Causes and treatments for back pain

2 December 2025

Back pain most often occurs due to degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine.The intervertebral disc is injured during lifting of heavy objects, excessive load at rest and during movement, falling.Extension of the annulus fibrosus through tears and fissures of the nucleus pulposus forms a hernia.Instability in the spine contributes to the development of osteophytes (spondylosis), damage to the joints and intervertebral ligaments (spondyloarthrosis), osteochondrosis, which is associated with pathological processes in the sacroiliac joints.

In addition to compression changes, pain is caused by reflex irritation of receptors, the impulse from which goes to the motor neurons of the spinal cord.Muscle tone increases and over time pathologies appear in muscle tissue.Pain in the spine can result from the occurrence of tumors, multiple myeloma and systemic autoimmune diseases.

Causes of pain and their types

Pain sensations can be dull, sharp, aching, burning and throbbing.They can spread throughout the back, radiate to neighboring areas, or be local in nature.An unpleasant sensation develops in different ways;it can appear suddenly or increase over a long period of time.

The symptom is also classified depending on the cause of its occurrence:

primary pain is a consequence of the degeneration of the musculoskeletal system, lesions in it;
the secondary type occurs during pathological processes in the body that are not related to the lower back.

There are two types of pain:

Periodic ones are characteristic for strong physical exertion, acute diseases and physiological characteristics;they may radiate to another part of the body or spread beyond the affected area.After eliminating the cause of their appearance, they stop bothering the person.
Constant pain is the result of deep damage to the joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of medications, the symptoms are temporarily eliminated, but they recur.

Indications for advanced diagnostics

To determine the method of pain relief, it is necessary to undergo an additional examination to identify the true cause of the syndrome.Tests should be performed if:

atypical manifestation of pain (there is no increase or decrease in discomfort during body movement), unusual localization (for example, the discomfort radiates from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
weakening of symptoms in a standing position and pumping while lying down;
changes in the nature of back pain related to going to the toilet, eating, sexual intercourse;
previous injuries to the spine or hip joints;
pain accompanied by vomiting and elevated body temperature;
diagnosed oncology;
the presence of mental behavioral disorders.

Additional studies are carried out in a hospital setting, when the patient is admitted to neurology or other departments that provide a laboratory for diagnosing the suspected disease.

An X-ray of the spine is taken in several projections, the general blood analysis is examined and an advanced biochemical analysis is performed which shows the level of creatinine, calcium, glucose, phosphates and other substances in the blood.The method of computer diagnostics and magnetic resonance is widely used.Bone scintigraphy is used to examine bone tissue.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Unpleasant sensations in the back occur for the following reasons:

Intervertebral osteochondrosis includes several types of pathology characterized by dystrophy or degeneration.Due to the disease, the articular cartilage and bones are loosened and destroyed, and the nerve endings are involved in the pathological change.Osteochondrosis causes the development of hernia, lumbar radiculitis, sciatica, prolapse (bulging of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the fibrous ring).
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, with an asymmetrical shoulder line.It is associated with skeletal deformity, poor posture and protrusion of the hump to the right or left in the intercostal space.It is classified as congenital or acquired form.
Spondylosis occurs due to the natural aging of the vertebrae and joints in the lumbar region;over time, pain increases with joint wear and loss of mobility.
Lumbago 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 lumbago, movement in the lower back is limited;lack of treatment is dangerous as the destructive processes develop into an irreversible stage.
Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) is characterized by the loss of mobility of the lumbar joints and is a chronic inflammation with a 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 as a result of improper development of bone tissue due to impaired supply of phosphorus and calcium, while bone density decreases, which leads to frequent injuries.
Congenital or acquired difference in leg length (more than 3 cm).

These diseases require a visit to the clinic for examination and serious treatment.Sometimes therapy helps relieve symptoms only for a while, and for complete recovery, a surgical method is used.

