Low back pain is a prevalent issue among individuals in modern society, affecting both middle-aged and young adults of all genders. It is not uncommon to come across someone who has experienced back pain at least once in their life. While the causes of low back pain can vary, ranging from simple muscular strain to more serious conditions like spine cancer, it is crucial not to overlook this discomfort. The pain is typically localized in the lumbar and sacral region but may also radiate to nearby areas.
In this article, we will delve into the various causes of back pain, categorizing them for better understanding:
Table of Contents
1. Backache due to diseases in the back
a) Injuries:
- Compression fracture of the vertebral column
- Rupture of intervertebral discs
- Injuries to ligaments and muscles of the back
- Lumbosacral strain
- Intervertebral joint injuries
- Fracture of processes of vertebra
b) Functional backache due to imbalance:
- During pregnancy
- Pot belly
- Diseases of the hip joint
- Curvature in the spine due to congenital defect
- Short leg on one side
c) Backache due to inflammatory conditions:
- Infection of the bone due to bacteria
- Tuberculosis of the spine
- Arthritis
- Brucellosis
- Lumbago or fibrositis
- Inflammation of the muscles
- Ankylosing spondylitis
d) Backache due to degenerative diseases in the back:
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis in old people
- Degeneration of the intervertebral disc
e) Tumors in the spine:
- Primary tumors of the bones in the spine
- Metastatic tumors from other sites like prostate, lungs, kidneys, intestines, etc.
2. Backache due to gynecological problems
a) After childbirth
b) After gynecological operations
c) Prolapse of the uterus
d) Pelvic inflammatory diseases
e) Cancerous lesions of the pelvic organs
f) Endometriosis
3. Causes of Low Back Pain Backache due to problems in other parts of the body
a) Renal stones
b) Ureteric stone
c) Prostate cancer
d) Pancreatitis
e) Biliary stones
f) Peptic ulcer
g) Inflammations of pelvic organs
h) Occlusion of the aorta and iliac arteries
When experiencing back pain, it is crucial to undergo a thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause. The following diagnostic procedures may be performed:
- Complete blood count
- Routine urine examination
- Ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis
- X-ray of the lumbar and sacral region
- MRI of the spine
- CT scan of the abdomen and pelvic region
- Examination of the rectum, prostate, and genitourinary organs
The treatment approach for backache varies depending on the cause and severity. The options include:
- Removing the cause of backache
- Symptomatic treatment
- Back exercises
- Traction
- Yoga
- Surgery
- Homoeopathy
