Lower Back Pain - N1 Clinic

Lower back pain is an unpleasant sensation that occurs in the lumbar spine, that is, in the lower back. It can be sharp, abrupt, dull, intensifying with movement or occurring in certain positions, and also accompanied by a feeling of stiffness or limitation of movement.

Pain syndrome can occur in women and men of different ages and lifestyles, but some groups of people are more susceptible to this condition:

with a sedentary lifestyle,
with poor posture,
with heavy physical labor,
with age-related changes,
with excess weight,
with a genetic predisposition.

It is important to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the pain and prescribe appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

Lower back pain can reveal itself in various symptoms and signs that depend on the cause of the pain and its nature. Some of the common symptoms include:

Pain sensations:
- Sharp or dull pain in the lower back, spreading along the lumbar spine.
- Pain that increases with movement, especially bending, twisting, or lifting.
- The pain may be localized to a specific area or may spread to other parts of the body, even higher up in the lower back, such as the leg, buttocks, or chest.
Limited movement:
- Difficulty bending, turning, lifting, or sitting, or performing daily tasks.
- A feeling of stiffness in the lower back or rigidity when moving.
Weakness or numbness:
- A feeling of weakness or numbness in the legs, buttocks, or lower back.
- Loss of sensation or difficulty controlling movement in the lower limbs.
- Cramps or spasms of the muscles in the lower back.
Symptoms of nerve pressure:
- Tingling, burning, or numbness in the area supplied by the affected nerve.
- Weakened muscles or changes in sensation in the corresponding areas of the body.

These symptoms may be signs of various pathologies, such as osteochondrosis, disc herniation, scoliosis, muscle strains, and other conditions. If aching pain in the lumbar spine becomes intense, long-lasting, or accompanied by other serious symptoms, an orthopedic traumatologist will help make an accurate diagnosis and select treatment.

What are the causes of lower back pain?

Lower back pain has various causes, including:

Osteochondrosis: Degenerative changes in the spine, such as wear of the intervertebral discs and the appearance of osteophytes (bone growths), can cause pain and inflammation in the lumbar region.
Herniated or protruding disc: When the disc nucleus protrudes beyond its natural boundaries, it can cause compression of the surrounding nerve structures, leading to lower back pain and radiating pain to the leg (sciatica).
Muscle strains and spasms: Straining the back muscles, such as from poor posture, heavy lifting, or sudden movements, can lead to lower back pain and muscle spasms.
Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine can cause uneven stress on the lumbar region, leading to pain and discomfort.
Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the vertebrae, such as the growth of bone spurs on the edges of the vertebrae, can cause stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal and pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain.
Trauma: Injuries such as dislocations, strains, fractures, or bruises to the lower back can cause acute pain and discomfort.
Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as arthritis or inflammation of the joints of the spine can cause inflammation and pain in the lower back.
Internal Organ Pathologies: Some internal organ diseases, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or gynecological problems, can also cause pain that radiates to the lower back.

The nature of pain in different diseases may differ, as well as the accompanying symptoms. For example, persistent and aching pain in the lower back can occur with minor soft tissue injuries, and various diseases, such as osteochondrosis. Acute pain can be a sign of protrusion or herniated discs. In such cases, the pain usually intensifies with movement.

The doctor conducts diagnostics to determine the specific cause to choose the correct and effective treatment plan.

What methods of diagnosing lower back pain are used at N1 Clinic in Dnipro?

At N1 Clinic, the orthopedic doctor begins diagnosing lower back pain with a general examination, assessment of symptoms, and movement limitations. The specialist will ask in detail about your feelings and the nature of the pain, for example, whether you have sharp or nagging pain in the lower back, and whether it intensifies with movement.

Depending on the doctor’s assumptions, additional studies may be prescribed for an accurate diagnosis:

X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound examination. These methods allow you to visualize the structures of the spine and detect changes, such as disc deformation, hernias, osteochondrosis, and other pathologies.
Laboratory tests to assess the general condition of the body and identify inflammation or infection.
Electromyography (EMG) to assess the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. This test helps to identify damage to nerves and muscles associated with pain syndrome.

Depending on the results of the examination and diagnostic tests, the doctor may prescribe consultations with other specialists, such as a neurologist, rheumatologist, or neurosurgeon.

What methods of treating lower back pain are available at N1 Clinic?

To relieve lower back pain, at N1 Clinic the treatment is selected individually after a full diagnosis of the patient. The orthopedic doctor uses methods such as:

Medications to relieve pain, relieve inflammation, and improve spinal function. For example, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins, drugs to strengthen bone tissue, and others.
Various physiotherapeutic methods to strengthen the back muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation and pain. For example, this may include a course of therapeutic massage, therapeutic gymnastics, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and more.
Manual therapy to correct dislocated vertebrae, stretch muscles, and ligaments, restore joint mobility, and reduce pain.

Usually, the doctor uses a combination of different treatment methods to achieve a quick and best effect to improve the patient’s quality of life.

In some cases, if there are serious spinal pathologies, surgery may be required to eliminate the problem, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or vertebral deformation. At N1 Clinic, such surgeries are performed by Artem Naumenko, who has been successfully solving spinal problems for over 20 years.

What is the prevention of lower back pain?

Prevention of lower back pain helps to prevent the development of spinal diseases associated with inactivity, poor posture, injuries, or other factors. Properly selected preventive measures can reduce the risk of lower back pain significantly and improve the overall condition of the spine and back.

We recommend the following measures to maintain a healthy spine:

Exercises to strengthen the back muscles and correct posture.
Regular exercise, especially swimming, yoga, or pilates.
Maintaining a healthy weight and proper nutrition to strengthen bones and muscles.
Maintaining correct posture when sitting and walking.
Avoiding heavy lifting and the wrong approach to physical activity.
Regular breaks, as well as stretching when sitting or standing for a long time.
Using ergonomic furniture and a mattress to support the spine.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
Correct selection of shoes with good foot support.

What are the benefits of treating lower back pain at N1 Clinic?

At our clinic, orthopedic doctors will conduct a full diagnosis of your condition to select the best treatment.

The medical director of our clinic, Artem Naumenko, has more than 20 years of experience in the field of vertebrology and treats back pain caused by orthopedic problems successfully. Dr. Naumenko is also a leading surgeon at our clinic.

Patients who need surgery receive a full range of services, including surgical intervention, safe anesthesia, comprehensive medical and drug support, three meals a day, and comfortable accommodation in a hospital.

Do you want a quick and effective solution to problems with lower back pain? Call and make an appointment with our orthopedic traumatologists. We will find the best treatment that will help you quickly get rid of lower back pain.