Why back pain and how to relieve pain

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

Reasons

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

The main reasons why your back hurts can be:

1. Muscle and ligament injuries - strain, sprain, spasm, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Diseases of the spine - herniation of the intervertebral discs, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis of the facet joints, pinching of nerves, displacement of the vertebrae, sciatica, lumbago.
3. Diseases of the internal organs: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

In addition, pain in the back of the body accompanies a heart attack, stroke.

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

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

• work sitting or standing (eg drivers; those who work on the computer);
• cope with heavy physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• train hard in gyms;
• are overweight;
• have an incorrect posture.

Symptoms

The discomfort can be localized in different parts of the back, but 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, pulling, the reasons for them can be:

• intervertebral hernia;
• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis;
• women's diseases;
• protrusion;
• kidney problems.

The pain can be attributed to the legs, it becomes stronger when a person sits or walks. 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 a child should make a serious examination of the spine:

• In the back of the head, turning into a headache.Most likely you should pay attention to the study of the cervical spine. 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 inhaled and when a person makes turns in the trunk. The cause should be sought in the work of the heart and chest.

• Central defender- sharp pain radiating to the chest, heart. The probable cause is neuralgia or problems with some internal organs.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the back between the shoulder blades hurts slightly but obsessively, then the causes most likely lie in intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other spinal problems, as well as diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs and liver.
• At the bottom of the torso.If such pain is acute and accompanied by fever, 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 chest, as it can be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is painful discomfort in the spine. Neck pain is the most problematic to treat.

When to go to the doctor

Back pain can occur after lifting weights or sudden movements. They can be eliminated with massage or special ointments. If the pain recurs or accompanies a person constantly, you should see a doctor. The neurologist will help you determine the causes. By properly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can get rid of back discomfort forever.

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. permanent, which does not pass for two weeks;
3. sharp, no reason;
4. accompanied by fever, stomach cramps, painful chest discomfort, respiratory complications;
5. gives in the legs;
6. appeared after the injury.

It is imperative and immediate necessary to call an ambulance if, along with back pain, a person has difficulty moving, there is confusion or loss of consciousness, shock.

Methods for diagnosing back pain

A specialist will help determine the exact cause based on the results of the diagnosis, which is performed by the following methods:

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

Methods of treatment

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

Traditionally

Medical methods of treatment 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 droppers.

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

Physiotherapy 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 includes mud therapy.

Another traditional treatment is massage. It is recommended:

1. with osteochondrosis;
2. arthritis;
3. arthrosis;
4. radiculitis;
5. heavy physical activity;
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 functioning of internal organs, 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 recurrences or begin to suffer from chronic diseases.

There are three types of massage:

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

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

Physiotherapy, massage and therapeutic exercise are prescribed only after relieving the patient's pain. Failure to do so may result in further damage.

Unconventional

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

• Acupuncture (acupuncture) is indicated for diseases of the spine, neuralgic problems, headaches, joint diseases. Not suitable for everyone. The size of the needles, the location, 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 insert the spinal discs, release pinched nerves, thus relieving pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a treatment method.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing cups on the back, creating pressure that causes blood to flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolic processes. Vacuum massage involves rearranging the boxes from place to place.

• Among folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubbing have proven themselves well:
  1. Horseradish compresses are the most effective. The horseradish is rubbed, mixed with sour cream, applied to the lower back, covered with a napkin and wrapped around the back with a warm scarf. Horseradish leaves can be watered with boiling water and tied at the waist.
  2. Low back pain can also help relieve friction with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. Ointments of iodine and lemon or birch oil are also applied in equal parts along the entire length of the spine to relieve pain.

Prevention of back pain

If you enter the risk zone as a person whose spine is under constant stress from the nature of the activity (heavy physical work, sedentary work, leg work), you should do periodic warm-ups every day.

You should also use the following tips:

1. for a long upright position, lean on a vertical surface - wall, pillar, etc. ;
2. when carrying weights, distribute them evenly - in both hands it is better to use a backpack in this case;
3. bend your knees when lifting a heavy load from the floor;
4. do not make sudden movements;
5. watch the posture, do not bend over;
6. maintains normal body weight;
7. do gymnastics, which includes turns and body bends;
8. sleeps on an orthopedic mattress;
9. turn off sleep on high pillows.

The most affordable and effective methods of prevention are exercise to strengthen the muscles of the back, swimming, giving up the elevator and daily climbing stairs and walking.

The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back include:

1. Hip bridge- Lying down, bend your legs and lift your hips up, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body should be stretched in a straight line. Hold the tense thighs 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 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 side.
3. Attacks- from an upright position, consistently throw forward with your feet, bending your legs at an angle of 90 degrees. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deviation in the supine position- Lie on your stomach, bend down, lean on your arms and pull your shoulders as much as possible.
5. Crunching the ball- lying on your back, wrap your arms around your knees and pull them to your abdomen. Lie down for 30 seconds. Then return to starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you follow these recommendations, you can't have back problems for the rest of your life. When they occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible in order to begin timely treatment of the health problem without leading to a chronic condition.