Why back pain and how to relieve pain

According to world statistics, back pain is the second leading cause of disability after viral infections. They are at the top of the list of hospital admissions. Contrary to popular belief that older people suffer from them, the younger generation often suffers from back pain. In this article we will consider these and other questions: why the back hurts, what preventive measures should be taken to prevent it, as well as what exercises will help with the pain.

Reasons

Because the back is a large area of the human body and many vital organs (heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys) are projected on it, there can be many causes of pain. They are especially often localized in the lumbar region.

The main causes of back pain can be:

1. Damage to muscles and ligaments - excessive tension, sprains, spasms, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Diseases of the spine - herniated intervertebral discs, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis of the facet joints, compressed nerves, vertebral displacement, sciatica, lumbago.
3. Diseases of internal organs: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

In addition, pain in the back of the body is accompanied by a heart attack, stroke.

Even with minor but frequent back pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent the development of a more serious disease. Thus, for example, vertebral displacement can lead to further osteochondrosis or hernia.

The following people are at risk for back problems with painful sensations:

• sitting or working on one's feet (eg, drivers; computer users);
• engage in great physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• exercise hard in gyms;
• are overweight;
• there is an incorrect posture.

Symptoms

The discomfort can be localized in different parts of the back, but is most often seen in the lower parts of the body.

Lower back. As a rule, low back pain in the lumbar region is painful, obsessive, traction, their causes can be:

• intervertebral hernia;
• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis;
• gynecological diseases;
• protrusion;
• kidney problems.

The pain can be transmitted to the foot, intensifying when a person is sitting or walking. In this case, it may be due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

If a pregnant woman feels such pain, a serious examination of the spine should be performed after childbirth:

• At the back of the head, it turns into a headache.Most likely, it is necessary to pay attention to the examination of the cervical vertebrae. Neck problems are also characterized by pain in the neck and lower back. It is felt when turning and tilting the head.
• In the scapula and in the center of the spine.This can increase with inhalation and when a person rotates the body. The reason should be sought in the work of the heart and chest.

• Behind the center- Acute pain in the chest, heart. The probable cause is neuralgia or some internal organ problems.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the back between the shoulder blades hurts a little, but obsessively, the causes are most likely to be intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other problems with the spine, as well as diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs and liver.
• In the lower body.If such pain is severe and is accompanied by a rise 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 spreads to the thoracic region, as it can be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is a painful discomfort in the spine. Neck pain is the most problematic to treat.

When to see a doctor

Low back pain can occur after heavy lifting or sudden movements. They can be removed with massage or special ointments. If the pain recurs or accompanies a person constantly, you should consult a doctor. A neurologist will help determine the causes. By correctly identifying and eliminating the cause, you can permanently get rid of back pain.

Untimely treatment is fraught with serious consequences, up to surgery.

Do not delay seeing a doctor if you are in pain:

1. acute and does not stop for two to three days;
2. stable for less than two weeks;
3. acute for no reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, stomach cramps, painful chest discomfort, respiratory complications;
5. gives at the foot;
6. appeared after the injury.

In addition to back pain, if a person has difficulty moving, confusion or fainting, shock, it is necessary to call an ambulance immediately.

Methods of diagnosing low back pain

The specialist will help to determine the exact cause based on the results of diagnostics carried out by such methods:

• ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
• electrocardiogram (ECG);
• radiography;
• laboratory research.

Methods of treatment

Treatments can be roughly divided into traditional and non-traditional. Both for medicine, neurosurgery and conservative. Let's look at them in more detail.

Traditional

Drugs of treatment are primarily aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation, improving metabolic processes. The pain is relieved with the help of analgesics in tablet form and in the form of injections and drops.

The complex is prescribed vitamins C, B and immunomodulators. In more severe cases, needles are given to relieve pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are mandatory for painful sensations associated with diseases of the spine, joints, nervous system and the consequences of injuries:

1. laser therapy;
2. Ray of light;
3. ultrasound;
4. electrophoresis;
5. ultraviolet;
6. magnet;
7. infrared radiation;
8. electromagnetic waves.

This includes mud treatment.

Another traditional treatment is massage. Recommended:

1. with osteochondrosis;
2. arthritis;
3. osteoarthritis;
4. radiculitis;
5. heavy physical force;
6. curvature of the spine,
7. torn.

In addition to relieving pain, massage helps to improve posture, improve blood circulation, restore immunity, improve the function of internal organs, relax the nervous system.

Statistics show that after the first attack of low back pain, 50% of patients experience recurrent attacks or begin to suffer from chronic diseases if they do not consult a doctor in time.

There are three types of massage:

• Classic (all massage methods: rub, rub, rub, knead, etc. ).
• Soothing (squeezing).
• Stain (using finger pads).

A complex of exercise therapy has also been developed: in case of serious problems, therapeutic gymnastics is performed under the supervision of a specialist. It starts with the usual lying position - the patient spends several sessions. Then the loads gradually increase, a simple but effective set of exercises for the spine is introduced: bends, turns, lifting the legs. Then an additional load in the form of shells is presented.

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed only after the patient has relieved pain. Otherwise, it may cause additional damage.

Non-traditional

The most popular non-traditional methods are acupuncture, manual therapy, hirudotherapy, vacuum therapy, kinesio taping (treatment with adhesive tapes) and others:

• Acupuncture (acupuncture) is indicated for spinal diseases, neuralgic problems, headaches, joint diseases. Not suitable for everyone. The size, location, angle and depth of the needles are determined individually for each patient

• The chiropractor moves his hands over the spine. It can build vertebral discs, release compressed nerves, and thus relieve pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a method of medical treatment.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing the cups on the back, which creates pressure and causes blood to flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolic processes. Vacuum massage involves moving the boxes from place to place.

• Among folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubs have proven themselves well:
  1. The most effective are horseradish compresses. Horseradish is rubbed, mixed with sour cream, pulled back down, covered with a napkin and wrapped around his back with a warm scarf. You can pour boiling water over the horseradish leaves and tie the bottom back.
  2. Low back pain can also be relieved by rubbing a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. Iodine and lemon or maple oil ointments are also applied in equal parts along the entire length of the spine to relieve pain.

Prevention of low back pain

If you enter the risk zone as a person whose spine is under constant stress due to the nature of the activity (heavy physical work, sedentary work, leg work), you should perform warm-up exercises from time to time.

In addition, you should use the following tips:

1. Lean on a vertical surface for a long-term position - wall, column, etc. ;
2. When carrying weights, distribute them evenly - in both hands, in this case it is better to use a backpack;
3. bend your knees while lifting a heavy load from the ground;
4. Do not make sudden movements;
5. control posture, do not bend;
6. maintain a normal body weight;
7. do gymnastics that involves bending and twisting the body;
8. sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
9. Avoid sleeping on high pillows.

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

The simplest exercises recommended to strengthen your back muscles include:

1. Hip bridge- In a supine position, bend your legs and lift your hips off the floor. The body should lie in a straight line. Hold the tense 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.
2. Side board- Lying on the right side and leaning on the elbows, lift the body and stretch in a straight line, lifting the hips off the ground. Do the same on the left.
3. Lungs- From a standing position, bend your legs at a 90-degree angle and take turns with your feet. Recommended 10 times.
4. Bending in a prone position- Lie on your stomach, bend over, lean on your hands and lift your shoulders as high as possible.
5. Ball kicks- Lie on your back, wrap your hands around your knees and pull on your stomach. Lie for 30 seconds. Then return to the starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you follow these tips, you will not have back problems for the rest of your life. In the event of their occurrence, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to start treatment on time without causing a chronic health problem.