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Back muscle soreness. Causes and treatment of pain in the back muscles. But the most common reasons are considered

Muscle pain in the back has another name – myalgia. It can occur for many reasons, but often it appears due to ordinary overvoltage. Physical work leads to severe fatigue, and then to muscle soreness.

The back of the body is a huge anatomical region in which the main muscle masses of the human body are located. Various diseases and unnatural processes are almost always combined with severe pain.

There are a huge number of prerequisites for the occurrence of myalgia. The most common of them is a disease of the spine - osteochondrosis. The process of vertebral dystrophy itself does not cause complications, but the consequences of the disease, such as hernia, radiculitis and others, are accompanied not only by such unpleasant sensations, but also by strong tension in the muscle corset, which in turn causes the development of myalgia.

If these diseases are absent, then it becomes unclear why the back muscles hurt. Myalgia can occur with a strong cough during a cold, due to the development of bronchitis or pneumonia. In this case, sensations in the muscles arise due to increased work. Pain can also be the cause of gastrointestinal diseases or gynecological diseases. It can be caused by any injury, infection, external influences, metabolic disorders and tumors.

Diseases causing muscle pain

Pain in the back muscles can occur due to a number of diseases and conditions of a different nature. This could be scoliosis, abnormal load, trauma, myositis, lumbago, hernia.

Scoliosis

Painful sensations can be constant, as they can be symptoms of any curvature spinal column. Lateral curvature can manifest itself in two variants - structural and non-structural.

Structural is the primary change in the spine. Nonstructural change is secondary, which may be accompanied by pelvic pathologies. In each such condition, severe overexertion occurs and pain occurs.

Excessive loads

The majority of pain in this area occurs due to severe tension and stress on the lumbar region. The tissues are under load, even if the person is at peace: sitting at the computer, lying down, etc. It is at this moment that they hold significant body weight in the required position.

For this reason, during sedentary work you need to take breaks and move periodically. During such periods, the back muscles are unloaded.

Injuries and bruises

Pain in the back muscles can be caused not only by direct blows to this area, but also by stretching, which results in a spasm of the corset. This can happen due to an unsuccessful jump or turn. If a sudden load is applied to tissues that are not heated, then a spasm will certainly occur.

Myositis

This reason is considered very common. It is a common inflammation, which is accompanied by aching pain. At the same time, the muscle corset begins to thicken and is in constant tension; at the moment of pressure on it, an unpleasant feeling occurs. If chronic myositis is present, then it is almost not felt, but the consequences of such a disease can be dangerous. They include atrophy of certain muscle groups.

Lumbago

This disease causes severe pain in the lower back muscles. The cause of its occurrence is standard overvoltage. As a rule, it occurs after a sudden movement that was made while lifting any weights. Muscle pain in the back in this case can be caused by displacement of the vertebrae. Also, lower back pain with this disease can occur at the time of hypothermia or injury.

Intervertebral hernia

With this complication, the pain syndrome is localized not only in the muscle corset. The reason for the pain is very simple - it is compression of the nervous system. spinal cord. In this case, the back muscles along the spine hurt, as a strong spasm occurs in them. With this manifestation, the body tries to protect the damaged area and immobilize it.

Also, the cause of this complication is considered to be a degenerative process in tissues. As a result, the spinal disc does not perform its shock-absorbing functions and begins to extend beyond the spinal column. At a specific moment, the disk that has been damaged cannot withstand it and a hernia occurs. Often this formation puts strong pressure on the tissue, ligaments and nervous system, and a pain symptom occurs.

This disease occurs for various reasons. It manifests itself as muscle-fascial pain in this area. Its development occurs at the moment of improper loading, which leads to overwork of the fibers, which is then accompanied by a lack of oxygen.

There are a huge number of reasons for the development of myalgia. These can be not only spinal complications, but also a number of mechanical factors:

  • Syndrome short leg . It is considered the most common cause of spinal curvature. The problem is that the overwhelming majority of people do not pay due attention to this disease. Shortening one leg by a few millimeters is not considered normal; in childhood, such shortening provokes scoliosis, which increases with age and leads to even more complex problems.
  • Reduction of pelvic size. With this pathology, a person cannot sit straight; as a result, a constant tilt to one side puts strong pressure on the muscle corset. This deviation is often accompanied by short leg syndrome.
  • Greek foot. This pathology represents a significant lengthening of the second metatarsal bone. The shock-absorbing functions of the foot disappear, and a load is created first on the lower limbs, and then on the back. The result is severe pain in the back muscles.
  • Short shoulders. This pathology is extremely rare and represents a shortening of the humerus relative to the size of the body. At such a moment, the tissues receive constant strong tension. People suffering from this pathology say that the back muscles under the shoulder blades hurt a lot.
  • Kyphosis of the thoracic spine. This pathology has another name – stoop. It causes tension in the shoulder and neck area and pain between the shoulder blades and in the neck.
  • Voltage. As a rule, a person experiences such sensations after being in an unnatural position for a long time. In this case, the back muscles hurt in any part.
  • Joint lock. It is considered a very important cause of back pain. Most often it starts to hurt vastus muscle. This block can occur in any part of the spine.
  • Squeezing. The cause is compression, which occurs due to prolonged wearing of bags and backpacks, tight collars and other similar items.
  • Gynecological diseases. Such diseases also cause muscle pain.

