The question "What does back pain mean?"It may seem stupid.Everyone can test it.Dried, raised a heavy object, was for a long time in a forced pose, an uncomfortable bed, here is a list of ordinary reasons for overloading the back and pain.The decision begs itself.Drink an anesthetic and wait for a speedy recovery.
This does not always help.The pain can firmly gain a foothold in the back and become the worst enemy for weeks, months, years.Even then, some patient people may not see a doctor, but continue to take pills.
Pain is the signal of our body through the nervous system that there is a problem and it must be solved.The situation is much worse when the disease progresses, and nothing hurts.This occurs with oncological diseases when pain occurs in the last stages of the disease.
Types of pain
Nonspecific - takes more than 85% of the doctor’s visit.Associated with overload of muscles, ligaments, tendons, small joints of the spine.
Koreshka - caused by compression of the nerve root of a hernia.Up to 10% of cases.
Specific - caused by a certain disease.This includes a fracture of the spine, tuberculosis, purulent process, neoplasm, narrowing of the spinal canal, disease of the abdominal cavity, a small pelvis and others.Up to 10% of cases.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of non -specific pain:
- appearance, exacerbation when moving (sharp rotation of the head, slope, weight lifting);
- arises after a long forced position (sedentary work at the computer, with professional drivers, static standing work for sellers);
- Limiting mobility after sleep in an uncomfortable position, on an uneven surface.
The reason for these symptoms in violation of the motor stereotype, when some muscles and joints are overloaded, while others, on the contrary, do not participate in movements.
There is such a thing as an “unprepared” movement.When the muscles are not stretched, the ligaments are not warmed up, and they are given either a large load or a very large volume of movements.So, office workers who are not involved in sports, after the Timbilding events with game activities, rope towns, competitions may not go to work the next day due to problems with the back.Another category is the pension age gardeners.They spent all winter houses with minimal physical activity and suddenly gave an excess load on the spine.The result is one - pain, limitation of mobility.
The spinal cord roots are characterized by:
- shooting pain to the fingers of the foot, brush;
- violation of reflexes;
- sensitivity changes (numbness, increased skin sensitivity);
- decrease in muscle force;
- Symptoms in muscle tension.
According to these symptoms - pain in the tongue, numbness of the little finger on the arm or shooting pain in the leg, it is often possible to determine quite accurately at what level in the spine there was a compression of the nerve without an MRI.
Specific pain can indicate a potentially dangerous, serious disease.Symptoms of threats:
- the beginning of persistent back pain until 15 years and after 50 years;
- Non -gearing nature of pain (the pain does not decrease alone, in a lying position, in certain poses);
- the connection of pain with the injury;
- smoothness of pain;
- the presence of oncology earlier;
- temperature pain, weight loss;
- prolonged stiffness in the morning;
- paralysis, pelvic disorders, severe sensitivity disorders;
- Changes in urine analyzes, blood.
The cause of such violations may be serious diseases:
- rheumatic diseases;
- malignant tumors;
- infections (osteomyelitis, abscess, tuberculosis, enclosing herpes);
- vascular diseases (aneurysm of the abdominal aorta);
- blood diseases;
- osteoporosis;
- kidney diseases, cystitis;
- pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer;
- Stenosis of the spinal canal, vertebral fractures.
Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor to exclude dangerous causes.Especially if painkillers help weakly and there are dangerous symptoms.
Diagnostics
This is the most important stage of treatment, since all further actions depend on it.It seems that you can make an X -ray or an MRI, then everything will become clear.But, there are pitfalls here.A functional diagnostic doctor makes a conclusion on the basis of what he sees in the picture.But he does not examine the patient himself.Therefore, the results of the picture are not equal to the diagnosis.
We will analyze the example.If you take completely healthy people aged 20 years, then almost half of them can be detected by hernias of intervertebral discs.But this does not mean that they need treatment, in -depth examination or surgery on the spine to eliminate defects.
Clinical recommendations for general practice doctors of the National Institute for Improving the Standards of Health and Social Assistance of Great Britain in most cases with non -specific pain syndrome up to 1 year at all recommend that neither X -ray nor CT/MRI with a number of exceptions.
Isn't it a hernia causes pain?Only in 1 out of 10 cases.In all other cases, the hernia of the disk and back pain are not connected.
First, the history of the development of pain, the first episode, circumstances (injury, load) are clarified, what other symptoms have appeared, seemingly not related to back pain.
During the inspection, bends of the spine, limiting mobility, muscle tension are evaluated.Localization of pain, signs of compression of the roots ("gives" in the leg, violation of the sensitivity of the limbs).
And only then, according to the indications, CT/MRIs are carried out, a general and biochemical blood test is prescribed.
Therefore, the doctor should be diagnosed.He needs to determine the type of pain, the necessary studies, exclude dangerous symptoms of specific pain and only then prescribe treatment.
Treatment
First aid. Even before taking pills, you can help yourself.It is necessary to unload the spine and give a chance to relax.To do this, we lie down on a flat hard surface (floor, dining table, plywood sheet) on the back.Under your feet you need to put a large pillow, roller, stool, so that the angle between the body and hips is 90 degrees in the knees.
We slowly breathe and try to relax as much as possible with each exhalation.You can lie as much as necessary.The main thing is that the surface is not cold.Soft sofas, beds are not suitable.
Drugs.Typically, treatment begins with non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which will help relieve pain and inflammation.These drugs can be bought without a prescription, but they cannot be taken uncontrollably.
Their intake can lead to erosion, intestinal ulcers and stomach, bleeding.If there are already problems with the gastrointestinal tract, this increases the risk of complications.They can have a toxic effect on the liver.There is a risk for the cardiovascular system, kidneys, with bronchial asthma.
Traditional NSAIDs have more side effects especially on the digestive system.But they are quite affordable.
Selective NSAIDs have a much lower damaging effect on the digestive tract, but have a higher price.
At the same time, the choice of the drug is better to entrust the doctor so that it correlates the risk and benefit in each case.Perhaps prescribed drugs to protect the stomach.
Another group of drugs is muscle relaxants, they help to relieve muscle spasm.
Chondroprotectors are also used.
Life. Back pain does not mean that you need to lie all the time.Bed rest, corsets and other devices that limit movements are not recommended.This will cause only weakening of the muscles that hold us in an upright position.
It is necessary to maintain reasonable activity to maintain tone, normalize blood circulation.Light walks, gymnastics, physiotherapy exercises are suitable.
You also need to sleep on a hard orthopedic mattress.Take breaks in work for walking.Drink enough liquid.
Prevention
For prevention, it is necessary to strengthen the back to create a strong muscle corset.Such physiological directions as swimming, Pilates, and yoga are suitable.
Sleeping is recommended on a flat stiff surface.The pillow is small, comfortable.
Raise bags of more than 3 kg with a straight lower back with the strength of the legs.The load is distributed evenly by 2 hands.
Replace the bag with a backpack and wear on two straps
To reduce the shock load on the spine, wear shoes with a thick springy sole.It is advisable to reduce weight.