A neurologist says that back problems have noticeably "rejuvenated".If 30 years ago, back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also complain about the spine.The expert 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 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 of other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine can appear due to heart diseases (including acute ones - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissection aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer or acute abdomen.Radiating (referred) pain in the lumbar-sacral region can indicate appendicitis, ovarian apoplexy, pelvic pathology and gynecological problems.As a rule, this type of pain is acute, occurs suddenly or gradually, and often poses a threat not only to health, but also to life.
Pain can also be vertebrogenic (comes from the spine itself, has varying degrees of severity and manifestations - these are pains in the back (lumbodynia), thoracic (thoracalgia) or neck (cervicalgia), etc. such pains in the spinal segment are removed within 7-14 days, but structural changes in the spine can be more serious and can affect the roots of the spine, blood vessels and even the spinal cord.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
Suddenly, people are talking about sciatica as soon as they catch the back.However, 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 suffer from sciatica, although they often talk about it.Again, this is a disease of young people, because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not occur suddenly and without reason.A predisposing factor is the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal segment, such 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 appears.It has stages of development and therefore initial symptoms.
At first, lumbago in the back can be a sudden pain when lifting something heavy.After a few days of taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Then radiating (referred) pain occurs: this stage is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For a while, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Moreover, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and lasts longer than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and even radicular-spinal stage of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, at which time treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockades, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Do herniated discs hurt?
Intervertebral disc herniations and protrusions 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, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, they can (and often do) not manifest themselves in any way;one simply does not feel them.It is also related 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 of the spinal canal, of course, a person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia with the eye;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), are overloaded with long-term loads (including sports), lift weights, and do not follow the principles of healthy nutrition.
My back hurt for the first time.What to do?
If this is a sharp, sudden pain with a severe degree of severity, is local and is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), you should call an ambulance in order not to miss an acute pathology of internal organs.Urgent care is also needed in cases where a person has severe pain that cannot find a place even in bed, paralysis (for example, whiplash), and urinary incontinence.
If it is muscle pain, then you can use ointments and heating.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie more (instead of sitting) and not lift weights.After that, if there is no change 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?
Pain can be associated with a disturbance in the static activity of the spine.Pain syndrome, for example, flat feet, occurs due to the shortening of one leg (when it is more than 1-2 cm, it affects the overload of the spine).Constant muscle spasms appear, they must be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes it can be corrected by quite simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to massage when the back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;It is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.You should not go to a chiropractor with severe pain: nevertheless, specialists use very aggressive methods that are possible only according to the instructions 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 your back muscles that stabilize the spine.Maintaining a balanced diet in terms of micronutrients.Perform water procedures: swimming pool, bath, sauna.