Renal pathologies

Due to impaired kidney function, discomfort can occur in the lower back and pain can appear in the left, right and sometimes in the central part of the back.The causes of symptoms can be the following pathologies:

Kidney prolapse.This is a condition in which the organ moves beyond the permissible norm (displacement from the bed of the kidneys is provided down and up by 2 cm).With nephroptosis, the kidney is called wandering if it can deviate by 10 cm.
Kidney failure is a condition in which urine is not formed.The patient notices that he has a sharp pain in the lower back and his health is rapidly deteriorating.
Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis, and nearby tissues of the genitourinary system are involved.With this disease, the diversion of urine cannot be damaged, and the pain in the lower back on the right and on the left is due to the intensity of the inflammatory process.
Gout causes discomfort when getting up from a sitting position or during other movements.When the disease occurs, the natural metabolism of uric acid is disrupted;accumulates in the lumbar joints, limiting their mobility.
Renal colic is a common pathology.With it, pain occurs for various reasons.The most common are damage to the ureter by a stone, its compression or obstruction of the upper urinary tract due to blood clots, formation, pus or mucus.Low back pain caused by renal colic is characterized by a sharp onset at any time of the day, during movement or at rest.
Diabetic nephropathy is more typical for people with diabetes (75%) and is a complex lesion of the arteries, glomeruli and renal tubules as a result of changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in the kidney tissues.The pain with this pathology radiates to every part of the back, as well as to the groin and lower abdomen.
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli (kidney glomeruli) and can lead to kidney failure.A rapidly progressive and chronic form is observed.
Kidney stone disease is not always accompanied by pain in the lower back;it may be difficult to determine its location.
Hydronephrosis is characterized by enlargement of the renal pelvis and discomfort.Requires additional diagnosis.

Gynecological diseases

Pain syndrome occurs in women due to diseases:

The frequent localization of discomfort due to uterine fibroids, vulvitis, adnexitis and neoplasms of the genital organs is the lower abdomen, but pain can appear in the lower back on the left and right.
During pregnancy, the lower back hurts and it hurts to walk, but such symptoms arise for natural reasons and are explained by the load from the growing fetus on the musculoskeletal system, so they do not require treatment.
Menopause is accompanied by pain due to impaired blood supply to the internal organs of the small pelvis, which, in turn, is a consequence of hormonal imbalance during this period.
Unpleasant feelings can arise constantly due to psychosomatics.In this case, the woman should visit a psychotherapist and psychologist.
The consequences of surgery, for example, 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 disturbances during the menstrual cycle, the release of the follicle from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tubes and the enlargement of the uterus during menstruation provoke pain in the lower back and lower back.

pain in the lower back due to gynecological diseases

Other causes of back pain

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

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic pathology and more often affects women.This is a chronic inflammation that develops in the lumbar joints and involves the nearby cartilage and muscles.The disease appears due to autoimmune disorders in the body.
Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis develop due to partial or complete stoppage of blood flow in the deep veins.Discomfort in the lower back is felt after long walking or standing.This pain radiates to the buttocks and legs.
Atherosclerosis in the last stage causes discomfort in the lower back.

Treatment of pain due to musculoskeletal problems

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

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

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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

NSAIDs from the group of phenylacetic acid derivatives are popular in the treatment of back pain.These drugs are safe and effective and have an advantage over other sedatives, as they do not negatively affect metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc.The therapeutic dose, sufficient to relieve severe discomfort, varies from 75 to 150 mg per day, the rate is consumed in several doses.To accelerate the analgesic effect, rectal suppositories are used or the drug is administered intramuscularly.

Muscle relaxants

If NSAIDs do not give a positive effect in the treatment of pain, then muscle relaxants are used.These drugs reduce the tone of skeletal muscles and reduce their movement - sometimes to the point of complete cessation of function.Start therapy with a standard dose and maintain it for several weeks.Practice shows that the addition of muscle relaxants to the complex treatment of pain provides a stable regression of discomfort and improves joint mobility.Combinations of different types of these drugs are not used.

Analgesics and corticosteroids

To relieve back pain if it is very painful, narcotic analgesics are used, which have been important in medicine for a long time.They are based on opioids, thanks to which the drugs provide relief.Such drugs are prescribed by a doctor (they are sold in pharmacies only by prescription);you cannot treat the pain yourself with these drugs.

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

Medicines partially restore the cartilage and prevent further destruction.

Injections

Injections are used if previous medications have not had the desired effect.For blocking directly in the middle zone, drugs of the ester group and the amide series are used.

Blockade is a procedure to relieve muscle spasms at the site of pain;injections are given in nerve plexuses, including in the paravertebral region through a catheter.Its effect is short-lived, but it helps relieve severe attacks.

