Back diseases have noticeably become "younger", says a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also complain about the spine.The specialist explains who should be afraid of sciatica and what back pain should not be tolerated.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the most common complaint heard by a neurologist.It is generally accepted that it is associated with pathology of the spine (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: back pain often indicates diseases of other organs.For example, chest pain can occur due to heart disease (including acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, stomach ulcer or acute abdomen.Radiating (directed) 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 pain can also be vertebrogenic (coming from the spine itself, it has a different degree of severity and manifestation - these are pains in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the chest (thoracalgia) or in the cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and release of spinal tension. Such pains are removed in 7-14 days. Butstructural 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?
As soon as the back suddenly feels stiff, 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 will show radical clinical changes.
Older people usually do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.However, it is a disease of younger people as it requires an active immune response to develop.
How do you know if you have sciatica?
Sciatica does not appear suddenly and without reason.A 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 sudden weight lifting, hypothermia, infectious process - radiculitis occurs.There are phases of development and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it may be lumbago in the back, a sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming everything goes away.Then there is radiating (referred) pain: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For a while, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.In addition, 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, in which treatment by a neurologist with conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockades, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Herniations and protrusions of the intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly "younger": previously they were talking about the people of the older generation, but now a hernia can be found even in children of preschool age.Clinically, they can (and this often happens) not manifest in any way;one simply does not feel them.This is also due to anatomical features: where the hernia is located, whether it presses the root, whether it exerts 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, the person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect an eye hernia;CT or MRI will help with this.
Are "youthful" back problems 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 healthy eating.
The first time, my back hurt.what to do
If this is a sharp, sudden pain with an intense degree of 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 has such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, a blow to the legs) and urination is disturbed.
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 not lift weights.If after that there are no changes within 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 associated with a disturbance in the statics of the spine.The 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 orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected using fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, a massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to have a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.You should not go to a chiropractor with severe pain: nevertheless, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that are possible only according to the indications of a neurologist or therapist.
What will help protect your back?
You need to use rational physical activity: walk more often, work in the gym, evenly pump the back muscles that stabilize the spine.Maintain a micronutrient balanced diet.Practice water treatments: swimming pool, baths, saunas.