The causes of myalgia are most often mechanical effects, which lead to fatigue and cause pain that requires treatment.

Groups of people at risk of cramps

Muscle tissues are under constant tension, so they begin to react painfully to overwork. They are also able to react very sensitively to any slightest load, sometimes a slight draft is enough to cause painful sensations.

Discomfort in the back is most often felt by people who work in the construction and agricultural sectors and those who are forced to stay outdoors for a long time.

What are the dangers of periodic back pain?

When a person begins to feel tightness in this area and muscles ache, this is combined with a poor emotional state. Physical pain is accompanied by limited movement of certain areas of the spinal column. This blockage can spread to other parts of the body and, first of all, the lower back begins to suffer. Such pain requires timely treatment, which will remove not only the spasm, but also the blockage from the muscle tissue.

Treatment methods

Every person prone to this complication is interested in the question of what to do if their back muscles hurt. In this case, it is simply necessary to begin proper and timely treatment. Getting rid of pain in this part includes complex measures: drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage and therapeutic exercises.

When there is tension in the back or pain appears, painkillers are used. They relieve spasm and inflammation. But treatment cannot be based only on medications. After the pain symptom is relieved, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy and massage, which have a relaxing effect, especially if there is pain in the lower back and between the shoulder blades.

Therapeutic exercise helps protect tissues from excessive stress and eliminate painful spasms. The purpose of this method is to evenly distribute the load on the back and relax it. Along with these procedures, other therapeutic therapy may be prescribed for diseases of the internal organs that caused this discomfort in the back and between the shoulder blades.

Many people have repeatedly experienced pain from their back muscles. Such situations are familiar to people of different age categories, professions and types of activity. This symptom is called “myalgia”; it often becomes the initial sign of pathological changes in the body. Myalgia is caused by various reasons and factors - from ordinary muscle to serious and dangerous diseases that can only be cured with surgery. Therefore, you can begin treatment for pain syndrome only after accurately determining why your back muscles hurt. To do this, you need to conduct a series of studies, which the doctor will recommend.

Discomfort in the muscular frame of a person’s back occurs in the following cases.

Excessive muscle tension

Overstrain of the muscular frame is the most popular factor for pain in the back, in its different parts, especially in the lumbar and sacrum areas, trapezius muscle. At the same time, muscles are overstrained not only from excessive physical exertion (for example, when playing professional sports, after training or during heavy physical labor), but also due to long-term stay in the same position (for example, during the working day at the computer) . Even sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause back pain. In this case, you should stop activities that cause discomfort for several days. If the reason is incorrectly selected bedding, then change the mattress and pillow (preferably with orthopedic ones).

The orthopedic mattress has a passive positive effect on the diseased part of the spine, and the spinal column takes the correct position

You can also give a massage or rub your back with local medications: cream or ointment (“Viprosal”, “Apizartron”, etc.). If the pain does not stop within 10-12 days, you should check whether it is caused by other conditions.

Injuries

Any injury to the muscles, vertebrae, ribs from the back (bruises, sprains, fractures) is accompanied by pain. With such injuries, a hematoma (bleeding into muscle tissue) usually occurs at the site of the injury, which is often very painful. Often, the back hurts due to the fact that a person constantly and for a long time carries heavy objects (bags, backpacks) on one shoulder.

Compression fracture

It usually occurs due to mechanical damage. This occurs when a person is hit in the back, falls backward (and lands poorly), or has a heavy object fall on their shoulders. A compression fracture of the spine can also occur due to diseases of the structural elements of the human musculoskeletal system.

If the fracture is the result of injury, then the person experiences severe, pronounced excruciating pain. When a fracture occurs due to illness, the pain is nagging, aching in nature. Additionally, the following symptoms are observed:

  • Muscle tension.
  • Weakness in the upper and lower limbs.

They will talk about vertebral compression fractures in the program “Live Healthy!” Elena Malysheva, neurologist Dmitry Shubin:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • Feeling of numbness in the back, arms and legs.

The diagnosis in this case is made on the basis of an X-ray examination of the spinal column, carried out in two projections. A computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan may also be necessary. Therapeutic measures are usually practiced in a hospital setting, where the patient is subjected to spinal traction. Additionally, painkillers are prescribed. After completing treatment in a hospital, the person is recommended to wear a special corset, which reduces the load on the spine.

Myositis

Inflammatory processes that occur in the back are accompanied by pain. They can be triggered by the following situations:

  1. Exacerbation of chronic organ pathologies respiratory system, cold.
  2. Infectious diseases (ARVI, influenza, etc.).
  3. Pathological disorders of the central nervous system.
  4. Injuries, sprains, bruises.
  5. Hypothermia or excessive tension in the back muscles.
  6. Cramps, muscle spasms.

