn some simple lower back stretches that may help.

Why Do I Have Lower Back Pain In Sitting?

The quick answer is that prolonged sitting is one of the main reasons people get low back pain. Sitting typically places the low back in a position of flexion. This means that the pelvis slides forward in the seat and the lower back rounds forward.  

Sitting posture is not an issue if you only sit occasionally during the day. But, if you sit all day or for long periods, the positions can place excessive abnormal stress on the discs in the lumbar spine or low back. The repetitive stress on the discs can lead to wear and tear on the disc and eventually produce pain in the back.

Sharp Pains in lower back

Fix Low Back Pain In Sitting

The best way to fix low back pain in sitting is to keep the spine in proper position and alignment. Here’s how.

• Sit Up Straight
• Keep the low back extended with shoulders back
• Sit away from the back of the chair
• Stand up every 20 to 30 minutes 
• Use a lumbar pillow or towel roll in the small of the back

Why Does My Low Back Hurt With Driving?

The quick answer is that driving is usually worse than sitting in a chair when it comes to lower back pain. Sitting in a car exaggerates the forward-flexion position and rounds the lower spine forward even more than a chair.  

Bad Driving Posture

Fix Pain in Lower Back with Driving

Here are some tips to try to help lower back pain while driving.

• Move the seat closer to the steering wheel
• Keep your butt as far back in the seat as possible 
• Use a lumbar roll
• Stop and get out of the car every hour if traveling
• Don’t sit on your wallet

What Do Sharp Pains In The Lower Back Mean?

The quick answer is that sharp pains in the lower back mean that you probably have inflammation or an injury. Sharp pain is typically a symptom with there is a new issue that is very irritated. This can happen after a traumatic injury.

Sharp Pains in Lower Back

Sharp pain in the lower back may also happen due to muscle spasms. When there is irritation in a structure in the lower back, it is common to have muscle spasms around the area. The body triggers the muscle spasm as a protective response.  But, spasms hurt!

Causes of Pains in the Lower Back

There are lots of causes of pain in the low back. Some of those include:

• Herniated Disc
• Bulging Disc
• Facet Joint Issues
• Muscle strains
• Spondylosis or Arthritis

Lower back issues can also cause Sciatica.  Sciatica may include pain in the legs, buttocks, hips and lower back.

How Do You Treat Low Back Pain?

Image of a prone extension exercise

The quick answer is to identify what is causing the pain and stop doing it!  Lots of times, it comes from sitting. 

Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are typically used at first.  

If you have an episode of low back pain, McKenzie Exercises may help.  McKenzie Exercises often involve using repeated movements to extend the lower spine backward.  Don’t do these if they increase your symptoms or cause pain or other symptoms in the leg.  

You should go to the doctor and/or physical therapy if:

• Pain persists for more than a few days
• Decreased sensation or strength in the leg
• Pain travels past the knee
• Can’t stand up
• Pain wakes you at night
• Loss of bowel and bladder control (this is a medical emergency, go straight to the Emergency Dept. )

Related Articles:

• Robotic Spine Surgery
• Lower Muscles of Back Anatomy and Low Back Pain
• Top 3 Stretches for Sciatica

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Back pain – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Back pain is often referred to by such terms as lumbago or lumbalgia. Lumbago or “lumbago” refers to an attack of acute pain in the lower back, which is usually associated with hypothermia and exercise. Lumbago occurs in many people and is often the cause of temporary disability. Often the cause of lumbago can be sports injuries or sprains, but sometimes the factor that provokes the onset of pain remains unknown. Lumbago is characterized by pain that does not radiate to the legs. Lower back pain (lumbago) may appear acutely and progress gradually over the course of the day. Often there is stiffness in the morning and gradually the stiffness turns into pain. It is also possible curvature of the spine (antalgic scoliosis) as a result of muscle spasm. The pain itself may be due to muscle spasm, which in turn is associated with other causes. It can be overuse or sprain, sports injuries, herniated disc, spondylarthrosis (spondylosis), kidney disease (infection or kidney stones). Sometimes the patient accurately determines the causal relationship between the appearance of malaise and exercise, hypothermia, but often the pain appears for no apparent reason. Sometimes lower back pain can occur even after sneezing, bending over, or putting on shoes. This can be facilitated by deforming diseases of the spine, such as scoliosis.

