Back diseases have become significantly “younger”, says a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now even young people complain about their spine.The specialist explains who should be afraid of radiculitis and what kind of back pain should not be tolerated.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the most common complaint heard by a neurologist.It is generally accepted that it is associated with spinal pathologies (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In reality this is not entirely true: back pain often indicates diseases of other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine can appear due to heart disease (including acute - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute abdomen.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 (coming from the spine itself, has varying degrees of severity and manifestation - these are pain in the lower back (lumbopathy), in the thoracic region (thoracalgia) or cervical region (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and stress relief on the spinal segment. Such pains are removed in 7-14 days. But structural changes inspine can be more serious and affect the spinal roots, blood vessels or even the spinal cord. In these cases, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, conus-epiconus syndrome and other neurological manifestations may develop.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly freezes, it is actually called 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 don't suffer from sciatica, although they talk about it often.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 appear suddenly and without reason.The predisposing factor is the development in the spinal segment of such degenerative-dystrophic changes as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, herniated disc.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - most often after sharp lifting of weights, hypothermia, an infectious process - radiculitis appears.It has developmental stages and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it may be low back pain, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Subsequently, radiated (referred) pain occurs: this phase manifests itself with a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Furthermore, each subsequent flare-up is more severe and longer-lasting than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and also radicular-spinal phase of neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, in which treatment by a neurologist with conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blocks, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Herniations and protrusions of the intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly “younger”: earlier they were talked about in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically they may (and this often happens) not manifest themselves in any way;a person simply does not feel them.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 “interests” of other structures of the spinal canal, then, of course, the person will feel pain.It is impossible to spot a hernia by eye;CT or MRI will help with this.
Are "youthful" back pathologies linked to lifestyle?
Nowadays, the back often worries people who spend a lot of time in a static position (sitting at the computer in the office), overload 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 it is a sharp, sudden pain with an intense degree of severity, it is local and is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then it is necessary to call an ambulance so as not to miss an acute pathology of the internal organs.Emergency help is also needed in cases where a person feels such severe pain that he cannot find a place even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, foot slap) and urination is impaired.
If it is muscle pain, you can use ointments and heating.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie down (rather than sit) more and not lift weights.If after this period you do not notice any changes within a couple of days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after daily activities?For example, after carrying a bag over one shoulder?
Pain may be associated with a violation of the statics of the spine.Pain syndrome occurs, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one leg (if it is more than 1-2 cm, it affects the overload of the spine).Constant muscle spasms appear, which must be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected using fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to get 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 shouldn't even go to a chiropractor with severe pain: however, specialists use rather 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, work 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, baths, saunas.