Causes and treatments of lower back pain

2 December 2025

Lower back pain most often occurs due to degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine.The intervertebral disc is damaged when lifting heavy objects, too heavy loads at rest and when moving or falling.Protrusion of the annulus fibrosus through tears and fissures of the nucleus pulposus forms a hernia.Instability in the spine contributes to the development of bone spurs (spondylosis), damage to the joints and ligaments between the vertebrae (spondyloarthrosis), osteoarthritis, which are accompanied by pathological processes in the sacroiliac joints.

In addition to changes in compression force, pain is also caused by reflex stimulation of receptors and impulses that are transmitted to the motor neurons of the spinal cord.Muscle tone increases and over time, pathologies appear in muscle tissue.Spinal pain can be caused by tumors, multiple myeloma and systemic autoimmune diseases.

Causes of pain and their types

The pain can be dull, sharp, aching, burning, and throbbing.They can spread to the entire back, spread to neighboring areas, or be localized in nature.An unpleasant feeling develops in many different ways;it can appear suddenly or develop over a long period of time.

This symptom is also classified depending on the cause of its appearance:

Primary pain is a consequence of degeneration of the musculoskeletal system, lesions in it;
The secondary type occurs during a pathological process in the body that does not involve the lower back.

There are two types of pain:

Periodicity is characteristic of vigorous exertion, acute diseases, and physiological characteristics;They can spread to other parts of the body or beyond the affected area.Having eliminated the cause of the occurrence, they stop bothering the person.
Constant pain is the result of deep damage to joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of medication, the symptoms are temporarily eliminated but they return.

Indications for advanced diagnostics

To determine the method of pain relief, it is necessary to conduct additional examinations to determine the true cause of the syndrome.Tests must be performed if:

atypical pain manifestations (no increase or decrease in discomfort when moving the body), unusual localization (eg, discomfort spreading from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
weakens symptoms in the standing position and pumping while lying down;
changes in the nature of back pain related to going to the toilet, eating, and having sex;
previous injury to the spine or hip joint;
pain accompanied by vomiting and increased body temperature;
cancer diagnosis;
presence of mental behavioral disorders.

Additional studies are performed in a hospital setting, when the patient is admitted to the neurology department or other departments that provide laboratories for the diagnosis of suspected disease.

X-rays of the spine are taken in several projections, general blood tests are examined and advanced biochemical analysis is performed, which shows the level of creatinine, calcium, glucose, phosphate and other substances in the blood.Computer diagnostic methods and magnetic resonance imaging are widely used.Bone scintigraphy is used to examine bone tissue.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Discomfort in the back occurs due to the following reasons:

Spondylosis includes several types of pathologies characterized by dystrophy or degeneration.As a result of the disease, joint cartilage and bones are loosened and destroyed, nerve endings are also involved in pathological changes.Osteonecrosis causes the development of hernias, lumbar radiculitis, sciatica, protrusion (bulging of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the annulus fibrosus).
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is curved and the shoulder line is asymmetrical.Accompanied by bone deformity, poor posture, hump bulging to the right or left in the intercostal space.Classified as congenital or acquired.
Spondylosis occurs due to the natural aging process of the vertebrae and joints in the lumbar region;Over time, pain increases as joints wear down and lose mobility.
Low back pain is characterized by acute discomfort in the lumbar region due to destructive disorders in the vertebrae.The pain occurs when lifting weights incorrectly and is more common in men.With low back pain, movement in the lower back is limited;Lack of treatment is dangerous when destructive processes develop into an irreversible stage.
Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) is characterized by loss of mobility of the lumbar joints and is a chronic inflammatory condition with significant proliferation of connective tissue.
Osteomyelitis is a purulent necrotic inflammation of the bone marrow, bones, and surrounding soft tissues.The disease occurs due to infection with purulent mycobacteria and pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria.
Osteoporosis is formed due to improper development of bone tissue due to impaired phosphorus and calcium supply, and decreased bone density leads to frequent damage.
Congenital or acquired difference in leg length (more than 3 cm).

These diseases require a trip to the clinic for serious examination and treatment.Sometimes therapy only relieves symptoms for a while, and for a complete cure, surgery is used.