In contrast to lumbago, the term lumbodynia refers to pain that is not acute, but subacute or chronic. As a rule, pain with lumbodynia appears gradually over several days. Pain can also occur in the morning and may decrease with physical activity. Lumbalgia is characterized by increased pain during prolonged static loads (sitting, uncomfortable body position). It is also characteristic of lumbodynia that the pain decreases in the supine position in a certain position. Patients with lumbodynia have difficulty performing normal activities such as washing or putting on shoes due to muscle spasm. Due to the disease, there is a decrease in the range of motion of the body (forward bends or, to a lesser extent, side bends or extension). Due to the pain syndrome, the patient often has to change position when it is necessary to sit or stand. Unlike lumbago, muscle spasm is less pronounced and, as a rule, does not cover the entire lower back, and there are often signs of spasm predominance on one side.

Causes of back pain

Back pain is a symptom. The most common causes of back pain are diseases (injuries) of muscles, bones, and intervertebral discs. Sometimes lower back pain may be due to diseases of the abdominal cavity, pelvis and chest. Such pains are called reflected. Abdominal disease (eg, appendicitis), aortic aneurysm, kidney disease (kidney stones, kidney infection, bladder infections), pelvic infections, ovarian infections can all present back pain . Even a normal pregnancy can lead to lower back pain due to sprains in the pelvic area, muscle spasm due to stress, irritation of the nerves.

The most common low back pain associated with the following diseases:

• Nerve root compression, which causes symptoms of sciatica and is most often due to disc herniation. As a rule, with compression of the nerve root, the pain is acute, has irradiation and sensitivity disturbances in the zone of innervation of the nerve root. A herniated disc occurs mainly as a result of degeneration of the disc. There is a protrusion of the gelatinous part of the disc from the central cavity and pressure on the nerve roots. Degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs begin at the age of 30 and older. But the very presence of a hernia does not always lead to an effect on the nervous structures.
• Spondylosis – degenerative changes occur in the vertebrae themselves, resulting in bone growths (osteophytes) that can affect nearby nerves, resulting in pain.
• Spinal stenosis can occur due to degenerative changes in the spine (spondylosis and osteochondrosis). A patient with spinal stenosis in the lumbar region may experience low back pain radiating to both legs. Lower back pain can occur as a result of standing or walking.
• Cauda equina syndrome. This is a condition requiring emergency medical attention. Cauda equina syndrome occurs as a result of compression of the elements of the cauda equina (terminal part of the spinal cord). A patient with cauda equina syndrome may experience pain and dysfunction of the intestines and bladder (incontinence and bladder atony). This syndrome requires emergency surgery.
• Pain syndromes such as myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia. Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by pain and tenderness at certain points (trigger points), decreased muscle movement in painful areas. The pain syndrome decreases with the relaxation of the muscles located in the painful zones. In fibromyalgia, pain and soreness is distributed throughout the body. Fibromyalgia is not characterized by tightness and pain in the muscles.
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis) of the spine are extremely rare.
• Non-communicable inflammatory diseases of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis) can cause stiffness and pain in the spine (including the lower back itself), which is especially worse in the morning.
• Tumors, most often metastases of cancer, can be a source of discomfort in the lower back.
• Inflammation of the nerves and, accordingly, pain manifestations (in the chest or in the lumbar region) may be due to damage to the nerves themselves (for example, with herpes zoster)
• Given the variety of causes of symptoms, such as acute or subacute low back pain, it is very important to fully evaluate the patient and perform all necessary diagnostic procedures.

