Back diseases have noticeably become "younger", says the neurologist.If 30 years ago, back problems were one of the indicators of old age, now young people also complain about their spine.The specialist explains who should be afraid of radiculitis and what kind of back pain should not be tolerated.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the most common complaint heard by neurologists.It is generally accepted that it is associated with spine pathology (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: back pain often indicates diseases of other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine can occur due to heart disease (including acute - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta), and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute abdomen.Radiating (referred) pain in the lumbosacral region may indicate appendicitis, ovarian apoplexy, pelvic pathology and gynecological problems.As a rule, such pain is acute, appears suddenly or gradually and often poses a danger not only to health, but also to life.
Pains can also be vertebrogenic (they come from the spine itself, they are of different degrees of strength and manifestation - these are pains in the lower back (lumbodia), in the thoracic part (thoracalgia) or cervicalgia (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with medication and reconstructive stress in bed, non-steroid rest. Such pains are removed in 7-14 days, but structural changes in the spinethey can be more serious and involve the spinal cord and even the spinal cord.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back is suddenly affected, people actually talk about sciatica.But such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after a clinical examination and studies such as CT and MRI, which will show radicular clinical changes.
Older people usually do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.However, this is a disease of younger people, because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have sciatica?
Sciatica does not appear suddenly and without reason.A predisposing factor is the development in the spinal segment of such degenerative-dystrophic changes as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - more often after sharp lifting of weights, hypothermia, infectious process - radiculitis appears.It has developmental stages, and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it can be lumbago in the back, a sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Then there is radiating (reference) pain: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For a while, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Moreover, each subsequent deterioration is more severe and long-lasting than the previous one.After that, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, in which neurologist treatment with conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blocks, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Hernias and protrusions of the intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have significantly "rejuvenated": previously they were discussed in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found in preschoolers as well.Clinically, they may (and this often happens) not manifest in any way;one simply does not feel them.It is also due to anatomical features: where the hernia is located, whether it compresses the root, whether it puts pressure on the spinal cord and other aspects.In any case, the hernia itself does not hurt, but if it affects the "interests" of other structures of the spinal canal, then, of course, a person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia with the eye;CT or MRI will help with this.
Are "youthful" back diseases related to lifestyle?
Today, the back often worries people who stay in a static position for a long time (sitting at a computer in the office), overload themselves with long-term loads (including sports), lift weights and do not follow the principles of a healthy diet.
My back hurt for the first time.what should i do?
If this is an acute, sudden pain of an intense degree of severity, it is local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you must call an ambulance in order not to miss an acute pathology of internal organs.Emergency help is also needed in cases when a person has such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, a slap), and urination is difficult.
If the pain is in the muscles, then you can use ointments and heating.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and to lie more (rather than sit) and not to lift weights.If after that there are no changes within a few days, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after everyday activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one shoulder?
The pain may be associated with a violation of the statics of the spine.The pain syndrome occurs, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one leg (if it is more than 1-2 cm, it affects the overload of the spine).Constant muscle spasms appear, which should be corrected by an orthopedist.Sometimes it can be corrected with fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to have a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed in periods of exacerbation.You should also not go to a chiropractor with severe pain: nevertheless, experts use quite aggressive techniques that are possible only according to the indications of a neurologist or therapist.
What will help protect your back?
You should use rational physical activity: walk more often, work in the gym, evenly pump up the muscles of the back, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of micronutrients.Practice water procedures: pool, baths, saunas.