Why back pain and how to relieve it

According to statistics around the world, back pain is second only to viral infections in the list of causes of disability. They are in the first place on the list of going to the hospital. Contrary to popular belief that most elderly people have it, the younger generation often suffers from back pain. Why does the back hurt, what precautions should be taken to avoid it, as well as what exercises will help relieve pain - we will look at these and other questions in this article.

Reason

Since the back is a fairly large area of the human body and has a lot of vital organs (heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys) projecting on it, there can be many causes of pain. They are especially common in the lumbar region.

The main reasons why your back hurts can be:

1. Muscle and ligament injuries - overuse, sprains, spasms, hypothermia, convulsions.
2. Spine diseases - herniated discs, scoliosis, cervical spondylosis, ankle osteoarthritis, nerve compression, vertebrae deviation, sciatica, low back pain.
3. Diseases of internal organs: kidney, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

In addition, back pain accompanied by myocardial infarction, stroke.

Even with mild but frequent back pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent the disease from getting worse. So, for example, displacement of the vertebrae can lead to bone degeneration or hernia.

Groups at risk for back problems and pain include people who:

• sitting or standing at work (eg, drivers; people who work with computers);
• cope with great physical activity;
• frequent stressful situations;
• working hard in the gym;
• overweight;
• have incorrect posture.

Symptom

Discomfort can be localized in different parts of the back, but they are more common in the following parts of the body.

In the lower back. As a rule, low back pain is painful, phobia, pulling, their causes can be:

• disc herniation;
• bone necrosis;
• pulpitis;
• women's diseases;
• convexity;
• kidney problems.

The pain can occur in the legs, it becomes stronger when a person sits or walks. This could be due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

If a pregnant woman feels such pain, then after giving birth, she should have a serious spine examination:

• In the back of the head, turns into a headache.Most likely you need to pay attention to examine the cervical vertebrae. In addition, neck problems are manifested by pain in the neck and back region at the same time. It is felt when turning and tilting the head.
• In the shoulder blades and in the center of the spine.It can increase with inhalation, and as a person returns to the trunk. The reason must be sought in the work of the heart and thoracic spine.

• Center back- Acute pain radiating to the chest and heart. It could be due to nerve pain or problems with some internal organs.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the back between the shoulder blades is mild but haunting, the most likely cause lies in intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other spinal problems, as well as stomach problems. , gallbladder, lung and liver.
• In the lower body.If such pain is acute and is accompanied by an increase in temperature, then it is similar to renal colic or other diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system.

The most dangerous back pain is pain that radiates to the chest area, as it could be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is an uncomfortable pain in the spine. Neck pain is the most difficult problem to treat.

When to see a doctor?

Back pain can occur after heavy lifting or sudden movement. They can be removed with massage or a special ointment. If the pain is repetitive or accompanies you continuously, you need to see a doctor. A neurologist will help determine the cause. By pinpointing the cause and eliminating it, you can get rid of your back discomfort permanently.

Untimely treatment will lead to serious consequences, including surgical intervention.

Do not postpone a visit to the doctor when the pain:

1. acute and does not stop for two to three days;
2. constant, do not pass for two weeks;
3. sharp, for no reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, abdominal cramps, chest pain, respiratory complications;
5. put on foot;
6. occurs after trauma.

It is imperative to call 911 immediately if accompanied by back pain, difficulty moving, confusion or loss of consciousness, shock.

Methods to diagnose back pain

The specialist will help determine the exact cause based on the results of the diagnosis, which is carried out using the following methods:

• ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
• electrocardiogram (ECG);
• X-ray;
• research in the laboratory.

Treatments

Treatment methods can be divided into traditional and non-traditional. And also for drugs, neurosurgery and conservation. Let's look at them in more detail.

Traditional

Drug treatment is primarily aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, improving metabolism. The pain is relieved with the help of painkillers in the form of tablets and in the form of injections and drops.