All parts of the back are affected. However, they are diagnosed more often in the cervical and lumbosacral regions than in the thoracic region. Often a person has pain in the back muscles along the spine. As a rule, the pain is local in nature, does not spread to other parts of the back and parts of the body, becomes more intense when someone else touches the person, and is also often accompanied by a change in the color and structure of the skin (redness, itching, burning, peeling are possible) .

Myositis is treated in accordance with the reasons that caused it. Drug therapy is usually used, which is combined with physiotherapeutic procedures. If inflammation is left untreated, this becomes a prerequisite for recurrence of attacks. In such a situation, exacerbations become stronger each time and are accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • The pain becomes more intense.
  • Local temperature rises.
  • Infectious lesions of the body worsen.
  • The back muscles atrophy, making it difficult or impossible for a person to move.
  • The most severe forms of myositis may require hospital treatment.

Spinal diseases

Typically, the causes of pain in the back muscles are the following diseases of the spine and joints.

Osteochondrosis, arthritis, and arthrosis of the spinal column are characterized by disturbances in the structure and shape of cartilage tissue. In these situations, there is a compression effect on the nerve endings from the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. It is compression that causes muscle pain in the back. As a rule, these diseases are caused by insufficient mobility and physical activity of a person, overweight. The danger of diseases is that changes in cartilage develop gradually and in the first stages of pathologies remain unnoticed by the patient.

Types of osteochondrosis

As osteochondrosis progresses, a person experiences pain in the back, the attack of which can last for several hours. Often it is accompanied by a severe headache. In a situation where a person does not seek medical help for osteochondrosis and does not undergo the necessary treatment, the disease continues to develop and is accompanied by additional symptoms:

  1. A person's blood pressure often increases.
  2. Patients often complain that they feel pain and feel dizzy.
  3. Patients note that they experience limited movement in their arms and legs.
  4. In some cases, coordination of movements is impaired.

Arthritis and arthrosis are characterized by nagging pain when a person needs to bend over. In a calm state, a person does not experience them. If such signs are present, you should consult a neurologist.

Treatment usually involves the use of: Ibuprofen, Analgin, Diclofenac (in the form of tablets or injections), as well as following nutritional recommendations, undergoing physiotherapy, manual therapy, and performing therapeutic exercises selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Intervertebral disc herniation

A herniated disc occurs if a person has a curved spine, metabolic processes in the body are disrupted, or the person has suffered a spinal injury. In this case, the structure of the disc gradually changes, and subsequently its shape changes until individual fragments of the disc protrude beyond its normal limits. The symptoms of a hernia do not develop immediately, but as the situation worsens. Therefore, pain in the back muscles due to a hernia becomes quite severe in the later stages of the disease. Depending on where it occurs, pain is felt in other parts of the body:

  • If there is a hernia in the area of ​​the sacrum or lower back, then sharp pain is felt in the lower back on the left or right, and in the lower extremities.

  • If a disc herniation occurs in cervical spine, then your head, neck muscles, arms, back muscles hurt.
  • When a hernia has formed in the middle part of the spine (thoracic region), patients feel pain in the shoulders, upper limbs, and chest.

The presence of a herniated disc can be determined using MRI results. Depending on the condition of the sick person, he will be prescribed the necessary course of therapeutic treatment or offered surgery. Additionally, it is recommended to undergo massage, physical therapy, and exercise therapeutic exercises, wear a corset.

Spondylolisthesis

This disease is manifested by the displacement of the vertebra located above in relation to the one located below. Spondylolisthesis is often diagnosed in the lumbar region, where the back muscles begin to ache. According to patients, discomfort often occurs in the morning, after sleep. Additionally, patients report that their leg muscles become weak and numb.

Diagnosis of pathology occurs through MRI. Treatment depends on the extent of the damage.

Discomfort in the back due to diseases of the internal organs

Neurologist, reflexologist Andrey Borisovich Titarchuk will talk about the disease spondylolisthesis:

Some pathologies of internal organs may be accompanied by back pain:

  1. With pathologies of the heart and respiratory system, a person often experiences pain in the back muscles under the shoulder blades, especially from coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths.
  2. If the pain radiates to the lumbar region, then diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys are likely. In this case, the abdominal muscles may also hurt.
  3. If your back hurts below, then there is a high probability of problems with the genitourinary system.

In any case, if the cause of soreness in the spinal muscles lies in diseases of the internal organs, then, first of all, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease.

Other reasons

Back pain is also caused by some other reasons:

  • During pregnancy, women often complain of back pain. This is caused by natural processes occurring in the body expectant mother. As the fetus develops, the load on the spinal column increases. This kind of pain usually goes away on its own after childbirth.
  • If severe pain occurs after a back massage, this may be caused by an incorrectly performed procedure or possible contraindications. You should consult your doctor. Moderate pain is normal.
  • Any congenital pathologies musculoskeletal system often become the culprits of a pain reaction in the back.

