Back pain feels “younger”, says a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were an indicator of age, now young people also complain about back problems.The specialist explains who should be afraid of sciatica and what types of back pain should not be tolerated.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the complaint most often heard by neurologists.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 may appear due to heart disease (including acute diseases - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or dissection of a thoracic aortic aneurysm), and may be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer, or acute stomach ulcers.Radiating (so-called) pain in the lumbosacral region may indicate appendicitis, ovarian apoplexy, pelvic pathology and gynecological problems.As a rule, such pain is acute, occurs suddenly or gradually, and often poses a danger not only to health, but also to life.
The pain can also be vertebrogenic (originating from the spine itself, have varying degrees of severity and manifestations - this is pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the thoracic region (thoracalgia) or the cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. Usually, the pain appears due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and relieving stress on the spinal segments. The pain disappears within 7-14 days. But structural changes in the spine can be moreserious and affects the spinal roots, blood vessels, or even the spinal cord. In such cases, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, conus-epiconus syndrome, and other neurological manifestations may occur.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as your back suddenly hurts, people actually talk about sciatica.However, such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after clinical examination and examinations 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.However, this is a disease of young people, because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have sciatica?
Sciatica does not occur suddenly and without cause.The predisposing factor is the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal segments such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factors - more often after sudden lifting of weights, hypothermia, infectious processes - sciatica appears.It has developmental phases, and therefore early symptoms.
Initially it may be back pain, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, everything went away.Next, radiating (referred) pain occurs: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time, the pain goes away, exacerbations and remissions alternate.In addition, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and lasts longer than the previous exacerbation.Subsequently, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of the neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, during which treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockade, will become mandatory.Surgical treatment of this disease is also possible.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Hernias and protrusion of intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine are becoming much “younger”: previously they were talked about in the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, the symptoms may (and this is what often happens) not manifest themselves in any way;someone doesn't feel it.This is also due to anatomical features: where the hernia is located, whether it presses on the roots, whether it puts pressure on the spinal cord, and other aspects.After all, a hernia itself does not hurt, but if it affects other "important" structures of the spinal canal, of course the person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia by eye;CT or MRI will help with this.
Is “juvenile” back disease related to lifestyle?
Today, the back often worries people who spend a long time in a static position (sitting at a computer in the office), burden themselves with long-term loads (including sports), lift weights, and do not follow the principles of healthy eating.
The first time my back hurt.What to do?
If this is an acute and sudden pain of great severity, local in nature and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss acute pathology of the internal organs.Emergency help is also necessary in cases where a person experiences such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, leg slaps), and urination disorders.
If you have muscle pain, then you can use ointments and warmers.It is important to stabilize the spinal segments and lie more (rather than sitting), and not lift weights.If after that 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 may be associated with a violation of spinal statics.Pain syndrome occurs, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one of the legs (if more than 1-2 cm affects the overload of the spine).Constant muscle spasms appear, which need to be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected using fairly simple methods: orthopedic insoles are made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to have a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.You should also not go to a chiropractor with severe pain: however, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that are only possible according to the indications of a neurologist or therapist.
What will help protect your back?
You should use rational physical activity: walk more often, exercise in the gym, evenly pump the back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of microelements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, bath, sauna.