Symptoms

Pain in the lumbosacral region is the main symptom of lumbago, lumbodynia, lumbar ischialgia.

• The pain may radiate down the front, side, or back of the leg (lumbar ischialgia), or it may be limited to the lower back (lumbago, lumbalgia).
• Feeling that the lower back hurts, may increase after exercise.
• Sometimes the pain may be worse at night or when sitting for a long time, such as during a long car ride.
• Possible numbness and weakness in the part of the leg that is in the zone of innervation of the compressed nerve.

For timely diagnosis and treatment, a number of criteria (symptoms) deserve special attention:

• Presence in the recent past of injuries such as a fall from a height, a traffic accident or similar incidents.
• Presence of minor injuries in patients over 50 years of age (eg, falling from a small height as a result of sliding and landing on the buttocks).
• History of long-term use of steroids (for example, these are patients with bronchial asthma or rheumatological diseases).
• Any patient with osteoporosis (mostly elderly women).
• Any patient over 70 years of age: at this age, there is a high risk of cancer, infections and diseases of the abdominal organs, which can cause lower back pain.
• History of oncology
• Presence of infectious diseases in the recent past
• Temperature over 100F (37.7 C)
• Drug use: drug use increases the risk of infectious diseases.
• Pain in the lower back increases at rest: as a rule, this nature of pain is associated with oncology or infections, and such pain can also be with ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev’s disease).
• Significant weight loss (no apparent reason).
• The presence of any acute nerve dysfunction is a signal for urgent medical attention. For example, this is a walking disorder, foot dysfunctions are usually symptoms of acute nerve injury or compression. Under certain circumstances, such symptoms may require emergency neurosurgery.
• Impaired bowel or bladder function (both incontinence and urinary retention) may be a sign of an emergency requiring emergency care.
• Failure to respond to recommended treatment or increased pain may also require medical attention.

The presence of any of the above factors (symptoms) is a signal to seek medical help within 24 hours.

Diagnosis

The medical history is important for making an accurate diagnosis, as low back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. The time of onset of pain, the relationship with physical activity, the presence of other symptoms, such as cough, fever, bladder or bowel dysfunction, the presence of seizures, etc. are important. A physical examination is carried out: identification of pain points, the presence of muscle spasm, a study of the neurological status is carried out. If there are suspicions of diseases of the abdominal cavity or pelvic organs, then an examination is carried out (ultrasound of the abdominal organs, ultrasound of the small and pelvic organs, urine blood tests).

If the somatic origin of low back pain is ruled out, then such instrumental research methods as radiography, CT or MRI can be prescribed.

Radiography is the initial method of examination and allows you to determine the presence of changes in bone tissues and indirect signs of changes in the intervertebral discs.

CT allows to visualize the presence of various changes, both in bone tissue and in soft stones (especially with contrast).

MRI is the most informative research method that allows diagnosing morphological changes in various tissues.

Densitometry is necessary in cases where there is suspicion of osteoporosis (usually in women over 50 years old)

EMG (ENMG) is used to determine conduction disturbances in nerve fibers.

Laboratory tests are ordered (blood, urine, blood biochemistry) mainly to exclude inflammatory processes in the body.

Treatment of pain

After the diagnosis and confirmation of vertebral origin in lumbago and lumbalgia, a specific treatment for back pain is prescribed.

In acute pain, rest for 1-2 days is necessary. Bed rest allows you to reduce the load on the muscles and reduce muscle spasm. In most cases, when the pain syndrome is due to muscle spasm, the pain syndrome decreases within a few days without the use of drugs, only due to rest.

Medical treatment. For pain syndrome, drugs of the NSAID group (movalis ibuprofen voltaren) are used. COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), have fewer side effects, but long-term use of these drugs also has certain risks. Considering that all drugs of this group have a lot of side effects, taking drugs of this group should be short and under the obligatory supervision of a doctor.

Muscle relaxants (mydocalm, sirdalud, baclofen) may be used to relieve spasm. But the use of these drugs is effective only in the presence of spasm.

