Back pain is one of the most common ailments of working-age people and the elderly. The human spine bears almost all of a person's weight. It consists of 33-34 vertebrae, connected by intervertebral discs. Thanks to this alignment, the vertebrae can move relative to each other. The sacrum and coccyx are special parts of the spine. The sacrum is formed by five fused vertebrae, and the coccyx is a rudimentary part of the spine that does not perform a supporting function.
Pain can develop in any one or all three parts of the spine. Usually, the pain occurs in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Pain can be caused by diseases and injuries of the discs (disc protrusion, herniated disc) and disc joints (facial osteoarthritis) or other conditions. The number of people with back pain has spiked in recent years and decades, making this complaint the most common complaint in the world.
Types of back pain
Acute back pain lasts up to six weeks. If it lasts up to 12 weeks, it is called subacute. Pain that persists after 12 weeks is called chronic pain.
Depending on the definition of some cause of pain, there are:
- nonspecific back pain;
- specific back pain.
Specific back pain
If the exact cause of the pain is known, it is called specific back pain.
Examples of specific pain include trauma, disc damage, inflammation of the disc joints (facial arthropathy).
Non-specific back pain
In some cases, back pain is classified as nonspecific because the exact cause cannot be identified.
Nonspecific back pain can occur with poor posture or lack of physical activity.
Symptoms and complaints
Almost everyone has experienced "low back" pain or mild back pain. "Back again! " - a very common phrase, because the back is subjected to considerable pressure every day. Hours of sitting in an office, crouching at a computer, lifting and carrying heavy objects, or working in the garden with posture: Mild back pain is an integral part of everyday life.
Back pain needs to be taken seriously. Reasons to go to the doctor are situations when the pain doesn't go away for a few days, when certain movements make the pain worse, or when the pain spreads to the extremity(s) and especially when there is numbness.
Pain in the lower extremities is characteristic of compression of the spinal cord or its roots (eg, herniated disc). The pain inherent to joint changes in the disc joints is often dull and localized. The nature and intensity of pain can vary widely from person to person. Only a doctor can, on the basis of complaints and symptoms, prescribe the necessary examination and treatment appropriate to the situation. Depending on the case, the doctor may prescribe physical therapy, therapeutic exercises or schedule surgery. With conservative treatment and during the rehabilitation period after surgery, it is important to regularly perform therapeutic exercises, as they strengthen muscles, stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
The most common causes of back pain
The spine or spine is a complex structure consisting of vertebrae, discs, and ligaments. Pain occurs when the interaction of these structures is disturbed. Typical reasons are:
Stress causes back pain
Mostly sedentary work and lack of physical activity in daily life leads to chronic muscle tension in the back and spine pain in the absence of any disease.
The discs act as biological shock absorbers and separate the vertebral bodies from each other. With a decrease in the elasticity of the disc, it begins to bulge in the lumen of the spinal canal (the so-called prolapse), and its height decreases. The latter negatively affects the functioning of the disc joints, because their biomechanics are disrupted.
If the disc protrusion presses on sensitive nerve fibers, various sensory disturbances can occur in the inner region of the pinched nerve: pain, tingling, numbness, tingling, v. v. If the motor nerve fibers responsible for the work of the muscles are compressed, the function of the internal muscles is disrupted, leading to paralysis.
Postural disturbances and heavy lifting can lead to disruption of the anatomical relationships of the structures of the spine. In some cases, this leads to a so-called intervertebral disc block, often accompanied by severe pain. When the disc joints are blocked, the back muscles will fall into a state of painful spasm. Therefore, the pain occurs not only in the congested joint, but also in the muscles. This greatly reduces the patient's physical activity to the point of being unable to walk. When blocking disc joints, effective spinal stabilization with medial splints eliminates muscle spasticity, localizes pain, and enhances mobility.
As we age, our spine gradually undergoes structural changes, which are generally described as "degenerative changes". In this case, the word "degenerative" means irreversible changes due to the aging process. Although the process cannot be reversed, the use of orthotics helps to relieve and improve the patient's condition.
Degenerative changes in the disc include a violation of its elasticity, a decrease in height and bulging in the lumen of the spinal canal. Reduced disc height increases stress on the disc (facial) joints.
