Low back pain, or lumbago as it is also known, is characterized by back pain in the waist region that can arise after some trauma, fall, physical exercise or no specific cause, and which can get worse over time.
This pain is more common in women and comes from 20 years of age and can arise more than once in life and so in case of back pain that does not pass over time or with the painkillers that are easily bought in the pharmacy, you should go to the doctor for a consultation.
Main Symptoms of Lumbar Pain
The main symptoms are:
- Intense back pain that does not always improve with rest;
- The pain can be felt in the hips, groin, thighs, and lower back;
- There may be excruciating pain and difficulty in sitting or walking with a straight back;
- Pain only in the lumbar or pain also in the glutes, in only one or both legs;
- Increased tension in the muscles of the back;
- Changing position decreases back pain;
- Back pain that worsens when you lean your body back;
- Burning or tingling sensation in some part of the body.
Some people report that it seems that the pain is walking because in the morning they feel a nuisance near the hip, whereas shortly afterwards it looks like it is over or now affects the leg.
The causes of low back pain are not always known because there is a classification called nonspecific low back pain, when there are no events that could justify the presence of pain such as herniated disc, vertebral rotation or osteoarthrosis, for example.
Tests that confirm low back pain
The doctor may order the x-ray examination to check the bony structures of the spine and hip bones. Although it is not possible to check a large number of diseases with X-ray alone, it is very useful because it is easily accessible and inexpensive. In addition, the rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon may order an MRI or CT scan to evaluate muscles, tendons, and joint capsules that may be inflamed or otherwise compromised. The physiotherapist may also perform a postural evaluation and perform tests that may indicate the affected sites.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the doctor as soon as possible if, in addition to back pain, symptoms such as:
- Fever and chills;
- Loss of weight without apparent cause;
- Weakness in the legs;
- Inability to hold pee or poop;
- Severe and severe abdominal pain.
These symptoms may indicate that it is not just a low back pain and immediate clinical treatment is needed.