Steroids may be used to treat pain, especially when there are signs of sciatica. But due to the presence of pronounced side effects, the use of steroids should be selective and short in time.

Manual therapy. This method can be very effective in the presence of muscle blocks or subluxations of the facet joints. Mobilization of motor segments can reduce both muscle spasm and lower back pain.

Physiotherapy. There are many modern physiotherapy procedures that can both reduce pain and reduce inflammation, improve microcirculation (for example, electrophoresis, cryotherapy, laser therapy, etc.).

exercise therapy. For acute pain in the lower back, exercises are not recommended. Connecting exercise therapy is possible after reducing the pain syndrome. In the presence of chronic pain, exercise can be very effective in strengthening the core muscles and improving spinal biomechanics. Exercises should be selected only with an exercise therapy doctor, since often independent exercises can lead to increased pain manifestations. Systematic exercises of exercise therapy, especially in the presence of degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis, spondylosis), can preserve the functionality of the spine and significantly reduce the risk of pain syndromes.

What to do with severe back pain, causes and treatment of acute back pain

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Severe back pain, in the lumbar region, is a very common reason for seeking medical help. There are a large number of reasons that provoke discomfort in the lower back: from a sedentary lifestyle to intervertebral hernias and rheumatological pathology. It is extremely important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

• Severe pain in the back, in the lumbar region is a very common reason for seeking medical help. There are a large number of reasons that provoke discomfort in the lower back: from a sedentary lifestyle to intervertebral hernias and rheumatological pathology. It is extremely important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

It is better to sign up for a consultation with a specialist and the doctor will advise and tell you about the method of treatment. Reception can be both face-to-face and online

We do not recommend self-treatment

Types of pain

Depending on the location, the pain can be called:

• 1

  900 02 Cervicalgia is a pain syndrome that develops in the cervical spine. The pain can be sharp or throbbing, accompanied by dizziness, numbness in the back of the head and tinnitus

• 2

  Thoracalgia – pain in the thoracic spine of a stabbing or cutting nature. The causes of this type of pain can be both diseases of the spine and internal organs

• 3

  Lumbodynia – pain in the lumbar region, often developing gradually. Acute pain, popularly known as “lumbago”, is called lumbago

Sign up for a consultation with a neurologist at the Temed Clinic. Our specialists will help identify the causes of back pain, tell you what to do with severe back pain, and, if necessary, prescribe an additional examination.

Causes of back pain

All causes of acute pain in the lower back during movement and at rest are divided into main categories: vertebrogenic – associated with the pathology of the spinal column, non-vertebrogenic – caused by the pathology of other organs and systems. Separately allocate radicular pain.

Vertebrogenic include:

• osteochondrosis – degenerative processes in the spine, leading to the formation of intervertebral protrusions and hernias
• spondylarthrosis – damage to the joints between the vertebral arches
• consequences of spinal injuries
• congenital anomalies and malformations spine

Non-vertebrogenic include:

• muscle sprains, spinal ligament injuries
• myofascial syndrome leading to chronic pain
• diseases of internal organs, pelvic organs
• mental disorders yeshka. It usually occurs with intervertebral hernia and is accompanied by numbness, decreased muscle strength in the limbs.

  This article is advisory in nature. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist after consultation.

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  • Mechanisms of development of the main causes of back pain

  Among the non-vertebrogenic factors that cause pain, the most common is muscle spasm. The muscular corset plays a huge role in the functioning and mobility of the spine. Due to a sedentary lifestyle, many people have an imbalance in the work of the muscles. Some of them weaken and shorten due to insufficient load. Others, experiencing overload, are constantly in tension and spasm. This leads to back pain.

  Intervertebral hernia is the most common among vertebral causes. Intervertebral discs, which act as a softening shock absorber, wear out over time and cease to cope with their main task. When the spine is overloaded, the discs bulge and form herniated discs, resulting in pain and muscle spasm. In the common people, these changes are called “osteochondrosis”. Without treatment and prevention, the pathology progresses. The intervertebral hernia increases in size and compresses the spinal nerve roots. Their damage leads to increased pain and its spread to the leg, as well as the appearance of numbness and muscle weakness in the limbs.