Treatment and prevention

Before arranging treatment for painful manifestations in the back, it is necessary to consult a doctor so that an unambiguous diagnosis can be made. In each specific case, treatment measures are selected in accordance with the underlying disease, its course, the degree of damage to the body, and the individual characteristics of the person’s condition. We can only give general recommendations for treatment:

  1. In case of sudden onset of muscle pain, you can use topical medications that can relieve pain (Capsicam, Voltaren, etc.).
  2. For diseases of the spine, joints, internal organs, infections, the doctor will prescribe the necessary set of measures in accordance with the underlying pathology.
  3. Pain during exercise and sports is reduced if a person uses warming ointments (Viprosal, Virapin, etc.).

A drug that has an analgesic effect. Used for muscle and joint pain. Price in pharmacies from 256 rubles.

  1. Exercises to strengthen muscles, carried out within reasonable limits, help prevent the occurrence of back pain.
  2. If a person is forced to stay in one position for a long time, then one should try to change it at least for a short time, taking breaks from work.
  3. To prevent discomfort in the back, you should dress appropriately for the weather and avoid being in a draft.

Treatment with folk remedies should be treated with the utmost caution so as not to harm yourself.

There are many reasons for back pain. Therefore, before taking any measures, you should establish their exact cause by consulting a doctor, and then correct the condition.

Almost everyone faces the phenomenon of pain in the back muscles along the spine: pensioners, mature people or teenagers.

There are many reasons for this, including fatigue, incorrect body position, overexertion after sleep or hypothermia. Muscle pain may be accompanied by crunching and spasms under the shoulder blades.

It is imperative to consult a doctor and begin treatment, otherwise the disease will progress, leading to the appearance of new symptoms.

What is the pain syndrome?

Areas of the back where muscle pain occurs

Treatment of muscle pain in the back should begin only after determining the causes and prerequisites for their occurrence. This is done based on tests, diagnostics, type of pain and location.

Therefore, the following types of pain are distinguished:

  1. Periodic;
  2. Short term;
  3. Permanent;
  4. Weak;
  5. Acute;
  6. Aching.

Acute pain appears suddenly and indicates the development of inflammation, infections or serious disorders in the organs.

If the muscle pain or pain in the lower back is aching, then over time the person gets used to it and does not go to the hospital for a long time. Meanwhile, the disease progresses, affecting new parts of the back.

Causes of pain

The back is the largest part of the human body, as it covers the bulk of the human internal organs, muscles, joints and bones. But the causes of discomfort may lie not in muscle diseases or bone pathologies, but in infections or inflammations.

Inflammation of the back muscles can lead to muscle pain

Even overexertion or heavy physical activity leads to expansion or contraction of muscles and changes in the spinal column.

Therefore, the causes of pain lie in:

  • Pathologies of the spine, which include scoliosis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis, rheumatism. Diseases lead to muscle compression, which initially causes only discomfort, followed by pain in the trapezius or longitudinal muscles;
  • Diseases of internal organs(pathologies of the genitourinary system and heart, respiratory organs, stomach and liver). Usually the pain syndrome extends to the shoulder blades, back and top part breasts
  • Inflammation, such as myositis. Then an infection enters the body, which destroys connective and muscle tissue, forms ulcers and complicates movements;
  • Mechanical damage and injury which are usually observed in athletes after overexertion or heavy physical labor. Then a rupture, tear or inflammation of the trapezius muscles occurs, spasms and pain appear throughout the back;
  • Overexertion or sedentary lifestyle. Then the pain is most noticeable after the start of movement;
  • Congenital pathologies, as an example - short leg, which leads to deformation of the spinal column and displacement of the pelvic bones. Then the pain may be aching and periodic, but will intensify with the development of the pathology.

How can pain be treated?

How to treat muscle pain and only a doctor can tell you what to do about the infection after a series of examinations, making a diagnosis and finding the root cause.

In the table below we will consider possible treatment options according to the reasons:

TherapyCause
Ointments with a warming effect, hot compresses.Use only for pathologies of the spine, osteochondrosis and in the absence of exacerbation or inflammatory processes.
Taking appropriate medications such as antibiotics, immunostimulants, neuroprotectors. Surgery, diet, painkillers and ointments may be prescribed to eliminate back pain.Diseases of internal organs
Changing training, resting state, reducing physical labor, hardware procedures and taking painkillers.Injuries and overexertion
Complex treatment is prescribed with antibiotics, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondoprotectors.Infections and inflammatory processes
Massage, heating, physiotherapy, acupuncture.Myositis, spinal pathologies

Diagnostics

If the muscles on the left, right, or between the shoulder blades hurt for several days, then you need to urgently go to the doctor.

A visit to the hospital begins with a therapist who prescribes the following tests:

  1. General blood and urine analysis;
  2. Cytological analysis;
  3. Radiography and tomography;
  4. External inspection;

Photo gallery:

External inspection

Cytological analysis

Based on all tests, pneumonia, diseases of internal organs or joint pathologies are excluded. But for this you need to consult an orthopedist, surgeon, neurologist, urologist and gastroenterologist.

Other causes of pain

If pain develops due to overexertion, it is because the load on the back is distributed incorrectly and constantly.

Over time, this leads to complications in the passage of oxygen, blockage of blood flow, numbness and loss of sensation even in the arms and neck.

Initially, tension and spasms in the back muscles occur to block the affected area, and then pain occurs.

