According to world statistics, in the list of causes of disability, back pain is second only to viral infections. They are ranked first in the list of hospital visits. Contrary to the popular belief that most elderly people suffer from back pain, the younger generation often suffers back injuries. Why does the back hurt, what precautions should be taken to avoid it, and what exercises can help relieve the pain-we will consider these and other issues in this article.
reason
Since the back is a large area of the human body, many important organs (heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys) are projected on it, so there may be many causes of pain. They are especially often located in the waist area.
The main causes of back pain may be:
- Muscle and ligament injuries-excessive force, sprains, cramps, hypothermia, contusions.
- Spine diseases-herniated disc, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, facet joint arthropathy, nervousness, vertebral displacement, sciatica, low back pain.
- Visceral diseases: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.
In addition, pain in the back of the body is accompanied by heart attacks and strokes.
Even with mild but frequent back pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent more serious illnesses. Therefore, for example, the displacement of the vertebrae can further cause osteochondrosis or hernia.
The risk group for back problems with painful sensations includes the following groups:
- Working while sitting or standing (for example, a driver; a person working at a computer);
- Handle a lot of physical activity;
- Often encounter stressful situations;
- Train hard in the gym;
- overweight;
- There is an incorrect posture.
symptom
Discomfort can appear in different parts of the back, but the most common is the following parts of the body.
In the lower back. Usually, the back pain of the waist is soreness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pulling, and its causes may be:
- Intervertebral hernia;
- Osteochondrosis;
- Radiculitis;
- Female diseases
- protrude;
- Kidney problems.
Pain can be applied to the legs, and the pain becomes more intense when a person is sitting or walking. In this case, it may be due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
If pregnant women have such pain, they should carefully examine their spine after giving birth:
- In the back of the head, it became a headache.Most likely, you need to pay attention to the examination of the cervical spine. In addition, pain in the neck and back at the same time indicates a neck problem. You can feel it when you turn and tilt your head.
- In the center of the scapula and spine.It can increase with inhalation, when a person turns the torso. The reason must be found in the work of the heart and thoracic spine.
- Central defender-Acute pain radiating to the chest and heart. The possible cause is neuralgia or some internal organ problems.
- Between the shoulder blades.If there is a slight pain in the back between the shoulder blades, but it is severe, then the cause is likely to be intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other spinal problems, and diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs, and liver.
- On the lower torso.If the pain is acute and accompanied by an increase in body temperature, it is similar to renal colic or other diseases of the kidney and genitourinary system.
The most dangerous back pain is back pain that radiates to the chest, because it may be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is spinal pain and discomfort. Neck pain is the most difficult to treat.
When to see the doctor
Back pain may occur after heavy lifting or sudden exercise. They can be eliminated by massage or special ointments. If the pain keeps recurring or accompanies a person, you need to see a doctor. The neurologist will help determine the cause. By correctly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can permanently get rid of back discomfort.
Untimely treatment can bring serious consequences, even including surgical intervention.
Don’t postpone going to the doctor when you’re in pain:
- Acute and will not stop for two to three days;
- Constant, will not pass within two weeks;
- Sharp, for no reason;
- Accompanied by high fever, stomach cramps, chest pain, respiratory complications;
- Give on the lap;
- Appeared after being injured.
If a person has difficulty moving due to back pain, is confused or unconscious, or is in shock, he must call an ambulance immediately.
Methods of diagnosing low back pain
Experts will help accurately determine the cause based on the diagnosis results made by the following methods:
- Ultrasound (ultrasound);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
- Electrocardiogram (ECG);
- Radiography
- Laboratory research.
Approach
Treatment methods can be roughly divided into traditional and non-traditional. It is also used in medicine, neurosurgery and conservative treatment. Let us consider them in more detail.
traditional
The purpose of drug treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation, and improve the metabolic process. Pain relief with the help of analgesics in the form of tablets and injections and droppers.
In the complex, vitamins C, B and immunomodulators are prescribed. In more difficult cases, injections can help relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Physiotherapy procedures are mandatory for back pain sensations related to spinal, joint, neurological diseases and the consequences of injuries:
- Laser Treatment;
- beam;
- Ultrasound
- Electrophoresis
- Ultraviolet
- Magnetic
- Infrared radiation;
- Electromagnetic waves.
