Many people are familiar with the problem of back pain. But most of them fight the pain syndrome with the help of painkillers, rather than trying to figure out the cause of the back pain. This flippant attitude to health can lead to the development of serious complications and lead to disability. Therefore, it is particularly important to correctly identify the cause and start treatment on time.
Types of Back Pain
There are many types of back pain. They vary in nature, location, and symptoms. Based on these characteristics, they are divided into different types.
severe pain
Back pain is very severe and comes on suddenly. It darkens in the eyes, dizziness, due to severe pain in one person. After an attack, discomfort may appear in the affected area. It occurs due to a sudden load on the vertebrae as even the strongest muscles become overworked, causing muscle spasms. During an attack, the patient should try to relax as much as possible and then take a lying down position with the legs higher than the head. To prevent recurring attacks, it is necessary to seek help from a qualified specialist as soon as possible. After all, the cause of low back pain may be vertebral hernia, osteochondrosis.
acute pain
A short-term pain syndrome that develops or develops gradually for no apparent reason. It can be weak, burning, intense and dull. It is characterized by the presence of muscle spasms. They occur in vertebral fractures, spinal injuries, lesions of the skeletal system, malignant tumors. In addition, episodes of acute pain may be caused by displacement of the intervertebral disc. Usually this problem occurs during inflammation of the genitourinary system, the internal organs of the small pelvis. Spinal curvature and congenital lesions can cause acute pain. During an attack, it is difficult for the patient to move.
chronic pain
This is a common problem when patients seek medical treatment. Chronic back pain is usually divided into periodic and permanent. They differ from each other in duration. The nature of their occurrence is related to the individual's physiology, recurrent stress on the spine, visceral disease and poor posture. Many people are used to facing problems and doing nothing. But their condition worsened, and as a result their standard of living declined. Decreased quality of life and physical activity.
the pain of displacement
This type is characterized by entanglement. When pain in the lower back area radiates to the legs, it can happen in the opposite way. When they appear, a person believes the cause is related to spinal problems. but it is not the truth. They appear due to diseases of the internal organs, to different parts of the back. For example, diseases of the genitourinary system or kidneys manifest in the lower back. Soreness in the upper back indicates a liver problem. In this case, the patient may experience doubtful discomfort. The danger of pathology is that failure to exclude the cause of the problem in time can lead to the development of complex pathology and even death.
pain
The cause of the problem is related to muscle fatigue. After a good rest, the pain will go away on its own. Back pain is most common in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The rest of the reasons are not so innocuous. These include: vertebral hernia, sciatica, osteochondrosis. The pathological process leads to a decrease in the function of the musculoskeletal system and an increase in the load on the spine. They can appear during recovery or healing from an injury. The complexity of diagnosing back pain is related to the facts. They can be caused by many different reasons.
Why does my back hurt
A sedentary lifestyle and minimal physical activity lead to problems with the musculoskeletal system in many people of all ages. Back pain from various causes. Mainly the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. It is often stressed, causing soreness in various departments. Common triggers include: holding the spine in one position for a long time, muscle strain. Rarely, back problems can occur as a result of serious illness. It can be pathology of kidneys, gynecological diseases, tumors.
diagnosis
Examination of a patient depends on the condition and his medical history. Studies are conducted using a variety of methods, depending on the cause of the pain - vertebral (cause in the spine) or non-vertebral. Most of the time, the disease is related to the spine.
During the initial examination, the doctor will visually examine the patient, perform palpation, and listen carefully to the patient's complaints. Clinical and instrumental examinations are then performed. Sometimes treatment can be done without additional tests. In this case, external examination revealed degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine.
The reason for a more detailed diagnosis was a change in the analysis of blood, urine, and the patient's morning stiffness.
You can get detailed information using the following diagnostic methods:
- CT examination. Assigned to studies of soft tissue lesions.
- radiography. It is used to assess bone tissue, assessing the condition of the spine. Let you know the extent of damage to the musculoskeletal system.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. Provides visual images of changes in soft tissue, cartilage, and nerve fibers.
- Ultrasound. Helps identify injuries to ligaments, tendons, muscles, and tendon-ligament devices.
