Back diseases have become noticeably “younger,” says a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also complain about their backs.The expert explains who should be afraid of radiculitis and what type 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 pathologies of the spine (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: often back pain indicates diseases of other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine may appear due to heart disease (including acute ones - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and may 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, this pain is acute, occurs suddenly or gradually and often poses a danger not only to health, but also to life.
The pain can also be vertebrogenic (coming from the spine itself, they have varying degrees of severity and manifestation - they are pain in the lumbar region (lombodynia), 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 medications, bed rest and stress relief in the spinal segment. These pains are removed in 7 to 14 days. But structural changes in the spine can be more seriousand affect the spinal roots, blood vessels or even the spinal cord. In these cases, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, cone epiconus syndrome and other neurological manifestations may occur.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back stops suddenly, people really talk about radiculitis.But such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after a clinical examination and studies such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which will show radicular clinical changes.
Elderly people usually do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Still, this is a disease of younger people, because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not occur suddenly and for no reason.The predisposing factor is the development in the spinal segment of degenerative-dystrophic changes such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - more often after sudden lifting of weight, hypothermia, an infectious process - radiculitis appears.It has development phases 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.Radiating pain (reported) then occurs: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Furthermore, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and longer lasting than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and even 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?
Hernias and protrusions of intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly “younger”: previously they were talked about in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschoolers.Clinically, they may (and this is often what happens) not manifest 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 presses 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 detect a hernia with the naked eye;CT or MRI will help with this.
Are “young” back diseases related to lifestyle?
Nowadays, the back often worries those who spend a lot of time in a static position (sitting at a 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 of intense intensity, it is local and 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 necessary in cases where a person feels such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself, even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, slapping the foot) 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 that there are no changes within a few days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after everyday activities?For example, after carrying a bag on your shoulder?
Pain may be associated with a violation of spinal statics.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 need to be corrected by an orthopedist.Sometimes this can be corrected using quite simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, massage is prescribed, physiotherapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to have a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.You should also not go to the chiropractor with severe pain: however, specialists use very aggressive techniques that are only possible according to the instructions of a neurologist or therapist.
What will help protect your back?
You should engage in rational physical activity: walk more often, work out in the gym, evenly stimulating the back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of microelements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.