Back conditions have become noticeably "younger", says a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also complain about their 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?
Lumbar (back) pain is the most common complaint a neurologist hears.It is generally accepted that it is associated with pathology of the spine (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 occur due to heart disease (including acute - myocardial infarction, angina or anatomical aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute abdomen.Radiating (referred) 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 poses a danger not only to health, but also to life.
The pain can also be vertebral (it comes from the spine itself, they have varying degrees of severity and manifestation - these are pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the chest (thoracalgia) or in the neck area (cervical uterus), etc. This pain is removed in 7-14 days, but the structural changes in the spine can be more serious and affect its rootsspine, blood vessels or even the spinal cord.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly catches, people talk about radiculitis.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, this is a disease of younger people because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not appear suddenly and without reason.The predisposing factor is the development in the spine of such degenerative-dystrophic changes as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthritis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - most often after sudden weight lifting, hypothermia, an infectious process - radiculitis occurs.It has developmental phases, so also initial symptoms.
At first it may be a low back, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, everything subsides.Then, radiating (referred) pain appears: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.In addition, each subsequent flare-up is more severe and longer than the previous one.Then, the root and even the root-spinal phase of neurological manifestations of vertebral osteochondrosis develops, in which treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blocks, will be mandatory.It is also possible to treat the disease surgically.
Do herniated discs hurt?
Herniations and protrusions of intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly "younger": previously they were discussed in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, they may (and this often happens) not manifest in any way.a person simply does not feel them.This is also due to anatomical features: where the hernia is located, if it compresses the root, if 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, the person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia with the eye.CT scan or MRI will help with this.
Are "youthful" back conditions related to lifestyle?
Today, the back often worries people who spend a lot of 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 a healthy diet.
The first time my back hurt.What should we do?
If it is a sharp, sudden pain with a strong degree of severity, it is local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss an acute pathology of the internal organs.Emergency help is also required in cases where a person has such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, slap-leg) and urination is impaired.
If it is muscle pain, then you can use ointments and heating.It is important to stabilize the spine and lie down (rather than sit) more and not lift weights.If after that there are no changes within two 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 violation of the statics 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 occur, which must be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected using fairly simple methods: an orthopedic sole is made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to get a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated.not prescribed during flare-ups.You should also not go to a chiropractor with severe pain: however, 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 should use rational physical activity: walk more often, work in the gym, evenly pumping your back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of micronutrients.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.