Most often this occurs due to an intervertebral hernia, when nerves and nerve roots are pinched.

Other reasons are considered:

  • Short leg syndrome with spinal deformity;
  • A decrease in the height of the pelvis, which happens when the posture is incorrect while sitting;
  • Short shoulders, when there is overstrain of the trapezius muscles and shoulder blades;
  • Slouching, when pain is felt in the shoulders, neck and back;
  • Greek foot, when the tension on the spine when walking is distributed incorrectly.

But only a therapist after a series of examinations can name the real reason.

Trapezius muscle lesion

Trapezius muscle lesion

Most often, the pain syndrome is located in the latissimus sacrum, but problems also arise in the trapezius muscle. It is responsible for the movement of the shoulder and shoulder blades, so discomfort may be felt there as well.

Pain in this part occurs due to overexertion, hypothermia, sedentary work or physical activity.

Then the following symptoms arise:

  1. Pain at the base of the skull that radiates to the ear;
  2. Raised shoulders, stoop, disorders in the spinal column;
  3. Burning and sharp pain between the shoulder blades and along the spine, especially when raising the arms up.

Pain in the rhomboid muscle

When pain appears in the rhomboid muscle, we are talking about damage to the upper part of the shoulder blades and shoulders.

The cervical nerve roots are responsible for their work and sensitivity, so pain can occur due to overexertion, hypothermia or injury.

But the most common reasons are:

Photos of diseases:

Feature in defeat rhomboid muscle lies in the fact that in addition to pain, crunching and clicking sounds are heard when moving your hands.

At-risk groups

It is the muscles of the back and neck that are most tense, so a load or a long stay in a sitting position is enough to feel pain in the muscles.

Those at risk for developing spasms and pain include:

  1. Builders;
  2. Athletes;
  3. Agricultural workers;
  4. Loaders;
  5. Office workers;
  6. Patients with pathologies of the joints and spinal column.

You need to understand that acute pain is caused by squeezing and blocking of small muscles deep in the longitudinal ones. Then the intervertebral discs are blocked, pain and tightness in the back are observed. But a small hernia or compression of growths in the vertebrae never leads to pain.

How to quickly get rid of back pain and spasms?

If you don’t know what to do when you experience back pain, then below we will talk about special exercises that quickly solve these problems. The therapy is aimed at controlling tension and relaxation of the back muscles.

  • Inhale– tense, while exhaling – relax;
  • On the exhale it is important to feel complete relaxation of the body and calmness, normalize the heartbeat;
  • Try to tense the sore muscle as much as possible and hold in this state for 20-30 seconds, then slowly relax;
  • Pass the pain through the tense muscle, but try to feel pleasure and comfort;
  • Make stroking movements with a piece of ice on the affected area. This will dilate blood vessels and normalize oxygen exchange.

It will be useful to view:

Medicines for treating pain

Warming ointments are often used to relax, normalize blood circulation and restore metabolism in a sore muscle. They need to be rubbed in two to three times a day with massaging movements. Chili pepper-based capsaicin is especially popular.

To relieve pain, painkillers such as Tylenol, Aspirin, Ketanov, and drugs with codeine may be suitable.

If the patient experiences spasms, acute and sharp pain, then muscle relaxants may be prescribed. They limit muscle movement and promote healing.

List of muscle relaxants and their effects

Steroid injections are considered a powerful anti-inflammatory method and are given directly into the nerve root to relieve pain, treat myositis and infections.

Prevention of pain

To never experience back and muscle pain again, you must follow the basic rules of prevention, including:

Description
1 Light physical activity such as gymnastics, exercise, or physical therapy to strengthen your back muscles
2 Reception vitamin complexes, to prevent tissue and bone destruction
3 Load distribution during sports, repairs and carrying heavy objects
4 Preventing hypothermia by wearing special corsets and warming belts
5 Using special chairs and bolsters for the back or neck while working at a computer
6 Buying an orthopedic mattress and pillows, choosing the right sleeping position
7 Diet, giving up bad habits
8 Conducting quarterly inspections
9 Timely treatment of inflammation, chronic diseases and joint pathologies
10 Taking chondoprotectors, antibiotics and immunostimulants

Exercises to strengthen your back

If the back muscles are damaged due to injury or strain, then restore their activity or relieve pain possible with the help of special exercises:

  • Stretching exercises improve mobility, increase the distance between vertebrae and relieve pain;
  • Exercises for the lower back protect the lower back and hips from damage, restore the position of the spinal column;
  • Aerobic exercise relieve some of the load from the back, distribute fluids in the spine and between the discs.

Results

Since the causes of back or muscle pain lie in various problems and diseases, it is not recommended to make a diagnosis or begin treatment on your own.

This is fraught with deterioration in health, the appearance of new symptoms and even disability. This is especially true exacerbation or progression of infections, inflammation.

Then urgent hospitalization and taking anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics are necessary. But a course of therapy is prescribed only by a doctor who diagnoses and determines the cause of muscle pain.

If you constantly suffer from spasms and pain in the back muscles, you were previously diagnosed with osteochondrosis, rheumatism or scoliosis, then treat according to the standard regimen.

