A neurologist says back problems have become "significantly smaller".If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now even young people complain about their spine.Experts explain 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 heard by a neurologist.It is generally accepted that it is associated with spinal pathology (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: often back pain signals diseases of other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine can appear due to cardiovascular diseases (including acute - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta), and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute abdomen.Irradiating (referred) pain in the lumbosacral region may indicate appendicitis, ovarian apoplexy, pelvic pathology, and gynecological problems.As a rule, such pain is intense, occurs suddenly or gradually, and often poses a threat not only to health, but also to life.
Pain can also be vertebrogenic (coming from the spinal cord itself, their severity and degree of manifestation are different - these are pains in the lower back (lambodynia), thoracic (thoracalgia) or cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be cured with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and relief of tension on the spinal segment. Such painsgo away in 7-14 days. But structural changes in the spine may be more severe and may affect the spinal roots, blood vessels, or even the spinal cord. In such cases, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, and other neurological manifestations may develop.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly becomes stiff, people actually start talking about radiculitis.But such a diagnosis can be made only after a clinical examination by a neurologist and studies such as CT and MRI, which will show radical clinical changes.
Older people don't usually have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Nevertheless, it is a disease of young people, as its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica disease does not occur suddenly and without any reason.The predisposing factor is the development in the spinal segment of degenerative-dystrophic changes such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with certain provoking factors – more often after sudden weight lifting, hypothermia, an infectious process – radiculitis appears.It has developmental stages, and so do initial symptoms.
At first it may be pain in the back, sudden pain may occur while lifting something heavy.After a few days of taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes well.Subsequently, radiating (referred) pain occurs: this stage is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time, the pain disappears, intensity and remission alternate.Furthermore, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and longer lasting than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and even radicular-spinal stage of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, in which treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockade, will be mandatory.Treatment of the disease is also possible through surgery.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Hernia and bulge of intervertebral disc are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become quite "young": previously they were talked about in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschoolers.Clinically, they may not manifest themselves in any way (and this is often the case);A person simply does not feel them.This is also due to anatomical characteristics: 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, then, of course, the person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia by eye;CT or MRI will help in this.
Are "youth" back diseases lifestyle related?
Nowadays, the back often bothers people who spend a long time in a static position (sitting at a computer in the office), overload themselves with loads (including sports) for a long time, lift weights, and do not follow the principles of a healthy diet.
For the first time my back ached.What to do?
If it is a sharp, sudden pain with severe severity, it is local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss the acute pathology of internal organs.Emergency help is also required in cases where a person has pain so severe that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, becomes paralyzed (for example, slap-legs), and has difficulty urinating.
If it is muscle pain, you can use ointments and warming.It is important to stabilize the spinal area and do more lying down (instead of sitting) and not lifting weights.If there is no change even after a few days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after everyday activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one shoulder?
Pain may be associated with violation of the position of the spine.Pain syndrome occurs, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one leg (if it is more than 1-2 cm, this affects the overload of the spine).Persistent muscle spasms appear, which need to be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes it can be cured using quite simple methods: an orthopedic insole 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 prohibited;It is not prescribed during the period of exacerbation.You should not even go to a chiropractor with severe pain: nevertheless, experts use quite invasive 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 out in the gym, evenly pump your back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of micro elements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, bathhouse, sauna.