Lower back pain usually afflicts women during pregnancy or during PMS but could also be related to a host of medical problems!
Back ache – other abdominal and pelvic causes
Back pain can also result from abdominal and pelvic organ disease. These may include medical problems such as infections, inflammations or cancers of the various organs such as the stomach, pancreas, liver, bladder, kidneys, intestines, and reproductive organs.
Pelvic and lower back pain occurs more commonly in females. Conditions such as PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) can cause low back pain. Similarly, monthly menstrual cramps occur are usually felt in the lower belly or back and last one to three days. Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory diseases, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, urinary tract infections and kidney stones are some frequently diagnosed conditions that may cause back pain. Pregnancy is a major contributor of back pain and about 50% of women experience low back pain during their pregnancy.
Symptoms, tests and diagnosis of back aches
Depending on the condition being experienced, symptoms may vary. They can also serve as a guide to indicate where the problem may be occurring. A thorough history and physical examination including basic blood and urine tests may be done. In the case of a woman, a complete gynaecological approach must be adapted to rule out pregnancy and other gynaecological problems. A pregnancy test may also need to be done to rule out ectopic pregnancies. Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI may also be required to assess the patient and to confirm or rule out certain conditions.
Treatment of back aches
Once the diagnosis is confirmed and patient is stabilized and free from any fatal outcomes, the treatment should aim to achieve maximal reduction in pain intensity as rapidly as possible. Before treatment begins it is important to know what condition is being treated so as not to miss the more sinister conditions that can be fatal.
Home remedies such as heat therapy can be of help. In the short term, pain killers (NSAIDs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac etc) are useful. Stronger pain killers such as opioids (morphine) may be sparingly used under close supervision by the doctor. Injectable analgesics can be given in cases of moderate to severe pain. These help give rapid relief. In cases of infections, antibiotics can be given via injection and orally also. Surgery may also be required to treat the underlying causes in certain surgical cases.
Photograph via sxc.hu