Interesting video:

Still, do not refuse to undergo tests and consult a therapist to monitor your well-being. Usually, taking muscle relaxants, warming ointments and massages is enough to completely get rid of muscle pain.

And following the rules of prevention will allow you to avoid relapses and damage to other parts of the spine. Whatever the cause of muscle pain, begin therapy by finding and eliminating it, and only then get rid of the symptoms.

It is the back, especially her lumbar region, carries the maximum physical activity. This vast anatomical region, extending from the back of the head to the sacrum, houses large muscle masses. And, of course, various diseases and pathological processes in the back muscles will almost always manifest as myalgia or other diseases.

Anyone who is forced to remain in a non-physiological, monotonous position for a long time, causing static muscle tension (driving a car, working at a computer, air travel) or experiences muscle overload(playing sports, working in a summer cottage, lifting heavy things), sooner or later begins to feel back muscle pain. Pain is a kind of signal from the body about trouble.

Pain in the back muscles due to illness

Musculofascial pain is a manifestation myalgia(pain in the back muscles) in diseases of the spine, causes of development: diseases and diseases of the spine. The cause of pain in the back muscles is the constant strain on the muscular apparatus and as a result of this - his overwork, joining subsequently oxygen starvation due to a discrepancy between the oxygen consumption of the muscle and the blood flow to it.

The main diseases leading to the occurrence muscular-fascial pain:

    osteochondrosis of the spine (in first place among other causes);

  • herniated intervertebral discs.

There are a number of predisposing mechanical factors, which include the following:

Short leg syndrome. This is the most common cause of scoliosis. The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the fact that most doctors either do not have a proper understanding of it or do not attach significant importance to it, regarding the shortening of one of the lower limbs by 5-6 mm as a relative norm.

It should be noted that the difference in leg length of 3-4 mm in a child is already early age leads to abnormal growth and position of the pelvis, its rotation around its axis and curvature spinal column. If the difference in leg length is not diagnosed and adequate treatment is not started in time, then with age it only progresses, exacerbating the accompanying changes in the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

Reducing the size of half the pelvis. The patient sits, leaning in the direction on which the height of his pelvis is reduced. Accordingly, the muscular system on this side is constantly experiencing intense loads. It should be noted that a decrease in the size of the pelvis is detected in patients most often in combination with shortening of the lower limb.

Elongated second metatarsal bone. This type of foot is called “Greek”. As a result, the function of the foot as a shock absorber is significantly impaired. The muscles of the foot, then the lower leg, thigh, and finally the lumbar spine experience excessive stress and overwork. Subsequently, pain develops in the above areas.

Short shoulders. Quite a rare pathology. Manifests itself in a decrease in the length of the shoulder in relation to the length of the body. As a result, the muscles experience tension. shoulder girdle. Trigger points located in the trapezius muscle and levator scapula are activated.

Kyphosis(anterior curvature) of the thoracic spinal column. In common parlance it is called stooping. The muscles of the neck and shoulder areas experience tension. In turn n The causes of kyphosis are mainly hereditary diseases:

    Scheuermann-Mau disease;

The stress experienced when staying in the wrong position for a long time uncomfortable position. Associated with improper organization of the workplace in production, improper design of school furniture.

Blocking the function of one of the joints. It is one of the most important factors in the occurrence of pain in the back muscles. Most often, a functional block develops in one of the vertebral segments.

Prolonged compression of the muscle. Factors leading to this may be: straps of bags and backpacks, tight bra straps, tight collars.

A common cause myofascial pain syndromes involving the pelvic floor muscles is gynecological pathology. With the last option chronic pain are felt not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back, sacrum area.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, gastric ulcer, often accompanied myofascial pain syndromes with the involvement of paravertebral muscles.

Prolonged monotonous body position (features of lifestyle, profession) is very important as a provoking factor. Of the concomitant diseases, most of those suffering from pain in the back muscles also experience vitamin deficiency(vitamins B1, B6, B12, C, folic acid).

Lack of vitamins in the body contributes to increased excitability of trigger points, since in these conditions there is a disruption of metabolic processes in muscle tissue. At characteristics of myofascial pain very great importance is attached to the concept of a trigger point.

Trigger point- area of ​​increased muscle excitability, localized in the area pain. Characterized by the presence of a section of tense and dense muscle fibers, which can be felt when examining the patient. The trigger point can be located not only in the immediate source of pain (muscle or fascia), but also in other tissues (skin, tendons, periosteum, ligaments).

As a rule, the most intense pain is always localized at the trigger point, which, however, has the ability to cause pain in very distant areas of the body. Pain sensations can be very different in nature:

  • repetitive;

    chronic.

Acute pain arise, as a rule, as a result of excessive mechanical loads on the corresponding muscle group.


Other causes of back muscle pain

Approximately 85% of cases of chronic or episodic back muscle pain are due to excessive stress. Even if you don't play sports, don't carry heavy objects or dig in beds all day long, your back muscles still experience everyday overuse. When you sit, for example, in front of a monitor, they have to support the bulk of your body weight. Therefore, doctors recommend that those who work at a desk sit as “deeply” as possible in a chair, leaning on its back.

