Introduction
A burning sensation in the back describes a subjectively experienced discomfort that can have various causes. It is a special manifestation of pain. The burning sensation can occur superficially on the skin or be perceived as a symptom coming from the depths of the back. An occasional or only short-term burning sensation in the back usually has no disease value and usually subsides by itself. Only if the burning is very pronounced, lasts longer or accompanying symptoms such as paralysis or numbness in the legs occur, should a doctor be consulted for clarification.
Causes
A burning sensation in the lower back can have a variety of possible causes, although only in very rare cases is there a specific disease that requires treatment. The most common cause of a lower back burn is the components of the musculoskeletal system, i.e. the vertebral bodies and the joints that connect them, as well as the muscles of the lower back. Incorrect, under- or overloading can lead to muscle tension, which in turn can cause nerve irritation.
The nerves ultimately convey a feeling of burning in the lower back. In older people, as well as in patients with a weakness of the immune system, shingles can develop on the lower back, which is usually manifested by burning, usually severe half-sided pain. In rare cases, the symptom may also indicate a disease of internal organs, such as the intestines or the abdominal artery.
In the case of severe and long-standing complaints, a doctor should therefore be consulted to clarify the cause of the burning in the lower back. In the case of a slipped disc in the lumbar spine (lumbar spine), one of the discs between the vertebrae presses on a nerve root that originates in the spinal cord. Typical symptoms of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine are severe pain radiating from the lower back into one leg.
Typically, not the entire leg is affected, but often only a strip that runs from the thigh via the lower leg to the foot. The pain can be experienced as burning. However, if the only symptom is a burning sensation in the lower back, a herniated disc in the lumbar spine is usually not the cause.
A herniated disc, on the other hand, is caused by sensations in the leg and a possible muscle weakness or even paralysis of parts of the leg or foot. During pregnancy, many women suffer from complaints in the lower back such as burning or pain. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is harmless and there is no danger to the child or the expectant mother.
The increased incidence of back problems during pregnancy can be explained by the occurrence of various factors. On the one hand, the luteal hormone (progesterone) is released in early pregnancy. Among many other effects, this leads to the loosening of ligaments, tendons and joints.
This is intended to slowly prepare the woman’s body for the birth of the child. A negative consequence of this effect, however, is that the stability of the spine is impaired, which in turn can lead to complaints such as burning or pain in the lower back. On the other hand, the growing child and the steadily increasing size of the uterus lead to increasing pressure on the spine.
This can then manifest itself, especially during the first pregnancy, by an unusual burning sensation in the lower back. Only if the symptoms persist for a long time or if very severe pain occurs, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The doctor will examine whether the burning sensation in the lower back is due to a serious cause.
However, this is very rarely the case. Warm and relaxing baths can help with the mostly harmless complaints. In addition, pregnant women should not carry heavy loads. Certain sports such as swimming, gymnastics, aqua courses or yoga can also help against the complaints and are also possible during pregnancy.