This also includes mud treatment.
Another traditional treatment is massage. Suggest:
- Suffering from osteochondrosis;
- arthritis;
- joint;
- Radiculitis;
- Heavy physical exertion;
- Curvature of the spine,
- hernia.
In addition to relieving pain, massage can also help correct posture, improve blood circulation, restore immunity, improve internal organ function, and relax the nervous system.
Statistics show that after the first episode of low back pain, 50% of patients will have repeated episodes or start to suffer from chronic diseases if they do not seek medical attention in time.
There are three types of massage:
- Classic (all massage techniques: touching, tapping, rubbing, kneading, etc. ).
- Relax (stroke).
- Point (using the finger pad).
A set of exercise therapy has also been developed: when serious problems arise, therapeutic gymnastics is performed under the supervision of experts. It starts from the usual lying position-this is how the patient spends several sessions. Then the load gradually increased, and a set of simple but effective spinal exercises was introduced: deflection, rotation, and leg lift. Later, additional loads were introduced in the form of projectiles.
Physiotherapy, massage, and exercise therapy are prescribed only after the patient’s pain is relieved. Otherwise, it will cause additional damage to him.
Unconventional
The most famous non-traditional methods are acupuncture, manual therapy, hydrotherapy, vacuum therapy, intramuscular sticking (treatment with tape), etc. :
- Acupuncture (acupuncture) is suitable for spinal diseases, neuralgia, headaches, and joint diseases. It is not for everyone. The size, position, angle and depth of the needle are determined individually for each patient
- The chiropractor manipulates the spine with his hands. It can fix the intervertebral discs and release the compressed nerves, thereby alleviating pain. Manual therapy is a medical treatment method recommended by the World Health Organization.
- Vacuum treatment involves placing a cup on your back and creating pressure under it to cause blood to flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolic processes. Vacuum massage involves rearranging cans from one place to another.
- In folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubbing have proven themselves:
- The most effective is horseradish dressing. Knead the horseradish, mix it with sour cream, spread it on the waist, cover it with a napkin, and wrap it around the back with a warm scarf. You can pour boiling water on the horseradish leaves and tie them around your waist.
- Using a mixture of black radish and honey can also help relieve back pain.
- To relieve pain, you can also apply an ointment of iodine and lemon or birch oil in equal portions along the entire length of the spine.
Prevent back pain
If you enter the risk zone as a person with constant pressure on your spine due to the nature of your activity (heavy physical work, sedentary work, leg work), you need to warm up regularly every day.
In addition, you need to use the following tips:
- For prolonged standing positions, leaning on vertical surfaces-walls, pillars, etc. ;
- When carrying heavy objects, distribute them evenly-in this case, it is best to use both hands and shoulders;
- Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects from the floor;
- Don't make sudden movements
- Monitor your posture and don’t bend over;
- Maintain a normal weight;
- Do gymnastics, including bending and turning of the body;
- Sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
- Eliminate sleeping on high pillows.
The easiest and most effective preventive method is physical exercise to strengthen the back muscles, swimming, refusal to take the elevator, climbing stairs and walking every day.
The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen the back muscles include:
- Hip bridge-In the supine position, bend your legs and lift your hips to lift your pelvis off the ground. The body should stretch in a straight line. Keep your tight hips 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.
- Side panel-Lie on your right side and lean on your elbows, lift your body and stretch in a straight line, lifting your hips off the ground. Do the same thing on the left side.
- Lunge-Starting from a standing position, sprint forward with your legs alternately, bending your legs at a 90-degree angle. Recommend 10 times.
- Prone position deflection-Lie on your stomach, bend over, support your hands on the ground, and pull your shoulders up as much as possible.
- Ball sit-ups-Lie on your back, wrap your hands around your knees and pull them towards your abdomen. Just lie down for 30 seconds. Then return to the starting position.
Fitness ball exercise is very effective for the back.
If you stick to these suggestions, you won't have back problems in your life. If it happens, go to the hospital as soon as possible to treat the health problems in time and don't make them enter a chronic state.