Pain syndrome accompanies many diseases. There is a common misconception that shingles pain in the back occurs only with diseases and injuries of the spine. However, experienced rheumatologists and therapists draw patients’ attention to the fact that the cause of pain may be diseases of the internal organs. Specialists at the Yusupov Multidisciplinary Hospital provide daily medical care to patients experiencing this symptom. Comprehensive treatment programs are based on highly accurate diagnostic data, which increases the effectiveness of the chosen therapy.
Pain in the abdomen and lower back
Girdle pain in the abdomen and lower back is a characteristic sign of a large number of diseases and causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient. In some cases, colic can radiate to other parts of the body, which only makes the diagnosis more difficult. Therefore, if there is a sharp pain in the abdomen, which is equally clearly manifested in the front and back, you should immediately consult a specialist. The cause of this symptom may be:
- Disorders of the bile ducts.
- Problems with the stomach, intestines or pancreas.
- Poor quality of nutrition, leading to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Impaired blood flow in the abdominal area.
- Infectious process or inflammation of the appendix.
- Pathologies of the genitourinary system and kidney function.
- Rheumatism and problems with bone tissue.
- Damage to the spinal discs.
- Development of ulcers or erosions in the small intestine.
- Pathologies and disorders of the central nervous system.
Self-medicating is dangerous in any case, and taking painkillers is not a solution to the problem at all. A painful attack around the abdomen usually indicates serious irritation and an inflammatory process that will not go away on its own. If the pain is girdling, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations to make a diagnosis.
Girdle pain in the abdomen, radiating to the side, may be a signal of the onset of pancreatitis
General characteristics of the problem
When the back and stomach hurt at the same time, it causes serious discomfort to the patient. Girdle pain surrounds the torso in a ring, preventing movement and reducing performance. Such pains can be constant, then they exhaust the patient, preventing him from sleeping. Or they occur paroxysmally, occurring in the form of colic or contractions. Sometimes the girdling pains are also mild and aching. But they are still a symptom of serious problems, so it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
The girdling nature of the pain occurs when a large number of nerve endings are irritated. The pain can radiate, that is, spread along the nerve plexuses far from the place of its origin.
Attention: the fact that painful sensations spread throughout the body makes it difficult to correctly determine their source. This can make it difficult to make a diagnosis, so you need to get tested. It is also important to tell your doctor in detail about all the sensations and additional symptoms.
True, it happens that such sensations occur in a healthy person after increased physical exertion, especially if unusual work was performed. Pain in the lower back and abdomen most often occurs in women. A characteristic feature of this condition is that pain occurs during movement and goes away after rest. It is not accompanied by additional symptoms, so there is no need to go to the doctor.
The appearance of symptoms in the stomach and back
Girdle pain in the stomach and back is a sign of dysfunction of the internal organs. This is not always the intestines or digestive system, but often problems with the spine and reproductive system. The pain can be chronic, sharp, sudden, in the form of contractions, aching or cutting. Determining the nature of the attack is an important point for classifying the disease. The main causes of such pain may be the pathologies listed below.
Pancreatitis
It is an inflammation in the pancreas, which appears as a result of an acute metabolic disorder and blockage of the outflow of digestive juice. The organ begins to destroy itself, which leads to acute pain. Most often recorded in people who abuse alcohol. In addition to the main symptom, the patient also experiences:
Why does my lower back hurt?
- cardiopalmus;
- constant weakness and depression;
- increased temperature for no apparent reason;
- periodic vomiting;
- yellowing of the skin.
The key to successful treatment of pancreatitis is its timely diagnosis. Therapy begins with the prescription of dietary nutrition, in order to reduce the load and take a set of medications.
Acute appendicitis
Shingling lumbar pain, localized in the aerial region, usually worsens with coughing or sneezing, indicates inflammation of the appendix. This is a small part of the small intestine that becomes clogged with waste products from the body. In addition to severe pain, the pathology is manifested by a number of other signs, namely:
- body aches;
- increased body temperature;
- pale skin;
- dry lips;
- frequent urge to urinate (false);
- Abdominal pain relieved by bending right leg.
The condition is life-threatening, so it is necessary to call an ambulance immediately after the onset of acute pain. This inflammation in men and women can only be treated surgically, by cutting out the appendix.
Cholecystitis
The pathology is inflammation in the gallbladder, provoked by stagnant processes. As the disease progresses, stone deposits appear, which further worsen your health. In addition to pain, the patient experiences elevated body temperature, bitterness in the mouth, tachycardia, dizziness, and muscle spasms. Treatment should begin immediately after the first symptoms of the disease appear, this increases the chances of a successful recovery and the absence of complications.
Kidney inflammation
Pyelonephritis or other disorders of the excretory function also often cause unpleasant pain that seems to surround the lower back and abdomen. At the same time, it has a dull aching character. Associated symptoms include a rise in body temperature to 40C (difficult to lose), painful urge to go to the toilet, burning sensation and discomfort during urination.
