Back pain has become "younger," neurologists say.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also complain about their spine.Experts explain who should be afraid of radiculitis and what types of back pain are unacceptable.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the most common complaint 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 - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissection of thoracic aortic aneurysm), and may be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute stomach.Radiating (referred) 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.
Pain can also be vertebrogenic (originating from the spine itself, they have varying degrees of severity and manifestation - this is pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the thorax (thoracalgia) or the cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, it arises as a result of changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest, and pain relief in the spine Su7. But structural changes in the spine can be more serious and affect the spinal roots, channelsblood, 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 the back suddenly seizes, people actually 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 radicular clinical changes.
Older people usually do not have 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 radiculitis?
Sciatica does not occur suddenly and without reason.A 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 some provoking factors - more often after sudden weight lifting, hypothermia, infectious processes - radiculitis appears.It has a developmental phase, and therefore early symptoms.
At first it may be lumbago in the back, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, it all went away.Next, radiating (referred) pain occurs: this phase is characterized by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Moreover, each subsequent exacerbation is worse and lasts longer than the previous one.After that, the radicular and also radicular-spinal phases of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develop, in which treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockade, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of this disease is also possible.
Is a herniated disc painful?
Intervertebral disc herniation and protrusion 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 is often the case) not manifest themselves in any way;one just doesn't feel it.This is also due to anatomical features: 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 "importance" of other structures of the spinal canal, then, of course, the person will feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia with the eyes;A CT or MRI will help with this.
Is "ageless" back disease related to lifestyle?
Nowadays, the back often worries people who spend a long time in a static position (sitting in front of a computer in the office), burden themselves 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 to do?
If this is an acute, sudden pain with intense severity, it is local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, hangover), then you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss the acute pathology of internal organs.Emergency help is also needed in cases where a person experiences such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, a blow to the leg), and urination is disturbed.
If the muscles hurt, then you can use ointment and heating.It is important to stabilize the spinal segments and lie (rather than sit) more, and not lift loads.If after this there is no change in a few days, you should see a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after doing daily activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one shoulder?
Pain may be associated with a static violation of the spine.Pain syndrome occurs, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one leg (if more than 1-2 cm, it affects the excessive load on the spine).Constant muscle spasms appear, which need to be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected using relatively simple methods: orthopedic insoles are made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to do a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed during the period of exacerbation.You should not go to a chiropractor with severe pain either: however, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that may only follow the instructions 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 pump your back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of microelements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, shower, sauna.