Why hurt your back and how to relieve pain

According to global statistics, back pain comes right after viral infections in the list of causes of disability. They rank first in the list of hospital visits. Contrary to popular belief that most of the elderly suffer from it, 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 relieve pain - we will consider these and other questions in this article.

Causes

The back being a fairly large area of the human body, and many vital organs (heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys) being thrown there, the causes of pain can be multiple. They are mostly often localized in the lumbar region.

The main reasons your back hurts can be:

1. Muscle and ligament injuries - overwork, sprain, spasm, hypothermia, contusion.
2. Diseases of the spine - herniated disc, scoliosis, osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis 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 with painful sensations includes people who:

• working seated or standing (for example, drivers; those who work at the computer);
• coping with heavy physical activity;
• often experience stressful situations;
• train hard in the gyms;
• are overweight;
• have bad posture.

Symptoms

The 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 painful, 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 experiences such pain, then after the birth of a child she should do a serious examination of the spine:

• On the back of the head, turning into a headache.Most likely, you need to pay attention to the examination of the cervical vertebrae. In addition, neck problems are indicated by pain in the neck and back area at the same time. You can feel it by turning and tilting your head.
• In the scapula and in the center of the spine.It can increase with inhalation and when a person does trunk turns. The reason must be sought in the work of the heart and the thoracic spine.
• Rear center- sharp pain radiating to the chest, heart. The likely cause is neuralgia or problems with certain internal organs.
• Between the shoulder blades.If the back between the shoulder blades hurts slightly, but obsessively, the reasons are probably intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, other problems of the spine, as well as diseases of the stomach, gallbladder, lungs and liver.
• In the lower torso.If such pain is sharp 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 chest area, as it can be a sign of a heart attack. The most common is painful discomfort in the spine. Neck pain is the most problematic to treat.

When to consult a doctor

Back pain can occur after heavy lifting or sudden movement. They can be removed by massages 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 causes. By correctly identifying the cause and eliminating it, you can definitely get rid of back pain.

An untimely treatment has serious consequences, which can go as far as surgery.

Do not delay 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. pointed, for no reason;
4. accompanied by high fever, stomach cramps, painful chest discomfort, respiratory complications;
5. gives in the leg;
6. appeared after the injury.

It is imperative and immediately necessary to call an ambulance, if with pain in the back it is difficult for a person to move, confusion or fainting, shock.

Methods for diagnosing back pain

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

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

Processing methods

Methods of treatment can be roughly divided into traditional and non-traditional. And also for drugs, neurosurgery and preservatives. Let's consider them in more detail.

Traditional

The main purpose of drug therapy is to relieve pain and inflammation, improve metabolic processes. Pain is relieved with the help of pain relievers in the form of tablets 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. beam of light;
3. ultrasound;
4. electrophoresis;
5. ultraviolet;
6. magnetic;
7. infrared radiation;
8. electromagnetic waves.

This also includes the treatment of the mud.

Another traditional treatment is massage. It is recommended:

1. with osteochondrosis;
2. arthritis;
3. osteoarthritis;
4. radiculitis;
5. intense 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 50% of patients after the first attack of back pain, if they do not see a doctor quickly, experience repeated attacks or begin to suffer from chronic diseases.

There are three types of massages:

• Classic (all massage techniques: caresses, tapping, rubbing, kneading, etc. ).
• Relaxing (caressing).
• Spot (using the finger pads).

A complex of exercise therapy was also developed: therapeutic gymnastics for 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, elevation of the legs. Later, an additional charge is introduced in the form of projectiles.

Physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed only after the pain has been relieved in the patient. Otherwise, additional damage may be caused to it.

Unconventional

The most well-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 for everyone. Needle size, location, angle and depth of placement are determined for each patient individually
• The chiropractor works on the spine with his hands. It can fix the spinal discs, release the pinched nerves, thus relieving pain. Manual therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization as a method of medical treatment.
• 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 boxes from one place to another.
• Among folk remedies, compresses, ointments and rubs have proven successful:
  1. Horseradish compresses are the most effective. Horseradish is rubbed, mixed with sour cream, applied to the lower back, covered with a towel 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 chafing 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 under constant stress from the nature of the activity (heavy physical work, sedentary work, leg work), you should do periodic warm-ups every day. days.

In addition, you should 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. watch the posture, do not lean;
6. maintain a normal body weight;
7. doing gymnastics, which includes twists and turns of the body;
8. sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
9. exclude sleep on high pillows.

The most accessible and effective prevention methods are exercise to strengthen the back muscles, swimming, refusal to take the elevator and daily stair climbing, and walking.

The simplest recommended exercises to strengthen your back muscles include:

1. Hip bridge- in supine position, bend your legs and lift your hips, lifting your pelvis off the floor. The body should stretch in a straight line. Keep the hips straight 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, lift the body and stretch it in a straight line, lifting the hips off the floor. Do the same on the left side.
3. Slits- from a standing position, alternately throw yourself forward with your legs, bending your legs at a 90 degree angle. Recommended 10 times.
4. Deviation while lying down- lying on your stomach, bend over while leaning on your hands and raise your shoulders as far as possible.
5. The bullet cracks- lying on your back, wrap your hands around your knees and pull them towards 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 stick to these recommendations, you won't be able to have back problems all your life. If it occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible in order to start treatment of the health problem that arose in time, without bringing it to a chronic state.