- Neuromyography. Displays the extent of nerve damage, identifying damage to certain nerve fibers.
- Arthroscopy. The surgical operation is performed using an arthroscope.
- Ultrasonography. This diagnostic method is used to detect tendinopathy.
Depending on the type and severity of back pain, choose one or several types of diagnosis. Such detailed etiological studies allow you to choose the most appropriate treatment.
when to see a doctor
Whatever the cause of the problem, the help of a doctor is inseparable. But in some cases, you need to see a specialist as soon as possible.
This must be done in the following cases:
- Worry about unreasonable pain;
- pain that persists for more than 3 days;
- gradually increasing pain;
- temperature rise;
- Weakness and discomfort;
- Losing weight for no reason.
One should not be frivolous when it comes to health matters. So it's best to play it safe and get a medical exam. Timely assistance will help avoid negative consequences.
How to properly treat low back pain
Appropriate treatment is an important part of a patient's recovery. However, before beginning full-scale treatment, a person needs to provide first aid. It is placed on a flat hard surface, where it sits on its side. When the attack passes, help the person stand up. This has to be done very carefully and slowly so as not to trigger new attacks. When the condition improves, it is necessary to fix the pain in the back with a corset, take an anesthetic. They then seek medical help in order to work with a doctor to choose an effective treatment.
medical treatement
Treat with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They eliminate inflammation and pain. The different forms of these drugs (injection, tablet, patch and ointment) allow you to have a powerful influence on the pathological process at the same time. They all have strong side effects, so they should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.
physical activity and exercise
Active exercise is considered the most effective way to fight the disease. The complex of therapeutic exercises is chosen individually by the attending physician and guides his choice according to the general physical condition and age of the patient. Provides effective help to stretch the spine. Manipulation can relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. But absolutely impossible in the presence of vertebral hernia and during exacerbations. Relaxing after a yoga class, swimming, and isometric exercise is good for back health.
massage
The massage process is very useful for people with back problems. The procedure has a relaxing effect on the entire body. Regular massage can improve blood flow, strengthen your back muscles, and improve your overall health and condition of your back. In the absence of contraindications, it can only be performed as adjunctive therapy. Operations should only be carried out by experienced and qualified specialists. Massage therapists use Thai, classical and therapeutic massage for treatments.
heat and cryotherapy
After the exacerbation period has passed, the patient may receive thermotherapy or cryotherapy. Warming up is done with the help of special ointments, heating pads, blue light, mustard paste, paraffin and ozokerite applications. These programs activate processes of tissue regeneration and nutrition. It is not always possible to execute this procedure. Heating is absolutely contraindicated in pregnant women, patients with infectious diseases, tumors and tuberculosis.
Another effective treatment is cryotherapy. Cold therapy normalizes metabolic processes and prevents the development of the disease. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, edema is reduced, blood circulation is stimulated, and oxygen supply is improved.
prevention
The best way to fight disease is prevention. For this, it is necessary to monitor your gait and make sure your back is always straight. It is important to distribute the load correctly. Distribute heavy bags so that each hand is about the same weight. If you have to stand a lot, then changing positions every 10 minutes is recommended. Backbends help relax your back muscles. Active physical activity should be a part of the life of everyone who wants to have a healthy back.
When sitting in a chair, keep your body straight and lean firmly against the back of the chair. It is necessary to provide support in the neck and lower back. Sedentary people are advised to warm up every 20 minutes. Choosing the right chair height is important, and when sitting in a chair, your knees will be below your hip level.
Many people think that you need to sleep on a hard surface. But this is wrong. Because in this case the spine will take the wrong position. The ideal option is considered a medical orthopedic bed, designed to relax muscles. It is best to choose a medium-sized pillow. Take a sip every morning after bed.
People who are overweight are more likely to experience back pain than others. They should eat right and try to lose weight. Good for the health of the musculoskeletal system: fresh fruits, Jerusalem artichoke, grapes, hazelnuts. The consumption of spicy food is best kept to a minimum. Foods high in magnesium and calcium feature prominently in a preventative diet.
Self-medication is very dangerous, so diagnosis and treatment should only be done by a specialist. Identifying the cause of the problem early and treating it promptly will help keep your body healthy.