Pain at the end of the spine: 6 causes and what to do

The pain at the end of the spine is usually not severe, and may be the result of poor posture or repetitive efforts, for example, being easily resolved with rest and light massage at the site of the pain. However, when the pain becomes intense and constant, it is important to go to the doctor so that the symptoms are evaluated, the diagnosis is made and, thus, treatment can be started.

The treatment for pain at the end of the spine can be done with the use of muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs, depending on the type of pain and medical advice, in addition to physical therapy sessions to strengthen the muscles and relieve symptoms.

Main causes

The pain at the end of the spine is usually not severe and can be easily resolved with rest, physiotherapy sessions and use of anti-inflammatory drugs, for example. The main causes of back pain are:

1. Low back pain

Low back pain corresponds to pain at the end of the spine that may or may not be accompanied by pain in the legs or buttocks that may last for less than or more than 1 month. Low back pain can be caused by poor posture, back malfunction, physical inactivity, local infection or even a tumor.

What to do: In the case of low back pain, treatment can be done with the use of medications, such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, always with medical guidance. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles and reduce pain. Check out some homemade strategies against back pain in the video below:

2. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve begins at the end of the spine and, when inflamed or compressed, can cause severe pain in the back, in addition to pain in the buttocks and legs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve can also cause difficulty in keeping the spine erect and lower and pain when walking. Learn more about the sciatic nerve.

What to do: When you notice the first symptoms of inflammation in the sciatic nerve, it is important to consult an orthopedist so that the diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started, which can be done with the use of anti-inflammatories to relieve the symptoms, in addition to physiotherapy sessions to reduce pain, inflammation and strengthen the lower back and thus improve the quality of life. Here's how to treat the sciatic nerve at home.

3. Repetitive effort

The practice of repetitive activities that involve the lower back, such as riding a bicycle or crouching many times during the day, can cause inflammation of the muscles and ligaments in the region, resulting in pain at the end of the spine.

What to do: In case of pain at the end of the spine due to repetitive effort, it is recommended to rest and, if necessary, to take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Diclofenac, for example, to relieve symptoms. However, if the pain does not go away even with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, it is important to go to the orthopedist to investigate the cause of the pain.

4. Bad posture

Poor posture is one of the main causes of pain at the end of the spine, because the incorrect posture when sitting, for example, can cause too much pressure on the coccyx, resulting in low back pain.

What to do: If the pain at the end of the spine is the result of poor posture, you can get up throughout the day to stretch and give a light massage at the site of the pain. In addition, it is important to correct the posture to avoid further pain or other problems. Check out 5 tips to achieve the correct posture.

5. Herniated disc

Herniated discs occur when the intervertebral disc leaves the site, leading to compression of the nerves in the region and resulting in pain in the lower back. In addition to pain at the end of the spine, there may be difficulty in walking and bending down, weakness in the legs and even changes in the functioning of the bladder due to compression of the local nerves. Learn what the symptoms of herniated disc are.

What to do: When a herniated disc is suspected, it is important to go to the orthopedist to make the diagnosis through the evaluation of symptoms and imaging tests, such as X-rays. In addition, it is important to perform physical therapy sessions to improve the person's quality of life. See how physical therapy is done for herniated discs.

6. Renal stone

The main symptom of kidney stones is acute pain at the end of the back, more precisely in the lateral region, which arises due to the presence of kidney stones that cause inflammation and obstruction of the flow of urine in the urinary tract. See what are the signs and symptoms of kidney stones.

What to do: If symptoms characteristic of kidney crisis appear, it is important to consult a nephrologist so that tests can be done to identify the presence of stones and their size so that the best treatment can be defined. However, to avoid the formation of kidney stones, it is important to have healthy lifestyle habits, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, in addition to drinking at least 2 liters of water throughout the day. Learn what to do to relieve renal colic.

When to go to the doctor

It is recommended to go to the doctor when the pains at the end of the spine are intense, constant, do not go away at rest and other symptoms appear, such as:

• Pain in the leg or buttocks; Sensation of numbness or tingling in the back, legs or buttocks; Difficulty performing movements, such as walking, lowering or lifting; Shortness of breath.

Going to the doctor is important so that tests can be done to conclude the diagnosis and, thus, start treatment as soon as possible, avoiding the progression of pain and complications.