Back muscle injuries: stretching followed by muscle spasm during a sudden, unsuccessful turn, throw, or jump is a common cause of trigger activation. Basketball shooting, serving tennis, throwing a javelin or shot has a detrimental effect on unheated, unprepared muscles.

Bruised back muscles

Direct muscle contusion can activate triggers that remain active after the hematoma has resolved.

Back muscle myositis(inflammatory process) is a common cause of pain in the back muscles. The disease is characterized by a long course. Pain in the back muscles is predominantly aching. The muscles are tight, painful when touched and stretched. In patients with chronic infections and metabolic disorders, myositis of the back muscles can be combined with joint pain.

Lumbago(from the Latin word lumbus - lower back) - acute pain in the lower back. The cause of lumbago is overexertion of the lumbar region of the back. Lumbago is the result of a sudden movement of the spine aimed at lifting something heavy or trying to reach something.

Pain in the lower back muscles may also be caused by lumbar intervertebral hernias, displacement of the vertebrae. Factors that increase the likelihood of lumbago may include hypothermia, diseases and injuries of the spine. The reasons for the sudden strong muscle pain Low back problems are usually caused by a prolapsed disc or severe strain on the muscles and ligaments of the lower back.

Lumbosacral radiculitis caused mainly by congenital and acquired changes in the spine and its ligamentous apparatus. Pain in the lumbosacral region with radiculitis can be acute or dull, usually on one side, radiating to the buttock, back surface thighs, outer surface of the lower leg. It intensifies with changes in body position, walking, coughing, sneezing, and straining. Sometimes pain is combined with sensations:

    numbness;

    tingling;

    crawling;

    burning, itching.

Intervertebral hernia This is a fairly common problem, more common in people over 40 (although it can be diagnosed at an earlier age). The reason lies in the degeneration of muscle and connective tissues. With age, your spine seems to “sink,” and the vertebrae are pressed closer and closer to each other, the intervertebral discs are flattened and protrude beyond the spinal column. As a result, compression of the nerve roots occurs, leading to acute muscle pain lower back and legs.

A person experiencing pain in the lumbar region is able to mental stress muscle tension may increase, which is already in spasm. This increases the pain, which, in turn, can lead to further intensification of the spasm. However, many doctors believe that nervous tension or stress are indeed the main cause of pain in the back muscles.

If you have pain in your back muscles, seek help from traumatologist. After the examination, the doctor will recommend treatment for you. You can also contact a massage therapist or chiropractor for additional advice.

Pain and its causes in alphabetical order:

back muscle pain

Anyone who is forced to stay for a long time in a non-physiological, monotonous position that causes static muscle tension (driving a car; working at a computer; air travel, etc.) and/or experiences muscle overload (playing sports, working in a summer cottage, lifting heavy things) , sooner or later begins to feel pain in the back muscles. Pain is the body’s signal of trouble.

The main diseases that cause pain in the back muscles:

Musculofascial pain is a manifestation of myalgia (pain in the back muscles) in diseases of the spine, the causes of development are diseases and illnesses of the spine.
The cause of pain in the back muscles is the constant load on the muscle system and, as a result, its overwork, subsequently adding oxygen starvation due to a discrepancy between the oxygen consumption of the muscle and the blood flow to it.

The main diseases leading to the occurrence of musculofascial pain: spinal osteochondrosis (in first place among other causes), scoliosis, herniated intervertebral discs. There are a number of predisposing mechanical factors, which include the following:

1. Short leg syndrome. This is the most common cause of scoliosis. The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the fact that most doctors either do not have a proper understanding of it or do not attach significant importance to it, regarding the shortening of one of the lower extremities by 5–6 mm as a relative norm. It should be noted that a difference in leg length of 3–4 mm in a child already at an early age leads to incorrect growth and position of the pelvis, its rotation around its axis and curvature of the spinal column. If the difference in leg length is not diagnosed and adequate treatment is not started in time, then it only progresses with age, exacerbating the accompanying changes in the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

2. Reducing the size of half the pelvis. The patient sits, leaning in the direction on which the height of his pelvis is reduced. Accordingly, the muscular system on this side is constantly under intense stress. It should be noted that a decrease in the size of the pelvis is detected in patients most often in combination with shortening of the lower limb.

3. Elongated second metatarsal bone. This type of foot is called “Greek”. As a result, the function of the foot as a shock absorber is significantly impaired. The muscles of the foot, then the lower leg, thigh, and finally the lumbar spine experience excessive stress and overwork. Subsequently, pain develops in the above areas.

4. Short shoulders. Quite a rare pathology. Manifests itself in a decrease in the length of the shoulder in relation to the length of the body. As a result, the muscles of the shoulder girdle experience tension. Trigger points located in the trapezius muscle and levator scapula are activated.

5. Kyphosis (anterior curvature) of the thoracic spinal column. In common parlance it is called stooping. The muscles of the neck and shoulder areas experience tension. In turn, the causes of kyphosis are mainly hereditary diseases: Scheuermann-Mau disease, rickets.

