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 without specific cause, and that can get worse over time.
This pain is more common in women and appears from the age of 20 and can appear more than 1 time in life and therefore in the case of back pain that does not go away over time or with painkillers that can be bought easily at the pharmacy, you should go to the doctor for an appointment.
Main symptoms of low back pain
The main symptoms are:
- Intense back pain that does not always improve with rest; Pain can be felt in the hips, groins, thighs, and lower back; There may be excruciating pain and difficulty in sitting or walking with an upright back; Pain only in the lower back or pain in the buttocks, in just one or both legs; Increased tension in the back muscles; Changing position decreases back pain; Back pain that worsens when you lean back; Tingling or tingling sensation in some body part.
Some people report that it seems that the pain is walking because in the morning they feel a discomfort near the hip, while shortly afterwards it seems that it is higher 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 can justify the presence of pain such as herniated disc, rotation of the vertebra or osteoarthritis, for example.
Tests that confirm low back pain
The doctor may order an X-ray to check the bone structures of the spine and hip bones. Although it is not possible to check a large number of diseases only with X-rays, it is very useful because it is easy to access and has a low economic cost. In addition, the rheumatologist or orthopedist may request an MRI or CT scan to assess muscles, tendons and joint capsules that may be inflamed or compromised in some way. The physiotherapist can also perform a postural assessment and perform tests that can indicate the affected locations.
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; Weight loss 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.
