Why your back hurts 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 most older people suffer from it, the back often hurts in the younger generation. Why does the back hurt, what preventive measures should be taken to avoid it, as well as what exercises will help with pain - we will 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 many causes of pain. They are particularly often localized in the lumbar region.

The main reasons your back hurts can be:

1. Injury to muscles and ligaments - overexertion, sprain, spasm, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Diseases of the spine - herniated intervertebral discs, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis of the facet joints, pinched nerves, displacement of the vertebrae, sciatica, low back pain.
3. Diseases of the internal organs: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

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

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

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

• work sitting or standing (for example, drivers; those who work at the computer);
• cope with a great deal of physical activity;
• they often experience stressful situations;
• train hard in gyms;
• I am overweight;
• having poor posture.

Symptoms

Discomfort can be localized 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 aching, obsessive, pulling, their reasons can be:

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

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

If a pregnant woman experiences such pain, then after the birth of a child she should do a serious examination of the spine:

• In the back of the head, turning into a headache.Most likely, it is necessary to 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 heard when you turn and tilt your head.
• In the shoulder blade and in the center of the spine.It can increase with inhalation and when a person makes trunk turns. The reason is to be found in the work of the heart and the thoracic spine.

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

The most dangerous back pain is that which radiates to the thoracic region, as it could be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is a painful pain in the spine. Neck pain is the most problematic to treat.

When to 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 need to go to the doctor. A neurologist will help determine the causes. By correctly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can permanently eliminate back discomfort.

Premature treatment is fraught with serious consequences, up to and including surgery.

Do not postpone a visit to the doctor when the pain:

1. acute and does not stop for two or three days;
2. constant, which does not pass for two weeks;
3. sharp, without reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, stomach cramps, painful chest pain, respiratory complications;
5. gives to 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 for diagnosing back pain

A specialist will help to accurately determine the cause based on the results of diagnostics, which is carried out by such methods:

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

Methods of treatment

Methods of treatment can be roughly divided into traditional and non-traditional. And also for drugs, neurosurgery and conservatives. Let's consider 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 droppers.

Overall, vitamins C, B and immunomodulators are prescribed. In more difficult cases, injections are given to 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. 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. 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 to 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 assistance in a timely manner, experience repeated attacks or begin to suffer from chronic diseases.

There are three types of massage:

• Classic (all massage techniques: caress, caress, rubbing, kneading, etc. ).
• Relaxing (stroking).
• Spot (using the pads of your fingers).

A physical therapy complex has also been developed - therapeutic gymnastics in case of severe problems is performed under the supervision of a specialist. Start with the usual lying position - this is how the patient spends several sessions. Then the loads gradually increase, a series of simple but effective exercises for the spine are introduced: deviations, turns, leg lifting. After that, an additional load is introduced in the form of bullets.

Physiotherapy, massage and physical therapy are prescribed only after pain relief in the patient. Otherwise, further damage can be caused to it.

Unconventional

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

• The chiropractor acts on the spine with his hands. He can fix the vertebral discs, release pinched nerves, thereby relieving pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a medical treatment method.
• 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 the cans from one place to another.

• Among the folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubs have proven themselves well:
  1. The most effective are horseradish compresses. 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 your lower back.
  2. Low back pain can also help relieve rubbing with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. To relieve pain, iodine and lemon or birch oil ointments 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 do a periodic warm-up 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 this case it is better to use a backpack with both hands;
3. bend your knees when lifting a heavy load from the floor;
4. do not make sudden movements;
5. monitor posture, do not stoop;
6. maintaining a normal body weight;
7. doing gymnastics, which includes bends and turns of the body;
8. sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
9. exclude sleep on high pillows.

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

The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen the back muscles include:

1. hip bridge- in the supine position, bend the legs and raise the hips, lifting the pelvis off the ground. The body should stretch in a straight line. Keep your hips taut in this position for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. It is recommended to perform this exercise at least 12 times.
2. Side plank- lying on the right side and leaning on the elbow, lift the body and stretch it in a straight line, lifting the hips off the ground. Do the same on the left side.
3. lunges- from a standing position, alternately lunges forward with the legs, bending the legs at an angle of 90 degrees. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deflection in the prone position- lie down on your stomach, bend over, lean on your hands and raise your shoulders as much as possible.
5. crunches with the balls- lie on your back, wrap your hands around your knees and bring them close to your stomach. Lie down like this for 30 seconds. Then return to the starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you adhere to these tips, you can't have back problems for life. In the event of their occurrence, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to start treatment of the health problem that arose in time, without bringing it to a chronic state.