Why the back hurts and how to relieve pain

According to world statistics, back pain ranks second in the list of causes of disability after viral infections. You are at the top of the list of hospital visits. Contrary to popular belief that it is mostly older people who suffer from it, the younger generation's back often hurts. Why the back hurts, what preventive measures should be taken to avoid it, and what exercises will help with pain - these and other questions we will consider 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 located in the lumbar region.

The main reasons for back pain can be:

1. Injuries to muscles and ligaments - overexertion, sprain, spasms, hypothermia, bruise.
2. Diseases of the spine - herniated disc, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis of the facet joints, pinched nerves, displacement of the vertebrae, sciatica, lumbago.
3. Diseases of the internal organs: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

In addition, pain in the back of 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. For example, the displacement of the vertebrae can further lead to osteochondrosis or hernia.

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

• work sitting or standing (e. g. drivers; those who work on computers);
• deal with great physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• train hard in gyms;
• are overweight;
• have an incorrect posture.

Symptoms

Discomfort can be localized in different parts of the back, but most often it occurs in the following parts of the body.

In the lower back. Back pain in the lumbar region is usually painful, compulsive, pulling, its reasons can be:

• Intervertebral hernia;
• Osteochondrosis;
• Radiculitis;
• female diseases;
• Head Start;
• Kidney problems.

The pain can be given to the leg, it gets worse when a person is sitting or walking. In this case, it may be due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

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

• In the back of my mind that turns into a headache.Most likely, you need to pay attention to the examination of the cervical vertebrae. Neck problems are also indicated by pain in the neck and back area at the same time. It can be felt when turning and tilting the head.
• In the shoulder blade and in the middle of the spine.It can increase when inhaled and when a person turns their trunk. The reason must be sought in the work of the heart and thoracic spine.

• Middle 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 back hurts slightly but compulsively between the shoulder blades, the most likely causes are intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other spinal problems, and diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs, and liver.
• In the lower torso.If such pain is acute and accompanied by an increase in temperature, then it resembles renal colic or other diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system.

The most dangerous back pain is the one that radiates to the chest area as it can be an indicator of a heart attack. The most common painful complaints are 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 movements. They can be eliminated with massage or special ointments. If the pain is repeated or constantly accompanies a person, you need to see a doctor. A neurologist will help determine the cause. By properly identifying and eliminating the cause, you can get rid of back pain permanently.

Early treatment is associated with serious consequences, including surgical interventions.

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

1. acute and does not stop for two to three days;
2. constant that does not pass for two weeks;
3. sharp, for no reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, stomach cramps, painful discomfort in the chest, difficulty breathing;
5. gives way in the leg;
6. appeared after the injury.

It is imperative and immediately necessary to call an ambulance if, in addition to back pain, a person has difficulty moving, confusion, or loss of consciousness, or shock.

Methods of diagnosing back pain

A specialist will help pinpoint the cause based on the results of the diagnosis, which is carried out using the following methods:

• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
• Electrocardiogram (EKG);
• Roentgen;
• Laboratory research.

Treatment methods

Treatment methods can be broadly divided into traditional and non-traditional. And also for drugs, neurosurgical and conservative. Let's take a closer look at them.

Traditionally

Medicinal treatment methods are primarily aimed at relieving pain and inflammation and improving metabolic processes. The pain is relieved with the help of pain relievers in tablet form, as well as in the form of injections and droppers.

In the complex, vitamin C, B and immunomodulators are prescribed. In more difficult cases, injections are given to relieve pain and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

With painful sensations in the back with diseases of the spine, joints, nervous system and the consequences of injuries, physiotherapeutic procedures are mandatory:

1. Laser therapy;
2. Light beam;
3. Ultrasonic;
4. Electrophoresis;
5. ultraviolet;
6. magnetic;
7. Infrared radiation;
8. Electromagnetic waves.

This also includes a 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 the functioning of internal organs and relax the nervous system.

Statistics show that if they do not seek medical attention in time, 50% of patients experience repeated attacks or have chronic illnesses after the first attack of back pain.

There are three types of massage:

• Classic (all massage techniques: brushing, tapping, rubbing, kneading, etc. ).
• Relax (caress).
• Spot (with your fingertips).

A complex of exercise therapy was also developed: therapeutic gymnastics for serious problems is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It starts with the usual lying position - so the patient spends several sessions. Then the loads gradually increase, a series of simple but effective exercises for the spine is introduced: distractions, twists, lifting the legs. Later, an additional load in the form of projectiles is introduced.

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed only after the patient's pain has been relieved. Otherwise, additional damage can be done to it.

Unconventional

The best known 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 every person. The size of the needles, location, angle and depth of their placement are determined individually for each patient

• The chiropractor works with his hands on the spine. It can tighten the intervertebral discs, release pinched nerves, and thereby relieve pain. Manual therapy is recommended as a medical treatment method by the World Health Organization.
• Vacuum treatment involves placing cups on your back, under which pressure is built up, causing blood to flow to the problem area. This allows you to quickly relieve pain and improve metabolic processes. With vacuum massage, the cans are rearranged from place to place.

• Among the folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubs have proven themselves:
  1. Horseradish compresses are the most effective. 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. Lower back pain can also help relieve rubbing with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. For pain relief, ointments made from iodine and lemon or birch oil are also applied in equal parts over the entire length of the spine.

Prevent back pain

If you enter the risk zone as a person whose spine is exposed to constant stress due to the type of activity (heavy physical work, sitting work, footwork), you must warm up regularly on a daily basis.

In addition, you need to use the following tips:

1. For a long standing position, lean on a vertical surface - a wall, column, etc. ;
2. evenly when carrying weights - it is better to use a backpack in both hands in this case.
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. maintain a normal body weight;
7. doing gymnastics, which includes bends and twists of the body;
8. sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
9. Exclude sleeping on high pillows.

The most accessible and effective prevention methods are physical exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, swimming, refusing to use the elevator and daily climbing stairs, as well as walking.

Some of the simplest recommended exercises for strengthening your back muscles include:

1. Hip bridge- While lying on your back, bend your legs and lift your hips, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body should stretch out in a straight line. Hold your tense hips in this position for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. It is recommended that you do this exercise at least 12 times.
2. Side plank- Lying on your right side and propped up on your elbows, lift your body and straighten it in a straight line, lifting your hips off the floor. Do the same thing on the left.
3. Lunges- From a standing position, alternately jump forward with your legs and bend your legs at an angle of 90 degrees. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deflection in the prone position- Lying on your stomach, bend over, leaning on your hands and pulling your shoulders up as far as possible.
5. Ball crunch- Lying on your back, put 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 your back.

If you follow these recommendations, you may not have back problems for a lifetime. In the event of their occurrence, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible in order to begin treatment of the health problem that has arisen in a timely manner, without bringing it into a chronic condition.