Back diseases have visibly become “younger,” explains a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, today young people also complain about their spine.The specialist explains who should be afraid of radiculitis and what types 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 pathology (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: back pain often indicates diseases of other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine may appear due to heart diseases (including acute - 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, such pain is acute, occurs suddenly or gradually and often poses a danger not only to health, but also to life.
Pains can also be vertebrogenic (coming from the spine itself, they have varying degrees of severity and manifestation - these are pains in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the thoracic region (thoracalgia) or in the neck (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and relief of stress on the spinal segment. These pains areeliminated in 7 to 14 days. But structural changes in the spine may be more serious and affect the spinal roots, blood vessels or even the spinal cord. In such cases, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, cone-epiconus syndrome and other neurological manifestations may develop.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly seizes up, we speak of radiculitis.But such a diagnosis can be made by a neurologist only after a clinical examination and studies such as CT and MRI, which will show root clinical changes.
Older people do not usually suffer from sciatica, although they often talk about it.However, it is a disease that affects young people, because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not occur suddenly and without 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 a provoking factor - most often after heavy lifting of weights, hypothermia, infectious process - radiculitis appears.It has phases of development, and therefore first symptoms.
At first it may be lumbago in the back, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and overheating, everything goes away.Radiating (referred) pain then appears: this phase manifests itself as a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For a while, the pain disappears, alternating between exacerbations and remissions.Moreover, each subsequent exacerbation is more serious and longer lasting than the previous one.Subsequently, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of the neurological manifestations of vertebral osteochondrosis develops, during which treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockades, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Do herniated discs hurt?
Herniations and protrusions of the intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become noticeably “younger”: previously they were spoken of in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, they may (and often do) 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 experience pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia with the naked eye;CT scan or MRI will help you with this.
Are “juvenile” back diseases linked to lifestyle?
Nowadays, the back often worries people who spend a long 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 severity, local and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss an acute pathology of internal organs.Emergency help is also needed in cases where a person experiences such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, a slapped foot) and urination is impaired.
If it comes to muscle pain, you can use ointments and warmers.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie down (rather than sit) rather than lifting weights.If no change is observed after a few days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after daily activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one 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 exceeds 1-2 cm, this affects the overload of the spine).Constant muscle spasms appear, which must be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected by fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to have a massage when you have back pain?
In case of pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.You should also not consult a chiropractor in case of severe pain: nevertheless, specialists use quite aggressive techniques which are only possible according to the indications of a neurologist or therapist.
What will help protect your back?
You need to resort to rational physical activity: walking more often, working out in the gym, evenly pumping up the back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of microelements.Practice aquatic treatments: swimming pool, baths, saunas.