Back diseases are noticeably "younger" - says the neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also complain about their spine.The specialist explains who should be afraid of sciatica and what kind of back pain should not be tolerated.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the most common complaint by neurologists.It is generally accepted that it is related to spine pathology (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: often back pain indicates diseases of other organs.For example, pain in the chest can appear due to heart diseases (including acute - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, stomach ulcer or acute abdomen.Radiating 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 threatens not only health, but also life.
Pain can be vertebrogenic (originating from the spine itself, they have different degrees of severity and manifestation - this is pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), chest (thoracalgia) or cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. Such pain is removed in 7-14 days, but structural changes in the spine can be more serious and affect the spinal roots, blood vessels or even the spinal cord.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
When the back suddenly tightens, 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 show radical clinical changes.
Older people usually do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Nevertheless, it is a disease of the young 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 of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine segment, such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with a certain provoking factor - more often after a sharp increase in weight, hypothermia, infectious process - sciatica appears.It has developmental phases and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it may be lumbago in the back, a sudden pain when lifting something heavy.After a few days of taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Then there is radiating (referred) pain: this phase is characterized by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).Over a period of time, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Moreover, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and longer than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, during which neurologist treatment using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockades, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Hernias and herniated discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly "younger": earlier they were talked about in relation to people of the older generation, and now hernias are found even in preschool children.Clinically, they may (and often do) not manifest in any way;People just don't feel them.It is also determined by 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 by eye;CT or MRI can help with this.
Are "young" back diseases related to lifestyle?
Today, people who spend a lot of time in a static position (sitting at a computer in the office), carry a long load (including sports), lift weights and do not follow the principles of a healthy diet often suffer from back pain.
For the first time, my back hurts.what to do
If it is a sharp, sudden pain of intense severity, it is local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need to call an ambulance in order not to miss an acute pathology of the internal organs.Urgent help is also needed in cases when a person has such severe pain that he cannot even find a place for himself in bed, becomes paralyzed (for example, kicking the leg), urination decreases.
If it is muscle pain, then you can use ointments and warming.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie more (rather than sit) and do not lift weights.If there are no changes after a few days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after daily activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one shoulder?
The pain may be related to the static disorder 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 appear, which must be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes it can be corrected using quite simple methods: an orthopedic pad is made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to get a massage when your back hurts?
massage is contraindicated in case of spine pain;It is not prescribed during the exacerbation period.Do not go to a chiropractor with severe pain either: nevertheless, specialists use quite aggressive techniques, which are only possible with the guidance of a neurologist or therapist.
What can help protect your back?
You should use rational physical activity: walk more often, work in the gym, evenly pump the back muscles, which stabilizes the spine.Follow a balanced diet in terms of micronutrients.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.