6. Tension experienced when staying in an incorrect, uncomfortable position for a long time. Associated with improper organization of the workplace in production, improper design of school furniture.

7. Block the function of one of the joints. It is one of the most important factors in the occurrence of pain in the back muscles. Most often, a functional block develops in one of the vertebral segments.

8. Prolonged compression of the muscle. Factors leading to this may be: straps of bags and backpacks, tight bra straps, tight collars.

9. A common cause of myofascial pain syndromes involving the pelvic floor muscles is gynecological pathology. With the latter option, chronic pain is felt not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back and sacral region.

10. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastric ulcer, are often accompanied by myofascial pain syndromes involving the paravertebral muscles.

Prolonged monotonous body position (features of lifestyle, profession) is very important as a provoking factor. Of the concomitant diseases, most of those suffering from pain in the back muscles also experience vitamin deficiency (vitamins B1, B6, B12, C, folic acid). A lack of vitamins in the body increases the excitability of trigger points, since in these conditions there is a disruption of metabolic processes in muscle tissue. When characterizing myofascial pain, great importance is attached to the concept of a trigger point. A trigger point is an area of ​​increased muscle excitability, localized in the area of ​​pain. It is characterized by the presence of an area of ​​tense and dense muscle fibers that can be felt when examining the patient. The trigger point can be located not only in the immediate source of pain (muscle or fascia), but also in other tissues (skin, tendons, periosteum, ligaments). As a rule, the most intense pain is always localized at the trigger point, which, however, has the ability to cause pain in very distant areas of the body. Pain sensations can be very different in nature: acute, recurring, chronic. Acute pain usually occurs as a result of excessive mechanical stress on the corresponding muscle group.

What diseases cause pain in the back muscles:

Other causes of back muscle pain:

Muscle load. Approximately 85% of cases of chronic or episodic back pain are associated with excessive stress on the lower back. Even if you don't play sports, don't carry heavy objects, and don't dig in beds all day long, your back muscles still experience stress every day. When you sit, for example, in front of a monitor, they have to support the bulk of your body weight. Therefore, doctors recommend that those who work at a desk sit as “deeply” as possible in a chair, leaning on its back.

Back muscle injuries.
Stretching followed by muscle spasm during a sudden, unsuccessful turn, throw, or jump is a common cause of trigger activation. Basketball throws, tennis serves, javelin or shot throwing have a detrimental effect on unheated, unprepared muscles.
Back muscle bruise.
Direct muscle contusion can activate triggers that remain active after the hematoma has resolved.

Myositis of the back muscles (inflammatory process) is a common cause of pain in the back muscles. The disease is characterized by a long course. Pain in the back muscles is predominantly aching. The muscles are tight, painful when touched and stretched. In patients with chronic infections and metabolic disorders, myositis of the back muscles can be combined with joint pain.

Lumbago (from the Latin word lumbus - lower back) is acute pain in the lower back. The cause of lumbago is overexertion of the lumbar region of the back. Lumbago is the result of a sudden movement of the spine aimed at lifting something heavy or trying to reach something. Pain in the lower back muscles can also be caused by lumbar intervertebral hernias and displacement of the vertebrae. Factors that increase the likelihood of lumbago may include hypothermia, diseases and injuries of the spine. Causes of sudden, severe pain in the lower back muscles are usually a prolapsed disc or severe strain on the muscles and ligaments of the lower back.

Lumbosacral radiculitis is caused mainly by congenital and acquired changes in the spine and its ligamentous apparatus. Pain in the lumbosacral region with radiculitis can be acute or dull, usually on one side, radiating to the buttock, back of the thigh, and outer surface of the lower leg. It intensifies with changes in body position, walking, coughing, sneezing, and straining. Sometimes the pain is combined with a feeling of numbness, tingling, crawling, burning, itching.

Herniated discs are a fairly common problem, most often occurring in people over 40 (although they can be diagnosed at an earlier age). The reason is the degeneration of muscle and connective tissues. With age, your spine seems to “sink” - the vertebrae are pressed closer and closer to each other, the intervertebral discs are flattened and protrude beyond the spinal column. The result is the same compression of the nerve roots, leading to acute pain in the lower back muscles and legs.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) has concluded that emotional problems and stress alone do not cause back pain, but can aggravate it if it occurs for other reasons. In a person experiencing pain in the lumbar region, in a state of mental stress, muscle tension may increase, which is already in spasm. This increases the pain, which, in turn, can lead to further intensification of the spasm. However, many doctors believe that nervous tension or stress is indeed the main cause of back muscle pain.

Which doctors should you contact if you experience back muscle pain:

Are you experiencing pain in your back muscles? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with a doctor Eurolab always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, study external signs and help you identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance. You can also call a doctor at home. Clinic Eurolab open for you around the clock.

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(+38 044) 206-20-00

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Do your back muscles hurt? It is necessary to take a very careful approach to your overall health. People don't pay enough attention symptoms of diseases and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific signs, characteristic external manifestations - the so-called symptoms of the disease. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to do it several times a year. be examined by a doctor, in order not only to prevent a terrible disease, but also to maintain a healthy spirit in the body and the organism as a whole.

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