Why 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 in the first place in the list of hospital visits. Contrary to the popular belief that mostly elderly people suffer from them, the back often hurts in the younger generation. Why the back hurts, what preventive measures should be taken to avoid this, 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 a lot of vital organs (heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys) are projected onto it, there can be many causes of pain. They are especially often localized in the lumbar region.

The main reasons why your back hurts can be:

1. Injuries 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, lumbago.
3. Diseases of internal organs: kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, small pelvis.

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

Even with minor, but frequent back pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent the development of a more serious disease. So, for example, the 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);
• deal with great physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• train hard in gyms;
• are overweight;
• have improper 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 may be:

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

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

If a pregnant woman feels 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, you need 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 felt when turning and tilting the head.
• In the scapula and in the center of the spine.It can increase with inhalation, and when a person makes turns of the trunk. The reason must be looked for in the work of the heart and thoracic spine.

• Center back- acute pain radiating to the chest, heart. The likely cause is neuralgia or problems with some internal organ.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the back between the shoulder blades hurts slightly, but obsessively, then the reasons most likely lie in intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other problems with the spine, as well as diseases of the stomach, gall bladder, lungs, and liver.
• In the lower torso.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 the one that radiates to the thoracic region, as it may be evidence of a heart attack. The most common is an aching discomfort 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 repeats or accompanies a person constantly, 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 get rid of back discomfort.

Untimely treatment is fraught with serious consequences, up to and including surgical intervention.

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

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

It is imperative and immediately necessary to call an ambulance if, along with pain in the back, 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.

Treatment methods

Treatment methods can be roughly divided into traditional and non-traditional. And also for medication, neurosurgical and conservative. Let's consider them in more detail.

Traditional

Medication methods of treatment are aimed primarily at relieving pain and inflammation, improving metabolic processes. The pain is relieved with the help of analgesics in tablet form 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 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 help in time, experience repeated attacks or begin to suffer from chronic diseases.

There are three types of massage:

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

A complex of exercise therapy has also been developed: therapeutic gymnastics in case of serious problems is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It begins with the usual lying position - this is how the patient spends several sessions. Then the loads gradually increase, a set of simple but effective exercises for the spine is introduced: deflections, turns, raising the legs. Later, an additional load is introduced in the form of projectiles.

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed only after the relief of pain in the patient. Otherwise, additional harm can be caused to him.

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

• The chiropractor acts on the spine with his hands. It can set 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 place to place.

• Among folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubbing 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 the lower back.
  2. Low back pain can also help relieve rubbing with a mixture of black radish and honey.
  3. To relieve pain, ointments of iodine and lemon or birch oil are also applied in equal parts along the entire length of the spine.

Prevention of back pain

If you enter the risk zone as a person whose spine is subject to constant stress by the nature of the activity (hard physical labor, sedentary work, leg work), you need to do periodic warm-ups every day.

In addition, 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 from the floor;
4. do not make sudden movements;
5. monitor posture, do not hunch over;
6. maintain a normal body weight;
7. do gymnastics, which includes bends and turns of the body;
8. sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
9. exclude sleep on high pillows.

The most accessible and effective prevention methods are physical exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, swimming, refusal to take the elevator and daily climb stairs, and walking.

The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen your back muscles include:

1. Hip bridge- in the supine position, bend your legs and raise your hips up, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body should stretch out in a straight line. Hold the tense hips 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 plank- lying on the right side and leaning on the elbow, raise the body and stretch it in a straight line, lifting the hips off the floor. Do the same on the left side.
3. Lunges- from a standing position, alternately lunges forward with your legs, bending 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 pull your shoulders up as much as possible.
5. Ball crunches- lying on your back, wrap your hands around your knees and pull them to your stomach. Lie like this for 30 seconds. Then return to the starting position.

Fitball exercises are very effective for the back.

If you adhere to these recommendations, you can not have back problems throughout your life. In case of their occurrence, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible in order to start treatment of the arisen health problem on time, without bringing it to a chronic state.