Use of ointments, creams and patches

With the help of gels and creams, the unpleasant condition is also eliminated.They are applied directly to the injured area.You can use NSAID-based products.Combined products have a more extended effect.

For distracting and local irritating effects, heating ointments with a restorative chondroprotective effect are used, which dilate blood vessels, resulting in improved nutrition of vertebral tissues and cartilage, and acceleration of metabolic processes in them.

The use of patches is popular because of the convenient method of application and fast action.The product is saturated with the drug and applied to the site of pain.With this method, overdose is excluded.

Other methods to affect painful areas

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

Paraffin applications are used, which are effective in case of shooting pain.The procedure consists of applying wax or paraffin layer by layer to the skin with a total thickness of 1 cm, which is covered with polyethylene, then with a warm blanket.The duration is at least one hour, with daily use the course of treatment is one month.Physical therapy is effective when used during periods of non-exacerbating illness.Exercise also reduces the risk of recurring back pain.

Massage is not done in all cases, as in some pathologies it can damage the body.In this case, the effect is not on the injured site, but on the surrounding areas.The procedure must be performed by an experienced massage therapist;you don't have to do this yourself.

The mud therapy method is also used as a distraction.

Pain relief for gynecological problems

Complex antibacterial agents are used to eliminate the original cause of pain.Special medications are used to reduce bacterial infection of the vagina.An ointment containing antibiotics and antiseptics is used in the vulva 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 the microorganism, and ultrasound is used as a physiotherapeutic effect.Abscesses of the genital organs, in particular the abscess of the Bartholin gland, are surgically eliminated by opening.If the pain is moderate and the tumor does not bother the patient, then hormonal drugs are prescribed, which are considered only as prophylaxis before surgery.

GnRH antagonists reduce the amount of estrogen in the body.They are used for uterine fibroids, hyperplasia and endometriosis.Hormonal drugs are effective as a means of reducing the size of the uterus before surgery.However, their long-term use leads to the development of osteoporosis.

In some cases, after treatment, the nodes begin to grow and cause back pain.Unpleasant sensations are relieved with the help of oral contraceptives.Antigonadotropin therapy is used to ease well-being when lumbar pain occurs.These medications have many side effects, so they are used in rare cases.

If the growth of a tumor leads to severe pain and threatens health, then surgery is required to remove it.During menopause and if a woman does not plan to have a child, the complete removal of the uterus is recommended.In other cases, only the fibroid is removed laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen).

Well-known hormonal drugs are NSAIDs.Antispasmodic drugs are also used.

Help with kidney pain

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

Acute symptoms require the use of combined drugs containing an analgesic and an antispasmodic with anti-inflammatory components.You can take 2 tablets at the same time;in severe cases, intramuscular injections are given.Analgin-based antipyretics help relieve kidney pain.

Traditional methods of treatment

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

A towel soaked in a combined infusion of canton, thyme, chamomile flowers and blackberry is applied to the sore spot.For cooking, take 1 tbsp.Raw or dry raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour.Then remove the compress and go to bed.
Garlic ointment helps a lot.To prepare it, take a head, grind it to an accessible size and mix it with a small amount of petroleum jelly and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the sore spot on the back.
Mustard bath relieves pain.To do this, take a glass of mustard powder and pour it in warm water.Shower until cool, then rinse skin with clean water and cover with a blanket.
A compress with honey and vinegar (1 tablespoon each) relieves pain.The resulting mixture is placed on a cabbage leaf and applied to the problem area.
Radish or horseradish is chopped, mixed with sour cream and placed on a napkin made of natural material.The compress is fixed with a warm scarf or handkerchief.
Dry burdock leaves steamed with boiling water are applied to the injured area and isolated.
To improve blood circulation in the tissues, rub your back with honey.The massage is performed without pressure, but the movements must be intense.Similarly, use an alcohol solution with eucalyptus, which is purchased at a pharmacy.
Make a compress from the grated beet, squeeze the mass and mix the resulting cake from a vegetable with 1 liter.kerosene.Using a napkin, the composition is transferred to the injured area and fixed and wrapped.This compress is left overnight.
Use grated laundry soap along with white incense, mix 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 it for about 2-3 hours.

The treatment of back pain is carried out by various means, but the diagnosis of the underlying disease that causes unpleasant symptoms is always required.