Why back pain and how to relieve pain

According to world statistics, back pain is second only to viral infections on the list of causes of disability. They are at the top of the list of hospital visits. Contrary to popular belief that the disease mainly affects the elderly, the younger generation often has back pain. Why your back hurts, what preventive measures should be taken to avoid it, as well as what exercises will help with pain - we will consider these and other issues in this article.

Causes

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

The main reasons why your back hurts can be:

1. Muscle and ligament injuries - overexertion, sprain, spasm, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Spinal diseases - intervertebral disc herniation, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis of facet joints, pinched 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, a stroke.

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

The risk group for back problems accompanied by painful feelings includes people who:

• sitting or standing work (for example, drivers; those working at a computer);
• engage in great physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• train hard in gyms;
• are overweight;
• have improper posture.

Symptoms

Discomfort can be localized in different parts of the back, but it most often occurs in the following parts of the body.

In the lower back. As a rule, back pain in the lumbar region is painful, obsessive, withdrawing, and their causes can be:

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

The pain may be in the leg, it becomes stronger when the 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, then after the birth of the child, a serious examination of the spine should be performed:

• In the back of the head, turning into a headache.You probably need to pay attention to the examination of the cervical vertebrae. Also, neck problems are indicated by pain in the neck and back at the same time. It is felt when turning and tilting the head.
• In the shoulder blade and in the center of the spine.It can increase when inhaling and when a person turns the torso. The reason must be sought in the work of the heart and thoracic spine.

• Center back- acute pain spreading to the chest, heart. The probable cause is neuralgia or problems with some internal organ.
• Between the blades.If the back between the shoulder blades hurts a little, but obsessively, then the reasons are most likely in intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other problems with the spine, as well as diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs and liver.
• In the lower torso.If such pain is acute and accompanied by an increase in temperature, then it is similar to renal colic or other diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system.

The most dangerous back pain is the one that radiates to the thoracic part, as it can be a sign of a heart attack. The most common is painful discomfort in the spine. Neck pain is the most problematic to treat.

When to see a doctor

Back pain can occur after lifting a heavy load or sudden movement. They can be removed by massage or special ointments. If the pain recurs or constantly accompanies the person, it is necessary to go to the doctor. A neurologist will help determine the cause. By correctly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can permanently get rid of back discomfort.

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

Do not delay a visit to the doctor when the pain:

1. acute and does not stop for two to three days;
2. a constant, which does not pass for two weeks;
3. sharply, for no reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, abdominal cramps, painful chest discomfort, difficulty breathing;
5. gives in the leg;
6. appeared after the injury.

It is also necessary to call an ambulance immediately if the person has difficulty moving with back pain, confusion or loss of consciousness, shock.

Methods for diagnosing back pain

The specialist will help to determine the exact cause based on the results of diagnostics, which is carried out by the following methods:

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

Methods of treatment

Treatment methods can be roughly divided into traditional and non-traditional. And for drugs, neurosurgical and conservative. Let's look at them in more detail.

Traditionally

Drug treatment methods are aimed primarily at relieving pain and inflammation, improving metabolic processes. The pain is relieved with the help of analgesics in the form of tablets and in the form of injections and drops.

Vitamins C, B and immunomodulators are prescribed in the complex. In severe cases, injections are given to help relieve pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

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

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

This also includes mud treatment.

Another traditional treatment is massage. It is recommended:

1. with osteochondrosis;
2. arthritis;
3. arthrosis;
4. radiculitis;
5. heavy physical exertion;
6. curvature of the spine,
7. hernia.

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

Statistics show that 50% of patients after the first attack of back pain, if they do not seek medical help in time, experience repeated attacks or begin to suffer from chronic diseases.

There are three types of massage:

• Classical (all massage techniques: stroking, patting, rubbing, kneading, etc. ).
• Relaxation.
• Spot (using finger pads).

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

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed only after the patient's pain has been relieved. Failure to do so may result in additional damage.

Unconventional

The most well-known non-traditional methods are acupuncture, manual therapy, chiropractic, vacuum therapy, kinesio taping (adhesive tape treatment) and others:

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

• The chiropractor works on the spine with his hands. It can adjust the discs of the spine, release pinched nerves and thus relieve pain. The World Health Organization recommends manual therapy as a medical method of treatment.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing cups on the back, under which pressure is created, causing blood flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolic processes. Vacuum massage involves rearranging the cans from place to place.

• Among the folk remedies have proven themselves well compresses, ointments and rubbing:
  1. Horseradish wraps are the most effective. Horseradish is rubbed, mixed with sour cream, applied to the lower back, covered with a towel and wrap the back with a warm scarf. You can pour boiling water over the horseradish leaves and tie it to the lower back.
  2. Lower back pain can also help relieve rubbing with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. To relieve pain, iodine ointments and lemon or birch oil are also applied in equal parts along the entire length of the spine.

Prevention of back pain

If you enter the risk zone as a person whose spine is subject to constant stress due to the nature of the activity (heavy physical work, sedentary work, leg work), it is necessary to warm up periodically every day.

In addition, you must use the following tips:

1. for a long position, lean on a vertical surface - wall, pillar, 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 when lifting heavy loads off the floor;
4. do not make sudden movements;
5. follow posture, do not stoop;
6. maintain a normal body weight;
7. do gymnastics, which includes bending and body turns;
8. sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
9. turn off sleeping on high pillows.

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

The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen the back muscles include:

1. Hip bridge- in a lying position, bend your legs and lift your hips up, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body should be stretched in a straight line. Hold your tense hips in this position for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. It is recommended that you do this exercise at least 12 times.
2. Side board- lying on your right side and leaning on your elbow, lift your body and stretch it in a straight line, lifting your hips off the floor. Do the same on the left.
3. Lunges- from a standing position, alternately jump forward with your legs, bending your legs at an angle of 90 degrees. Recommended 10 times.
4. Lying down deflection- lying on your stomach, bend down, lean on your arms and pull your shoulders as much as possible.
5. The ball crackles- lying on your back, wrap your arms around your knees and pull them to your stomach. Lie like this for 30 seconds. Then return to starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you follow these recommendations, you will not have back problems for the rest of your life. In case of their occurrence, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible in order to start the treatment of the health problem in time, without bringing it into a chronic condition.