Kidney disease

Due to impaired kidney function, discomfort may occur in the lower back, pain may occur on the left, right and sometimes in the central part of the back.Causes of symptoms may be the following diseases:

Kidney failure.This is a condition in which the organ moves beyond the permissible norm (displacement relative to the kidney bed is provided up and down by 2 cm).With nephrotic disease, the kidney is said to be wandering if it can deviate by 10 cm.
Kidney failure is a condition in which urine is not formed.The patient said he had sharp pain in his lower back and his health was getting worse.
Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis and involves adjacent tissues of the genitourinary system.With this disease, the ability to urinate may not be impaired, and lower back pain on the right and left is due to the intensity of the inflammatory process.
Gout causes discomfort when standing up from a sitting position or when performing other movements.When the disease occurs, the natural metabolism of uric acid is disrupted;it accumulates in the lumbar joints, limiting their mobility.
Renal colic is a common disease.With it, pain occurs for many reasons.The most common are ureteral injuries due to stones, torsion, or obstruction of the upper urinary tract due to blood clots, formations, pus, or mucus.Low back pain due to renal colic is characterized by sudden onset at any time of the day, during movement or at rest.
Diabetic nephropathy is more typical in people with diabetes (75%) and is a complex lesion of the arteries, glomeruli and renal tubules due to changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in kidney tissue.Pain with this pathology spreads to any part of the back, as well as to the groin and lower abdomen.
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli (glomeruli) and can lead to kidney failure.A rapidly progressive and chronic form is noted.
Kidney stones are not always accompanied by low back pain;It can be difficult to locate it.
Hydronephrosis is characterized by dilation of the renal pelvis and discomfort.Requires additional diagnostics.

Gynecological diseases

Pain syndrome occurs in women due to diseases:

The most frequent site of discomfort from uterine fibroids, vulvitis, adnexitis and neoplasms of the genital organs is the lower abdomen, but pain can occur in the left and right lower back.
During pregnancy, the lower back hurts and walking also hurts, but such symptoms arise for natural reasons and are explained by the fact that the developing fetus weighs on the musculoskeletal system, so treatment is not required.
Menopause is accompanied by pain due to reduced blood supply to the internal organs of the small pelvis, which in turn is a consequence of hormonal imbalance during this period.
Unpleasant feelings may constantly arise due to psychological reasons.In this case, the woman needs to see a psychotherapist and psychologist.
The consequences of surgery, such as abortion, can be accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen and spread to the lumbar vertebrae due to involuntary contractions of the uterus or the development of inflammation.
Hormonal disorders during the menstrual cycle, the release of the follicle from the ovaries and its movement through the fallopian tubes, as well as the expansion of the uterus during menstruation cause pain in the lower back and lower back.

Other causes of lower back pain

Discomfort in the lumbar region can be caused by diseases of the human body system:

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and often affects women.This is a chronic inflammatory condition that develops in the lumbar joints and involves nearby cartilage and muscles.The disease occurs due to an autoimmune disorder in the body.
Thrombophlebitis and venous thromboembolism develop due to partial or complete blockage of blood flow in the deep veins.Discomfort in the lower back after walking or standing for a long time.This pain spreads to the buttocks and legs.
End-stage atherosclerosis causes discomfort in the lower back.

Treatment of pain due to musculoskeletal problems

To eliminate discomfort in the lower back caused by impaired function of the musculoskeletal system, various medications are used depending on the root cause and stage of the underlying disease.

They are used in many forms, from tablets to intramuscular injections.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain.These medications lower body temperature, inflammation, and fever.

NSAIDs belonging to the phenylacetic acid derivative group are very popular in the treatment of back pain.These medications are safe and effective, and have an advantage over other pain medications because they do not negatively affect the metabolism of the disc.The therapeutic dose, sufficient to relieve severe discomfort, ranges from 75 to 150 mg per day, the norm being consumed in several doses.To speed up the analgesic effect, rectal suppositories are used or the drug is injected intramuscularly.

Muscle relaxants

If NSAIDs do not provide a positive effect in treating pain, muscle relaxants will be used.These drugs reduce the tone of skeletal muscles and reduce their movement - sometimes to the point of completely stopping function.Initiate treatment with a standard dose and maintain for several weeks.Practice shows that adding muscle relaxants to complex pain treatment helps relieve long-term discomfort and improves joint mobility.The combination of these drugs should not be used.

Pain relievers and corticosteroids

To relieve back pain if the pain is too much, people use narcotic pain relievers, drugs that have been used for a long time in medicine.They are based on opioids, thanks to which the drug helps relieve pain.These drugs are prescribed by a doctor (they are sold in pharmacies only by prescription);you cannot treat your pain with these medications on your own.

To eliminate the syndrome, corticosteroids are used in cases of degenerative disorders in joint tissues.

The drug partially restores cartilage and prevents further destruction.

Injectable drugs

Injections are used if previous medications have not had the required effect.For direct blockade of the lumbar region, drugs of the ester and amide groups are used.

Blockade is a procedure to reduce muscle spasm at the site of pain;Injections are administered into the nerve plexuses, including the paravertebral region, through the catheter.Its effects are short-lived but help alleviate severe attacks.