In the complex, vitamins C, B and immunomodulatory agents are prescribed. In more difficult cases, injections are used to help relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Physiotherapy procedures are required for painful sensations in the back associated with diseases of the spine, joints, nervous system and the consequences of trauma:

1. laser therapy;
2. beam of light;
3. supersonic;
4. electrophoresis;
5. ultraviolet ray;
6. magnetism;
7. infrared radiation;
8. electromagnetic waves.

This also includes sludge treatment.

Another traditional treatment is massage. It is advisable:

1. bone necrosis;
2. arthritis;
3. dry joints;
4. pulpitis;
5. heavy exertion;
6. curvature of the spine,
7. herniation.

In addition to pain relief, massage also helps correct posture, improve blood circulation, restore immunity, improve the functioning of internal organs, and relax the nervous system.

Statistics show that 50% of patients after the first back pain, if they do not go to the doctor in time, will have many relapses or begin to have chronic diseases.

There are three types of massage:

• Classic (all massage techniques: stroking, patting, massaging, kneading, etc. ).
• Relax (stroking).
• In place (using the pads of the fingers).

A complex exercise therapy has also been developed: physiotherapy in case of serious problems is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It starts with a normal lying position - this is how the patient spends several sessions. Then, gradually increasing the load, a series of simple but effective exercises for the spine are introduced: deflection, rotation, leg raise. Then an additional load is introduced as a projectile.

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise are indicated only after the patient's pain has subsided. Otherwise, he could suffer further harm.

Unusual

The most well-known non-traditional methods are acupuncture, manual therapy, hirudotherapy, vacuum therapy, kinesio dressings (adhesive tape therapy), and others:

• Acupuncture is indicated for spinal diseases, nerve problems, headaches, joint diseases. It is not suitable for everyone. The size of the needles, their position, angle, and depth of placement are determined for each patient

• Chiropractor acts on the spine with his hands. It can straighten the vertebral discs, release the pinched nerves, thereby reducing pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a method of disease treatment.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing a cup in the back, under which pressure is created, causing blood to flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolism. Vacuum massage involves rearranging cans from one place to another.

• Among folk remedies, compresses, ointments and massages have been shown to be good:
  1. The most effective is horseradish. Peeled horseradish, mixed with sour cream, applied to the lower back, covered with a napkin and wrapped a warm towel around the back. You can pour boiling water over the horseradish leaves and tie them to the lower back.
  2. Low back pain can also help ease the pain with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. To relieve pain, people also apply iodine and lemon balm or birch oil in equal parts along the entire length of the spine.

Back pain prevention

If you enter the risk zone as someone whose spine is subject to constant stress due to the nature of the activity (hard physical labor, sedentary work, leg work), you need to warm up periodically. daily.

In addition, you need to use the following tips:

1. For a long standing position, lean against a vertical surface - wall, column, etc. v . . . ;
2. when carrying weights, distribute them evenly - in both hands it is better to use a backpack in this case;
3. bend your knees when lifting a heavy object from the floor;
4. do not make sudden movements;
5. monitor posture, do not stoop;
6. maintain normal body weight;
7. gymnastics, including bends and turns;
8. sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
9. exclude sleeping on high pillows.

The most effective and accessible prevention methods are exercises to strengthen the back muscles, swimming, refusing to take the elevator and daily climbing stairs, walking.

The simplest exercises recommended to strengthen your back muscles include:

1. Hip bridge- In a supine position, bend your legs and lift your hips, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body should stretch out in a straight line. Hold the hip stretch in this position for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. It is recommended to do this exercise at least 12 times.
2. Side plank- lie on your right side and elbows, raise your body and straighten in a straight line, lifting hips off the floor. Do the same with the left side.
3. LungesFrom a standing position, alternately bend your legs forward, bending your legs at a 90-degree angle. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deviation in prone position- lie on your stomach, bend over, support your arms and pull your shoulders up as much as you can.
5. Ball crunches- lie on your back, wrap your arms around your knees and pull down your stomach. Lie like that for 30 seconds. Then return to the starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you follow these recommendations, you may not have back problems for the rest of your life. In the event that it occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to start timely treatment of the arising health problems, so that the disease does not turn into a chronic state.