The position of the spine, including the lumbar spine, is stabilized by the action of the muscles. Back, abs, and lateral abdominal muscles are involved in maintaining posture. The action of the muscles makes the load on the intervertebral discs more even and prevents excessive stretching of the tendon-ligament apparatus. Any pain syndrome negatively affects the functioning of the muscles, can lead to local hypertonicity or, conversely, local weakness. As a result, the stability of the spine is impaired. This, in turn, increases the hypertonicity of some muscles, i. e. a vicious pathological circle is formed.
Medical gymnastics helps to break the pathological circle, allowing you to restore the balance of tone of the muscles of the torso.
The cause of back pain can be localized not only in the trunk. For example, abnormal gait biomechanics can also cause back pain. This is mainly due to the loss of cushioning function of the foot in the case of certain deformities. Another reason may be the difference in the length of the limbs, which exceeds the normal value.
The good news is: In many cases, back pain goes away after a few weeks. Nonspecific pain is successfully treated with the help of motor techniques (manual therapy) and medication. With such pain, therapeutic exercises are very effective.
Preventive
Each of us can reduce stress on our backs and prevent pain.
Exercises for the back.
There are strength training exercises that you can easily integrate into your daily routine. This complex was developed together with a specialist in physiotherapeutic exercises.
- Exercise regularly: Three 45-minute sessions per week will improve your health, activate your immune system, and help maintain muscle tone. The optimal sports for the back are swimming and walking.
- Balanced diet: Proper nutrition is to prevent overweight, which is an extra burden on the back.
- Lift weights properly: when lifting weights, you need to squat and lift weights by straightening your legs, not working your back.
- Carry weights properly: carry heavy loads as close to your body as possible. Do not carry heavy objects with one hand.
- Be physically active: People who are sedentary should take advantage of every opportunity to increase physical activity, such as walking up stairs better, getting up more often during the day, walking while talking on the phone, and more. take a walk during lunch.
Convenient place to work
Back pain often occurs in the workplace. Sitting in the wrong position for long periods of time can lead to chronic muscle fatigue and subsequent pain. In addition, back pain is often caused by work that involves frequent bending and lifting.
Back pain treatment
There are many treatments for back pain. First of all, the attending physician chooses between conservative and surgical treatment. The latter are used when conservative treatment is ineffective and in some other cases.
Physiotherapy and massage
Complex gymnastics and back-specific exercises should be performed under the supervision of a physician or physical therapist until you have mastered the technique of performing each exercise. Such exercises were developed to train the strength of the musculature of the trunk. The doctor chooses the exercises that are most suitable for the patient. Massage therapy and physical therapy may be indicated to reduce pain intensity.
Medicines for treatment
Drug therapy is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation in the acute phase. Taking a pain reliever eliminates the uncomfortable protective position that the patient takes to relieve pain. Medicines should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Back exercises
Strong core muscles protect the spine from adverse stresses, reducing the likelihood of spasms and pain. To prevent back pain, you should regularly perform exercises to train your back muscles. Swimming or walking is also helpful.
The set combines endurance training and stretching exercises and is designed for 20 minutes. The optimal frequency of exercise is 2-3 times a week. Important: consult your healthcare professional before exercising.
Orthopedic products for the spine
Medical splints and splints for the spine are designed to treat pain and muscle spasms. Modern bras and bandages effectively combat pain and promote physical activity. Depending on the diagnosis, devices with greater or less potential are used to stabilize the lumbar spine.
Greater height lumbar brace and corset and stiffer stabilizing elements better stabilize and support the spine in the desired position. The ability to move without pain and participate in social life eliminates the bulkiness of the most rigid corsets.
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Companies produce a large number of orthopedic devices for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world note the high effectiveness of the product in treating back pain. At the same time, patients aim for the comfort and high durability of the product. Thanks to their special design, all belt brackets are easy to put on. Additional comfort in the sitting position is also provided by a design solution - a special motif in the area of the groin folds.
Stabilize the lumbar spine with intermediate orthopedic products without muscle weakness and less muscle atrophy. As mentioned, the ability to move without pain increases the patient's physical activity. In addition, orthopedic support is aimed at eliminating excessive mobility and/or pain, not immobilization, which is the reason for the loss of functional activity of the muscles and the weakening of the muscles. them.