In women, pain is often a sign of the onset of the menstrual cycle and is a natural process
Other reasons
If the pain is localized on the right side and spreads to the lower back, the most common cause of this condition is acute appendicitis. Inflammation of the appendix of the cecum can be detected by pain when touching the abdomen. In addition, the disease is accompanied by other symptoms. This may be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Sometimes the temperature rises, the patient feels chills, and his heartbeat quickens.
Important: in case of acute appendicitis, it is necessary to receive timely medical care, since a ruptured appendix threatens peritonitis.
Another cause of girdle pain in the lower abdomen is intestinal obstruction. In this case, a sharp pain appears, which is first localized in the abdomen, but then spreads to the back, radiating to the groin and thighs. Most often, pain manifests itself in the form of spasms or colic. In addition, other symptoms additionally occur. These are nausea, vomiting, complete absence of stool, and possibly an increase in temperature.
This pain is a characteristic symptom of renal colic. It usually occurs with urolithiasis due to blockage of the urinary tract by a stone. In this case, the pain is usually localized only on one side, but can spread to the lower back. She is quite strong, often unbearable. In addition, the patient feels weak, unwell, the temperature may rise, blood appears in the urine, or its amount is greatly reduced. Kidney pain spreading to the abdomen often occurs with infectious and inflammatory diseases. This may be pyelonephritis, cystitis, glomerulonephritis. The pain in these diseases resembles an attack of radiculitis, but is accompanied by general intoxication of the body, increased temperature and impaired urine outflow.
Pain around the lower back in women
Girdle pain in the female body sometimes appears as a result of the peculiarities of the reproductive system or malfunctions in its functioning. These may be gynecological pathologies, general intoxication, the development of oncology, diseases of the circulatory system. They are localized mainly in the lower back, but sometimes they radiate to other parts of the body and can be felt around the torso. It is impossible to independently determine the cause of such a disorder, but accompanying symptoms will help differentiate the disease.
Premenstrual syndrome
Before the start of the cycle, many women experience pain in the lower abdomen. This symptom is natural and does not pose a health threat. It appears due to a sharp change in hormonal levels. It is usually accompanied by discomfort in the mammary glands, swelling, increased appetite, nagging pain in the lower back and back, irritability and sudden changes in mood (from joy to tearfulness).
With age, PMS only intensifies due to disturbances in the level of female hormones. But in principle it does not require treatment or specific medications. If, in addition to the sensations described, the woman feels generally well, no additional diagnostics are prescribed; a consultation and examination with a gynecologist is sufficient.
Adnexit
The appearance of girdle pain in the lower back in women may also be associated with the onset of the disease. Often the symptom indicates an inflammatory process that spreads to the uterus and appendages. It is provoked by pathogenic microorganisms such as staphylococci, gonococci, streptococci. The cause of adnexitis is the constant action of viruses and bacteria, against the background of suppressed immunity. Additional signs, in addition to pain, include:
- increased weakness;
- body temperature above 37 degrees C;
- disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
- fever.
Women usually come in with abdominal pain, but even during the initial examination by a gynecologist, enlarged ovaries are detected, as well as pathogenic microflora during a smear examination. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound to clarify the diagnosis.
Endometriosis
Girdle pain in the female body often indicates the development of endometriosis. This is the process of growth of the epithelium in the uterus, including beyond it. In addition to unpleasant sensations during the menstrual cycle, there is an increase in the volume of discharge and an increase in the duration of “menstruation” and hormonal disorders associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
Candidiasis or colpitis
Bacterial pathologies can provoke discomfort in the abdominal area in a woman. They develop in the cervix or vagina and cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms. The pain appears in attacks and is accompanied by characteristic discharge. The pathology is diagnosed during a gynecological examination; a smear or ultrasound can make an accurate diagnosis.
Ovarian cyst
Characteristic lumbar pain also appears as a result of the development of a neoplasm on the ovary. This organ consists of a capsule, and the tumor significantly increases its size, squeezing neighboring organs and tissues, which causes pain. If the nerve endings are not affected, the pathology is practically asymptomatic. In addition to the main symptom, the following disorders are also observed:
- the appearance of a feeling of fullness in the stomach;
- hot flashes;
- cycle disruptions or prolonged absence of menstruation;
- lack of ovulation;
- frequent painful urination;
- increased facial hair;
- insomnia.
Ultrasound examination, as well as analysis of hormone levels, helps to determine pathology with high accuracy. Treatment almost always involves excision of the cyst using laparoscopy or surgery.
Diagnosis of the causes of pain syndrome
In order to determine the causes of lower back pain, women are advised to consult a neurologist, vertebrologist, urologist or gynecologist. If you have doubts about what disease provoked the disorder, you can make an appointment with a therapist, who will refer the patient for a consultation with the right specialist.
To diagnose diseases that cause back pain, the following are used:
- UAC and OAM;
- blood chemistry;
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and pelvic organs;
- X-ray of the spine;
- CT;
- MRI;
- electroneuromyography.
To diagnose spinal pathologies, it is most preferable to use MRI, since this method, while absolutely safe for human health, can provide the most accurate information about the condition of the intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerves and other structures. This will allow you to detect even minor protrusions and prescribe appropriate treatment.
