Back diseases have noticeably become “younger,” says a neurologist.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the indicators of age, now young people also 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 pathology (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 diseases (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, such 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 - these are pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the thoracic (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 relief from stress on the spinal segment. Such painare removed in 7-14 days. But structural changes in the spine can be more serious and affect the spinal roots, blood vessels, or even the spinal cord. In such 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 seizes, people actually talk about 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 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 without reason.The predisposing factor is the development in the spinal segment of such degenerative-dystrophic changes as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - more often after a sharp lifting of weights, hypothermia, an infectious process - radiculitis appears.It has developmental phases, and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it may be a lumbago in the back, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Next, radiating (referred) pain occurs: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.Moreover, 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 using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockades, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Do herniated discs 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 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 detect a hernia by eye; CT or MRI will help with this.
Are “youthful” back diseases related 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 this is an acute, sudden pain with an intense degree of severity, it is local and is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need 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 has such severe pain that he cannot find a place for himself even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, slap-foot), and urination is impaired.
If it is muscle pain, then you can use ointments and warming.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie down (rather than sit) more, and not lift weights.If after this there are no changes within a couple of days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after everyday activities?For example, after carrying a bag on 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 need to 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 do 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 go to a chiropractor with severe pain either: nevertheless, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that are possible only 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 pumping up your back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of microelements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.