Why does the back hurt and how to relieve the pain

According to world statistics, back pain is second only to viral infections in the list of causes of disability. They are first on the list of hospital visits. Contrary to popular belief that most seniors suffer from it, backs are often painful in the younger generation. Why does the back hurt, what preventative measures should be taken to avoid it, as well as what exercises will help with the pain - we'll consider these and other questions in this article.

causes

Since 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 several causes of pain. They are especially located in the lower back.

The main reasons your back hurts could be:

1. Muscle and ligament injuries - overexertion, sprain, spasm, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Spinal disorders - intervertebral disc herniation, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, joint arthrosis, pinched nerves, dislocated vertebrae, sciatica, lumbago.
3. Internal organ diseases: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

Also, back pain in the body accompanies a heart attack, stroke.

Even with mild but frequent back pain, it is necessary to see a doctor to prevent the development of a more serious condition. So, for example, the displacement of vertebrae can further lead to osteochondrosis or hernia.

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

• working sitting or standing (eg drivers; those working at the computer);
• deal with heavy physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• train hard at gyms;
• are overweight;
• have inappropriate posture.

Symptoms

Discomfort can be located in different parts of the back, but most often they appear 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 can be:

• intervertebral hernia;
• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis;
• female diseases;
• protrusion;
• kidney problems.

Pain can be given in the leg, it becomes stronger when the person is sitting or walking. In that case, it could be due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

If a pregnant woman experiences this pain after the birth of a child, she should have a serious spinal exam:

• In the back of the head, turning into a headache.You probably need to pay attention to examining your cervical vertebrae. 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 scapula and in the center of the spine.May increase with inhalation and when a person rotates their trunk. The reason must be found in the work of the heart and the thoracic spine.

• center back- acute pain radiating to the chest, heart. The likely cause is neuralgia or problems with an internal organ.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the posterior region between the shoulder blades hurts a little, but obsessively, then the most likely reasons are intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other spinal problems, as well as diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs, and liver.
• In the lower part of the torso.If this pain is acute and accompanied by a rise in temperature, it is similar to renal colic or other diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system.

The most dangerous back pain is one that radiates to the chest area as it can be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is painful discomfort in the spine. Neck pain is the most troublesome to treat.

when to see a doctor

Back pain can occur after lifting weights or sudden movements. They can be removed with massage or special ointments. If the pain recurs or constantly follows a person, you need to see a doctor. A neurologist will help determine the causes. By correctly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can permanently get rid of back discomfort.

Premature treatment is fraught with serious consequences, including surgical intervention.

Do not postpone a visit to the doctor when pain:

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

Methods to Diagnose Back Pain

A specialist will help to accurately determine the cause based on the results of the diagnosis, which is carried out using these methods:

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

treatment methods

Treatment methods can be divided into traditional and non-traditional. And also for medications, neurosurgeons and conservatives. Let's consider them in more detail.

Traditional

Drug treatment methods are primarily aimed at relieving pain and inflammation by improving metabolic processes. Pain is relieved with the aid of pain relievers in pills and in the form of injections and droppers.

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

Physiotherapeutic 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 also includes mud treatment.

Another traditional treatment is massage. It is recommended:

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

In addition to relieving pain, massage also helps correct posture, improve blood circulation, restore immunity, improve internal organ function, 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 repeated attacks or begin to suffer from chronic illnesses.

There are three types of massage:

• Classic (all massage techniques: caressing, caressing, rubbing, kneading, etc. ).
• Relax (stroke).
• Spot (using your fingertips).

An exercise therapy complex has also been developed: therapeutic gymnastics in case of serious problems is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It starts with the usual lying position - this is how the patient spends several sessions. Then the loads gradually increase, a set of simple but effective spinal exercises are introduced: deflections, turns, leg lifts. Afterwards, an additional charge is introduced in the form of projectiles.

Physiotherapy, massage and therapeutic exercises are prescribed only after the patient's pain has been relieved. Otherwise, additional damage may be caused to it.

Not conventional

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 spinal diseases, neuralgic problems, headaches, joint diseases. It is not suitable for all people. The size of the needles, location, angle and depth of placement are determined for each patient individually.

• The chiropractor works on the spine with his hands. It can define the vertebral discs, release pinched nerves, thus relieving pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a method of medical treatment.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing cups on the back, 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 cans from one place to another.

• Among popular remedies, compresses, ointments and wipes have proven to be good:
  1. The most effective are horseradish compresses. Horseradish is rubbed, mixed with heavy cream, applied to the lower back, covered with a napkin, and wrapped around the back with a warm handkerchief. You can pour boiling water over the horseradish leaves and tie them to your lower back.
  2. Lower back pain can also help relieve friction with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. To relieve pain, iodine ointments and lemon or birch oil are also applied in equal parts along the entire length of the spine.

Back Pain Prevention

If you enter the risk 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 need to warm up periodically every day.

Also, you need to 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 off the floor;
4. don't make sudden movements;
5. monitor posture, don't bend over;
6. maintain a normal body weight;
7. doing gymnastics, which includes body turns and turns;
8. sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
9. excludes sleep on high pillows.

The most affordable and effective prevention methods are physical exercise to strengthen back muscles, swimming, refusing to take the elevator, and daily climbing stairs and walking.

The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen your back muscles include:

1. hip bridge- in the supine position, bend your legs and lift your hips, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body must stretch in a straight line. Keep your hips tense 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 supported on your elbow, lift your body and straighten it in a straight line, lifting your hips off the floor. Do the same on the left side.
3. Lunges- standing, step forward alternately with your legs, bending your legs at a 90-degree angle. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deflection in the prone position- lying on your stomach, lean on your hands and pull your shoulders up as far as possible.
5. ball crunches- lying on your back, wrap your hands around your knees and pull them towards your stomach. Lie like this for 30 seconds. Then return to the starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you follow these recommendations, you can't have a lifelong back problem. If it occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to start treating the health problem on time, without causing it to become chronic.