  Another common cause of vetebrogenic pain is a violation of posture – scoliosis. Curvature of the spine causes pain, fatigue and stiffness in the back after a long stay in one position.

  • “Red flags” for back pain

  There are a number of “red flags” – signs for which you need to sound the alarm. When combined with lower back pain, at least one of them, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

  Here is a list of red flags:

  • rapid loss of body weight for no apparent reason

  • fever

  • malignant tumors in the past

  • gradual increase in intensity pain

  • paralysis, sensory disturbance, feeling of weakness in the lower extremities, dysfunction of the pelvic organs – this often indicates damage to the spinal cord

  • increased pain at night, persistence of pain with a change in body position

  • spinal injury in combination with age over 55 years – suspected osteoporosis, fracture of the spine

  Contact a Temed Clinic specialist who will help determine the cause of the pain and prescribe the necessary therapy.

  Which doctor should I contact? You can also consult with an orthopedic traumatologist. If the pain is not due to a disease of the spine or joints, the specialist will refer you to the right specialist for further examination.

  

  Make an appointment with a neurologist

  Appointment lasts 60 minutes, includes diagnostics, analysis of your MRI and preparation of a treatment plan, takes place both in person and online.

  Diagnosis

  At the initial appointment, the doctor collects an anamnesis. He is interested in the nature of pain, duration, possible causes of its occurrence and concomitant diseases. All these details are needed to create a suitable treatment plan. The doctor necessarily pays attention to visual examination, palpation of the back and neurological examination of the patient.

  Neurological examination includes:

  • assessment of muscle strength, tone, tendon reflexes from the limbs
  • identification of sensory disorders in the limbs
  • assessment of the range of active movements in the spine

  9 0019 assessment of the intensity of pain during palpation of the muscles of the back and spinous processes

  To clarify the diagnosis, an examination using instrumental methods may be necessary. These include:

  • X-ray of the spine. Carried out to exclude fractures of the vertebrae, curvature, displacement, oncological diseases of the spinal column
  • Computed tomography. Allows you to get a high-quality layered image of the area under study for better visualization of the bones and joints of the spinal column
  • Magnetic resonance imaging. Visualizes the soft tissue structures of the spinal column. The picture shows protrusion, herniation of the intervertebral disc, nerve roots, spinal cord, swelling of bone tissue, joints and periarticular structures

  Sometimes it is enough for a doctor to take a history and examine a patient to make a diagnosis. Some symptoms, which are called “red flags”, may alert the specialist, then he prescribes an ultrasound of the internal organs, laboratory tests, and a consultation with another doctor.

  Treatment

  If back pain is caused by non-vertebrogenic causes, treatment will depend on the diagnosis. The patient will be referred to the right specialist, who will prescribe additional examination and treatment.

  Comprehensive conservative treatment is often sufficient to alleviate vertebrogenic pain. It is aimed not only at alleviating the condition, but also at eliminating the cause that caused the pain. Surgical treatment is used when there is no effect from complex therapy for a long time or there are absolute indications for surgery.

  Pain medications are used to relieve pain and inflammation. With spasm of the muscles of the spine, muscle relaxants are effective. If the pain is chronic and lasts more than 12 weeks, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants and anticonvulsants that have an analgesic effect.

  In case of severe severe pain that is not relieved by conventional painkillers, the attending physician may prescribe a therapeutic drug blockade. This is an injection of a drug into a problem area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe back, which helps to quickly stop pain. The effect of the injection is short-lived.

