Back diseases have become noticeably "younger", says a neurologist.If back problems were one of the indicators of age 30 years ago, young people now 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 that a neurologist hears.It is generally accepted that it is associated with spinal pathology (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: often back pain indicates diseases in other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine can occur due to heart diseases (including acute - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta), and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, peptic 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, occurs suddenly or gradually and often poses a danger not only to health, but also to life.
The pains can also be vertebrogenic (coming from the spine itself, they have varying degrees of severity and manifestation - these are pains in the lower back (lumbodyni), in the chest (thoracalgia) or cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected from rest, spinal and stress reactions, and can be corrected with the help of rest, spinal and spinal drugs. pain is removed in 7-14 days. Butstructural changes in the spine can be more severe and affect the spinal cord, blood vessels, or spinal cord.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly settles, people actually talk about radiculitis.But such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after a clinical examination and examinations such as CT and MRI, which will show radicular clinical changes.
Older people usually do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Yet 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.The 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 a sharp lifting of weights, hypothermia, an infectious process - radiculitis occurs.It has developmental stages and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it can be a low back pain, sudden pain when you lift something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and heating everything goes away.Next, radiating (referred) pain occurs: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Moreover, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and longer lasting than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, where treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockades, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Does herniated disc hurt?
Herniation and protrusion of intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly "younger": previously they were talked about in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, they may (and this is often what happens) not manifest in any way;a person simply does not feel them.This 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 in the spinal canal, then of course the person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia of the eye;CT or MRI will help with this.
Are "juvenile" back disorders related to lifestyle?
Nowadays, the back often worries people who spend a long time in a static position (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.
The first time my back hurt.What to do?
If this is an acute, sudden pain of intense severity, it is local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you should call an ambulance in order not to miss an acute pathology of the internal organs.Emergency help is also needed in cases where a person is in such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, limp foot), and urination is impaired.
If it is muscle pain, then you can use ointments and heating.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie down (instead of sitting) more and not lift weights.If after this there are no changes within a few days, you should consult a doctor.
What should you do if your back hurts after everyday activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one shoulder?
Pain may be associated with a violation of the statics of the spine.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 occur, which must be corrected by an orthopedist.Sometimes this can be corrected using fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, massage is prescribed, physiotherapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to get a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.You should also not go to a chiropractor with severe pain: nevertheless, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that are only possible according to the indications of a neurologist or therapist.
What helps protect your back?
You should use rational physical activity: walk more often, work in the gym, pump up your back muscles evenly, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of micronutrients.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.