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 that the elderly mostly suffer from them, the back often hurts the younger generation. Why your back hurts, what preventative measures should be taken to avoid it, and what exercises will help with the pain - we will explore these and other questions in this article.

Causes

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

The main reasons why your back hurts can be:

1. Muscle and ligament injuries - overwork, sprains, spasms, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Spinal diseases - intervertebral disc herniation, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis of the joints, tight nerves, displacement of the vertebrae, sciatica, lumbago.
3. Diseases of the internal organs: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, pelvis.

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

Even with minor but frequent back pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor 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 associated with painful sensations includes people who:

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

Symptoms

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

In the lower back. As a rule, back pain in the lumbar region is painful, obsessive, attractive, their reasons may be:

• intervertebral hernia;
• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis;
• diseases of women;
• extension;
• kidney problems.

The pain can be given to the foot, it becomes stronger when a 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 a child she should do a serious examination of the spine:

• On the back of the head, turning into a headache.Most likely, you should pay attention to the examination of the cervical vertebrae. Also, neck problems are indicated by pain in the neck and back area at the same time. It is felt when he turns and tilts his head.
• On the scapula and in the center of the spine.It can increase with suction, and when a person makes trunk turns. The reason must be sought in the work of the heart and thoracic spine.

• Center back- acute pain radiating to the chest, heart. The probable cause is neuralgia or problems with any internal organ.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the back between the shoulder blades hurts slightly but obsessively, then the reasons most likely lie in intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other problems with the spine, as well as diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs andliver.
• At the bottom of the bust.If such pain is acute and is accompanied by an increase in temperature, then it is similar to renal abdominal pain or other diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system.

The most dangerous back pain is the one that radiates to the chest region, as it may be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is a painful discomfort in the back. Neck pain is more problematic to treat.

When you see a doctor

Back pain can occur after heavy lifting or sudden movement. They can be eliminated with massage or special ointments. If the pain recurs or constantly accompanies a person, you should see a doctor. A neurologist will help determine the causes. By correctly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can save yourself forever from back pain.

Premature treatment is fraught with serious consequences, up to surgical intervention.

Do not postpone the visit to the doctor when you have pain:

1. acute and does not stop for two to three days;
2. constant, which does not pass for two weeks;
3. sharp, for no reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, stomach cramps, painful chest discomfort, respiratory complications;
5. gives on foot;
6. appeared after injury.

It is imperative and immediately necessary to call an ambulance if, along with back pain, it is difficult for a person to move, he has confusion or loss of consciousness, concussion.

Methods for diagnosing back pain

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

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

Treatment methods

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

traditional

Methods of drug treatment are aimed, first of all, 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.

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

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

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

This also includes mud treatment.

Another traditional treatment is massage. Recommended:

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

In addition to relieving pain, massage also helps correct posture, improve blood circulation, restore immunity, improve the functioning 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 a timely manner, experience recurrent attacks or begin to suffer from chronic disease.

There are three types of massage:

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

A complex of exercise therapy has also been developed: therapeutic gymnastics in case of serious problems is performed under the supervision of a specialist. It starts with the usual supine position - so the patient goes through several sessions. Then the loads are gradually increased, a set of simple but effective exercises for the spine is introduced: deviations, bends, leg raises. Later, an additional charge in the form of shells is introduced.

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed only after pain relief in the patient. Otherwise, it may cause additional damage.

Unconventional

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

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

• The chiropractor acts on the spine with his hands. It can place the vertebral discs, freeing the compressed nerves, thus relieving the pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a method of medical treatment.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing cups on the spine, under which pressure is created, causing blood to flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolic processes. Vacuum massage involves rearranging the cans from one place to another.

• Among the folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubbing are well proven:
  1. Horseradish compresses are 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. You can pour boiling water over the horseradish leaves and tie them to the lower back.
  2. Low back pain can also help ease the friction with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. To relieve pain, iodine and lemon or birch oil ointments are applied in equal parts along the entire length of the spine.

Prevention of back pain

If you enter the danger zone as a person whose spine is subject to constant stress due to the nature of the activity (hard physical work, sedentary work, leg work), you should do periodic warm-ups every day.

In addition, you should use the following tips:

1. for a long standing position, lean on a vertical surface - a wall, a 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. monitor posture, do not bend;
6. maintain a normal body weight;
7. do gymnastics, which includes body twists and turns;
8. sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
9. exclude sleeping on high pillows.

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

The simplest exercises recommended to strengthen the back muscles include:

1. Thigh bridge- in the supine position, bend your legs and raise your hips up, removing the pelvis from the floor. The body should lie in a straight line. Hold the hips 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 the right side and leaning on the elbow, lift the body and lie down in a straight line, removing the hips from the floor. Do the same on the left side.
3. Lunges- from a standing position, alternately move forward with your feet, bending your legs at a 90 degree angle. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deviation to the prone position- lying on your stomach, bend over, lean on your hands and pull your shoulders up as high as possible.
5. Bouncing the ball- lying on your back, wrap your arms around your knees and pull on your stomach. Lie like this for 30 seconds. Then return to starting position.

Soccer exercises are very effective for the back.

If you follow these recommendations, you can not have back problems throughout your life. In case of their appearance, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to start timely treatment of the congenital health problem, without leading it to a chronic condition.