Use ointments, creams, and patches

With the help of gels and creams, discomfort is also eliminated.They are applied directly to the painful area.You can use NSAID-based products.Combination products have more enhanced effects.

To cause distraction and local irritation, a warming ointment is used that protects the restored cartilage, dilates blood vessels, helps improve the nutrition of vertebral tissues and cartilage, and accelerates metabolic processes in them.

The use of patches is very popular because of the convenient method of application and quick action.The product is soaked in medicine and applied to the painful area.With this method, overdose is excluded.

Other methods act on the painful area

Physiotherapy treatment allows you to warm up muscles, improve blood supply and enhance the therapeutic effect of basic drugs.

Paraffin applications are used, which are effective in case of shooting pain.The procedure involves applying each layer of wax or paraffin to the skin with a total thickness of 1 cm, covering it with polyethylene, and then covering it with a warm blanket.The duration is at least an hour, with daily use the course of treatment is a month.Physical therapy is effective when used while the disease is not getting worse.Exercise also reduces the risk of back pain recurring.

Massage must not be performed in all cases, because in some pathologies it can harm the body.In this case, the impact is not on the pain, but on the surrounding areas.The procedure should be performed by an experienced massage therapist;You should not do this yourself.

Mud therapy is also used as a distraction method.

Pain relief for gynecological problems

Complex antibacterial agents are used to eliminate the initial cause of pain.Special medications are used to reduce bacterial vaginal infections.An ointment containing antibiotics and antiseptics is used in the vulvar area.

Inflammation of the glands of an infectious nature, accompanied by pain in the lower back, is treated with antibiotics, taking into account the sensitivity of microorganisms, and ultrasound waves are used as a physiotherapeutic effect.Genital abscesses, especially Bartholin gland abscesses, are removed by open surgery.If the pain is moderate and the tumor does not bother the patient, then hormonal drugs will be prescribed, which are considered only as a prophylactic measure before surgery.

GnRH antagonists reduce the amount of estrogen in the body.They are used for uterine fibroids, hyperplasia, and endometriosis.Hormonal drugs help reduce the size of the uterus before surgery.However, long-term use will lead to the development of osteoporosis.

In some cases, after treatment, the nodules begin to grow and cause back pain.The discomfort is reduced with the help of birth control pills.To reduce comfort when low back pain occurs, antigonadotropin therapy is used.These drugs have many side effects so they are rarely used.

If the tumor grows causing severe pain and threatens your health, surgery is needed to remove it.During menopause and if a woman does not plan to have children, a complete hysterectomy is recommended.In other cases, the tumor is removed only laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen).

Common hormonal drugs are NSAIDs.Antispasmodics are also used.

Helps relieve kidney pain

Acute pain in the kidneys is relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs that can increase the patency of the ureters and ensure urine diversion.

Acute symptoms require the use of combination medications containing both analgesics and antispasmodics with anti-inflammatory components.You can take 2 pills at a time;In severe cases, intramuscular injections are given.Analgin-based antipyretic helps relieve pain in the kidneys.

Traditional treatment methods

Traditional recipes help relieve pain in the lower back, but before using it, you need to make sure that there are no diseases dangerous to human life and health that require timely medical treatment or even surgery.The most popular methods:

A towel soaked in a mixture of St.John's wort, thyme, chamomile and black elderberry are applied to the sore spot.For cooking, take 1 tsp.raw or dry ingredients, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour.Then remove the gauze and go to sleep.
Garlic ointment helps a lot.To prepare, take one end, grind it in an accessible way and mix with a small portion of Vaseline and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the painful area in the back.
Mustard baths relieve pain.To do this, take a cup of mustard powder and pour it into warm water.Bathe until the water cools, then rinse your skin with clean water and cover with a blanket.
A compress of honey and vinegar (1 tablespoon each) relieves pain.The resulting mixture is placed on cabbage leaves and applied to the problem area.
Radish or horseradish are grated, combined with sour cream and placed on a napkin made of natural material.The compress is fixed with a warm towel or handkerchief.
Dried burdock leaves steamed with boiling water apply to the painful area and insulate.
To improve blood flow to the tissues, rub your back with honey.Massage is performed without pressure, but the movements should be vigorous.Similarly, use eucalyptus tincture purchased at the pharmacy.
Make a compress from grated radish, squeeze out the mass and mix the cake obtained from one vegetable with 1 liter.oil.Using a napkin, the composition is transferred to the sore spot and fixed and wrapped.This compress is left overnight.
Use washing powder mixed with white scent, mix well in equal amounts, add 2 beaten egg yolks.The product is applied to the back, a napkin is placed on top and fixed with a bandage.Keep for about 2-3 hours.

Treatment of back pain is carried out using a variety of methods, but it is always necessary to diagnose the underlying disease causing the unpleasant symptoms.