  In addition to drug therapy, other methods of pain treatment are also required:

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  • Physiotherapy

    Procedures improve local blood circulation and enhance tissue regeneration, increasing the effect of drug therapy. Our clinic uses modern physiotherapy methods:

    • laser therapy, aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, local edema
    • shock wave therapy, which improves the mobility of the spine, nutrition of its anatomical structures
    • magnetotherapy, which relieves pain, inflammation and relaxes muscles

  • Acupuncture

    A method of traditional Chinese medicine that involves stimulating biologically active points with special needles. Widely used to reduce pain and relax the muscles of the back

  • Massage

    Favorably affects the condition of the back muscles, relaxing and strengthening them, improves the mobility of the spinal column. The procedure is effective for both acute and chronic pain

  • Kinesio taping

    This is the application of special adhesive tapes to the skin to relieve tension from the ligaments and muscles

  • exercise therapy

    Therapeutic exercises help strengthen the muscles of the neck and back and create the necessary support for the spine. A physical therapist selects a set of exercises individually after relieving acute pain and inflammation. Exercise therapy is recommended daily. All movements should be done smoothly, and in case of pain or discomfort, you should immediately stop exercising and consult a doctor. With self-selection of exercises, there is a possibility of incorrectly calculating the physical load, which will lead to a deterioration in the condition

  All of these treatments are used at the Temed Clinic. Therapy is selected individually, taking into account the cause of pain, concomitant diseases and the patient’s condition.

  We have already relieved more than 5000 patients from back pain. We use safe methods with proven effectiveness and proven imported equipment. We adhere to an evidence-based approach to diagnosis.

  Prevention

  The development of pathology of the spinal column is easier to prevent than to treat. Compliance with recommendations for the prevention of diseases of the spine will help to avoid discomfort in the back or significantly reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

  Here are some simple tips to help you avoid back pain:

  • Keep an active lifestyle. Regular walking will strengthen the muscles and ligaments, form a natural strong corset for the spine. Exercise to strengthen your back muscles

  • Equip your workspace. It should be comfortable, the table and chair should be chosen according to height, and the computer monitor should be placed at eye level or slightly above

  • Regularly warm up between work to avoid muscle spasms in the neck and back should have on the muscles of the thighs, not on the lower back: you need to sit down, take the load and stand up with a straight back

  If you have back pain, see a specialist. He will prescribe an examination, establish a diagnosis and select the appropriate effective treatment.

  Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure! Do not delay a visit to a specialist with discomfort in the lower back.

  Abstracts

  • 1

    Back pain most often responds well to treatment, usually caused by muscle strain

  • 2

    Back pain is not a specific symptom for a particular disease. It can be caused by both diseases of the spine and diseases of the internal organs. Therefore, it is extremely important to consult a specialist for diagnosis

  • 3

    For the treatment of vertebrogenic and radicular pain, it is important to use an integrated approach that includes not only drugs, but also a complex of physiotherapy procedures, exercise therapy, as well as recommendations for modifying lifestyle

  • 4

    active lifestyle, permanent being in a forced position at work – these are the reasons that often cause back pain. Therefore, it is important to carry out prevention and exercise to strengthen muscles

  List of sources:
  

  1. Karateev A.E. Meloxicam: the “golden mean” of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Therapeutic archive. 2014;5:99–105. [Karateev A.E. Meloxicam: the “golden mean” of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Therapeutic Archive. 2014;5:99–105 (in Russ.)].
  2. Kadyrova L.R., Akarachkova E.S., Kerimova K.S. Multidisciplinary approach to a patient with chronic pain. breast cancer. 2018;7:28–32.
  3. Podchufarova E.V. Back pain, in the book: Pain (practical guide for physicians) / Edited by N.N. Yakhno, M.L. pp.230-297.
  4. Davydov O.S. The prevalence of pain syndromes and their impact on the quality of life in the world and in Russia according to the study of the global burden of disease for the period from 1990 to 2013. Russian Journal of Pain, No. 3-4, 2015. pp. 5-12.

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  The materials posted on this page are for informational purposes and are intended for educational purposes. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice. Determination of the diagnosis and choice of treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your attending physician.