Customer question:
What could be causing a burning pain in the lower back? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Burning pain in the lumbar part of the back can result from various causes, ranging from less severe to more severe health problems. The most common cause is muscle strain or injury, which can occur from lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or repetitive irregular movements. Other common causes include spinal problems such as a herniated disc, sciatica, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis, which can press on nerves and cause burning pain.
Inflammation of the muscles or ligaments in the lumbar region, also called lumbago or "back spasm," is a common cause of burning pain. This condition can occur due to excessive strain on the spine, incorrect posture, or prolonged sitting. The inflammation can cause burning pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Lumbar herniation, which occurs when part of the inner core of an intervertebral disc pushes through the outer layer and presses on adjacent nerves, can also cause burning pain in the lumbar region. This pain often spreads to the buttocks, legs, and feet and is worsened by specific movements, such as sitting or coughing.
Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, can also cause burning pain in the lumbar region, significantly if peripheral nerves are affected. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. Burning pain in the back can also be caused by inflammation or irritation of nerves, such as trigeminal neuralgia or postherpetic neuralgia, which occurs after getting over herpes zoster outbreaks.
Burning pain in the lumbar region can rarely be associated with more severe conditions, such as tumor processes in the spine or cancerous lesions. Although this is usually less likely, it is essential to rule them out, especially if the pain lasts longer or worsens.
Can kidney inflammation cause back pain?
Yes, kidney inflammation can cause back pain. The kidneys are paired organs located in the back's lumbar region, one on each side of the spine. When inflammation of the kidneys, also called nephritis, occurs, pain may appear in the lumbar part of the back on the affected side. This pain is often described as deep, dull, or throbbing and may radiate to the body's lower back, abdomen, or side.
Inflammation of the kidneys can be caused by a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections such as pyelonephritis or autoimmune diseases such as glomerulonephritis. In pyelonephritis, bacteria usually enter the kidney tissue from the urinary tract, causing inflammation. This can cause back pain and other symptoms such as fever, frequent urination, pain or burning when urinating, and general malaise.
Glomerulonephritis is when the immune system attacks the kidney's cells, leading to inflammation. Inflammation affecting the kidney tissue may cause back pain. In addition to back pain, glomerulonephritis can also cause swelling of the face, ankles, or hands, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and changes in the urine.
In some cases, kidney stones can also cause back pain. When stones move through the ureters, they can cause an acute and very painful renal colic that usually starts in the lower back and spreads to the groin and lower abdomen.
If you suspect nephritis or any other kidney problem, it is essential to consult your doctor. The doctor will likely perform a physical examination, order blood and urine tests, and, if necessary, additional imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Based on the findings, he will suggest appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation or other therapeutic options, depending on the underlying cause of the problem.
How do you identify a herniated disc? What are the symptoms?
A herniated disc occurs when part of the inner core of the intervertebral disc bulges through the disc's outer layer. This can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause a variety of symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of a herniated disc:
- Pain is usually one of the most noticeable symptoms of a herniated disc. It can occur in the back area but is often localized at the site of the herniated disc, for example, mainly in the lower back (for a herniated disc in the lumbar region) or in the neck area (for a herniated disc in the cervical region). The pain may worsen when lifting heavy objects, coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods.
- Radiation of pain: A herniated disc can cause pain to radiate to other body parts innervated by the affected nerves. For example, with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, the pain can spread to the buttock, thigh, lower leg, or foot. In the case of a herniated disc in the neck, the pain can spread to the shoulder, arms, or fingers.
- Muscle weakness: Affected nerves can cause weakness in the muscles they supply. This can lead to difficulty lifting objects, walking, or performing daily activities.
- Tingling or numbness: Affected nerves can also cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
- Problems with balance or walking: In some people, a herniated disc can affect balance or walking significantly if nerves in the lumbar spine are affected.
- General discomfort: Besides pain, a herniated disc can cause general discomfort or stiffness in the back, which may worsen with time or specific movements.
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