Lower back pain occurs in the area between the lower neck and the onset of the ribs and is therefore usually related to chest spine problems, which are 12 vertebrae found there. Thus, the most common problems associated with this pain are poor posture, herniated disk, osteoarthritis or even small fractures.
However, in some cases, this type of pain can also occur when there is a change in an organ in that area, such as the lung or stomach.
- Therefore.
- It is best to always consult a GP to identify the true cause of the pain and designate the best specialist to perform the most appropriate treatment.
Poor posture during the day is a major cause of pain in many areas of the back, especially when you spend a lot of time sitting with your back bent. The spine is under constant pressure, which eventually overloads the muscles and ligaments of the back, causing a feeling of constant pain.
What to do: It’s best to always maintain a correct posture throughout the day, but this trick is even more important for those who work with their backs constantly bent. Discover 7 habits that impair posture and even some exercises that help strengthen your back to relieve these types of pains.
In addition to poor posture, muscle injuries and contractures are another major cause of back pain. This type of injury is more common in people who train with very heavy weights, but this can also occur at home, trying to lift a very heavy object, using only the back.
What to do: You need to rest and to relieve pain, you can apply a bag of hot water to relax the affected muscles. In addition, massaging the area also reduces inflammation and improves discomfort. Get more tips for treating muscle contracture.
Herniated disks occur when the disc between the vertebrae changes, causing constant pain that worsens as the back moves. In addition, it can always cause tingling or burning sensation in the back in one of the arms or legs, as it may radiate to other parts of the body.
Hernia usually occurs as a result of poor posture over a long period of time, but can also develop by lifting very heavy objects without protecting your back. Learn all the causes of herniated disks and their symptoms.
What to do: If a herniated disk is suspected, an orthopedist should be consulted to evaluate the change in the disc between the vertebrae and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which can range from the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, to surgery.
Although less common, osteoarthritis can also be a major cause of pain in the middle of the back, as it causes progressive degradation of cartilage between the vertebrae. When this happens, the bones eventually rub each other, causing the onset of pain, which worsens over time.
What to do: Go to the orthopedist to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, start treatment with physiotherapy sessions. If this type of treatment isn’t enough to relieve pain, your doctor may consider surgery. Learn more about how osteoarthritis physiotherapy is performed.
With age, bones become more fragile and, as a result, small fractures to the vertebrae of the spine are common, especially after a certain type of accident, falls or a blow to the back. The pain that occurs with the fracture can be very severe and appear immediately after the trauma, but it can also appear gradually.
In addition to pain, a small fracture of the spine can also cause tingling in other parts of the body, such as the arms, hands, or legs, for example.
What to do: Although most fractures are very small, they can eventually develop if there is no proper treatment. Therefore, if a fracture is suspected, an appointment with the orthopedist should be scheduled. Until the appointment, it is ideal to avoid making too much effort with your back. Find out which treatment options are best used in the event of a spinal fracture.
Sometimes back pain may not be directly related to the spine or back muscles and can occur in cases of lung problems, especially when pain appears or becomes more severe during breathing. In these cases, other symptoms associated with breathing, such as shortness of breath or persistent cough, may also occur.
What to do: If back pain is associated with other signs of lung problems, you should see a family doctor or pneumologist to determine if there are any changes or lung infections that need treatment.
As in the lung, when the stomach is affected by an alteration, such as reflux or ulcer, for example, the pain may radiate to the middle of the back. However, in this situation, people also tend to experience a burning sensation in the throat, difficulty digesting and even vomiting.
What to do: When you think back pain may be a sign of a stomach problem, you should consult your gastroenterologist. Until your appointment, the most important thing is to maintain a healthy diet, with low frying, fat or sugar, as well as use digestive teas, for example. Discover some natural ways to relieve stomach pain while waiting for your appointment.
In most cases, pain in the middle of the back is not a sign of a serious problem. However, because this pain may also be associated with urgent situations such as a heart attack, it is advisable to go to the hospital if there are other symptoms such as:
Also, if the pain also takes more than a week to go away, you should see your family doctor or orthopedist to identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment.