When suddenly there is a sharp pain in the lumbar spine associated with any pathology of the spine, then talk about lumbago.
The term "lumbago" is derived from the Latin word «lumbus», which translates as "loins". The people also called lumbago lumbago.
Lumbago attack may happen a person of any age group, both men and women, but is more common in males aged 30-40 years. Rarely, but lumbago observed in adolescent children.
Causes
The reason for this syndrome - pathological changes in the spine.
By etiological factors include:
- osteochondrosis spine;
- intervertebral hernia;
- congenital anomalies of the spine;
- spinal tumors;
- metastases in the spine;
- inflammatory process in the spine (spondylitis);
- rheumatic diseases.
Lumbago can trigger:
- sharp tilts, turns and motion;
- heavy exercise;
- overheating and subsequent cooling of the spine.
symptoms of lumbago
Leading symptom of lumbago is a pain, sudden, sharp, throbbing, which is localized in the lumbar spine. The patient "freezes" to the position in which it is caught up attack, and takes a forced half-bent position. Strong pain may last from a few minutes to several hours.
Some patients describe the pain as shooting and note its irradiation in the buttocks and legs.
Another symptom of lumbago - strain the back muscles of the lumbar spine, which is explained by a reflex reaction. muscle spasm pain increase. Muscles hard or dense on palpation. The patient to facilitate the attack is in the horizontal position, often it can be a knee-elbow posture.
Diagnostics
Must be distinguished from lumbago sciatica (Although they often go together) sciaticaKidney pathology.
Syndrome is diagnosed based on specific complaints and examination of the patient. Of additional research methods used:
- spine X-rays - can detect tumors of the spine, intervertebral hernia, osteoporosis and other problems.
- Biomechanical tests - the doctor asks the patient to perform certain exercises.
- magnetic resonance imaging - a more accurate method compared to X-rays.
- computed tomography - an effective method of spine examination and assessment of the state of the soft tissues around it.
- common blood and urine tests to rule out or confirm the inflammation.
- spine scintigraphy - introduction of the blood contrast agent accumulating in the spine, followed by obtaining X-ray images.
- elektromioneyrografiyu - registration of electrical impulses in nerve roots and muscle reveals violation of innervation (nerve conduction).
treatment of lumbago
Treatment of lumbago carries neurologist.
The patient is assigned to bed rest, while he should lie on a hard, flat surface with bending legs at the knee and hip joints for up to 14 days.
Also, to prevent re-attack and pain remission shown dieting with restriction sharp, salty and fatty foods.
To reduce pain and inflammation removal prescribers from the group consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Effective drugs such as:
- diclofenac;
- ibuprofen;
- aspirin.
Topically to the lumbar spine applied ointment (Fastum-gel), applications with a solution Dimexidum, pepper patch. They improve blood flow to the muscle strain.
In severe pain shown receiving sedatives and sleeping pills.
Among other methods of treatment are used:
- physical therapy (ozokerite appliques with or paraffin on the lower back)
- cold attachment to the damaged portion of the spine;
- manipulation;
- acupuncture;
- hirudotherapy (leech therapy);
- massage.
Subsequently shown spa treatment, mud, physiotherapy and massage periodic status.
Consequences and outlook
Lumbago can cause sexual dysfunction, Acute urinary retention and constipation. In severe cases, there is numbness of feet, which may be the cause of the patient's disability.
The prognosis for timely and adequate treatment favorable.
This article was written based on The federal standard of care for lumbago and sciatica for 2007.