If it occurs under the ribs and in the back
Constraining pain under the ribs and in the back occurs against the background of many diseases of the spine, internal organs, or a heart attack. It is extremely important not to delay contacting a doctor; such a manifestation is dangerous due to the rapid development of complications and unpleasant consequences for the patient. The main causes of symptoms are:
- Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Along with the main symptom, tingling, burning, numbness of the limbs and increased sweating are also observed. Pain syndrome is often associated with compression of the nerve endings of the vertebrae.
- Intercostal neuralgia. Unpleasant sensations are mostly localized in the back area, and there is only slight pain under the ribs. In addition to the syndrome, there is a burning sensation, the inability to perform simple physical exercises, and the appearance of “goosebumps” on the skin. Girdle pain is observed with a bilateral type of lesion, in other cases it is more pronounced on one side.
- Pathologies of the respiratory system. Diseases of the lungs or bronchus sometimes cause pain around the body. This symptom is often a sign of the development of pneumonia. Additionally, bluish skin discoloration, elevated body temperature and cough should alert you.
- Gastrointestinal diseases. Pain under the ribs often appears with the development of pathologies of the stomach and pancreas. These could be: ulcers, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, appendicitis.
In addition, the causes of unpleasant sensations around the body, localized under the ribs and in the back, can be malignant neoplasms, herpes, myocardial infarction, and renal colic. Ultrasound of internal organs, urine and blood tests and other hardware techniques allow differentiation of the disease.
Important information! Coughing up blood and girdle pain does not always indicate a pathology of the respiratory organs; in some situations, signs appear against the background of damage to the ribs. Sharp ends injure soft tissues. Therefore, if there were bruises in this area on the bottom, you must immediately inform the emergency doctor during the examination.
Self-diagnosis when girdling pain occurs is impossible, and treatment with folk remedies can lead to more serious consequences. During the initial examination, the doctor determines the nature of the attack, factors that intensify it (coughing, bending, muscle tension, etc.). Only comprehensive diagnostic studies can help make an accurate diagnosis.
Pain above the lower back indicates an injury or the onset of osteochondrosis
Diagnostic methods
The doctor will be able to answer why the lower back hurts in men after conducting a comprehensive examination. After completing the survey and examination, the patient is sent for additional examinations:
- radiography;
- CT;
- MRI;
- myelogram (contrast study of the spinal canal);
- Ultrasound of internal organs and soft tissues;
- laboratory tests (general clinical blood and urine tests, biochemistry, and so on).
Men may need consultations with several specialists (neurologist, orthopedist, vertebrologist, traumatologist, urologist, nephrologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, infectious disease specialist).
If it bothers you above the lower back
Shingling pain in the lower back can appear even with unsuccessful lifting of heavy objects. Therefore, pain in this place is not always the reason for a comprehensive examination. But in some cases, if other symptoms appear along with it, you should consult a doctor. Common causes of pain above the lower back are:
- Injuries. They are not always formed as a result of impacts or falls, but also due to sudden lifting of weights. In this case, additional symptoms include decreased sensitivity of the limbs, hematoma, swelling or temporary loss of coordination.
- Osteochondrosis. A dangerous degenerative process that gradually leads to the destruction of the vertebrae. In addition to pain, patients also experience stiffness of movement, the inability to perform even minimal physical exercise, and discomfort when trying to sit down or stand up straight. MRI is used for diagnosis.
- Scoliosis. The disease is characterized by curvature of the spine in the chest area or above the lower back. Due to the movement of the vertebrae, there is often a girdling pain, aching with a feeling of squeezing. It disappears after starting to wear a corset. This diagnosis is made by an orthopedist or vertebrologist.
- Radiculitis. An inflammatory process localized in the nerve roots of the spine. A characteristic symptom is severe sharp pain when trying to bend or pick up an object from the floor. “Shots” are observed even if you want to turn the body.
Determining the cause of back pain above the lower back is an important task facing the attending physician in order to select the most correct and effective treatment tactics. This usually includes painkillers, exercise therapy, massage, or surgery if conservative approaches fail.
Girdle pain of different localization can appear at any time. Sometimes they are not a reason to panic and only indicate overexertion of the body, unsuccessful lifting of weights, but sometimes it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor. Symptoms often signal the development of pathologies of internal organs, which must be treated immediately in the early stages.
Prevention
For lower back pain in men, the causes and treatment are of great importance. However, it is always better to prevent a disease than to fight it. Prevention for each disease will be different. General recommendations include:
- try to adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle, provide the body with a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus;
- avoid any factors that provoke pain (hypothermia, sudden movements, lifting heavy loads, etc.);
- Perform a set of preventive exercises daily (breathing exercises, spinal traction, strengthening the lower back muscles);
- treat diseases of internal organs, infectious and inflammatory processes;
- protect yourself from injuries and stress.
It is important to follow the rule: while there is pain in the lower back, any exercise is contraindicated until the man has fully recovered.