Back diseases have become noticeably “younger,” says a neurologist.While 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 which back pain should not be tolerated.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (dorsalgia) is the most common complaint a neurologist hears.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 occur due to cardiac disease (including acute diseases such as myocardial infarction, angina, or thoracic aortic dissection aneurysm) and may be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, or acute abdomen.Radiating (radiated) pain in the lumbosacral area may indicate appendicitis, ovarian stroke, pelvic pathology, and gynecological problems.As a rule, such pain is acute, occurs suddenly or gradually and often poses a threat not only to health but also to life.
The pain can also be of a vertebrogenic nature (originating from the spine itself, they have different degrees of severity and manifestations - these are pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the chest area (thoracicgia) or in the neck area (cervicalgia), etc. They usually arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and unloading the spinal segment. Such pain disappears in 7-14 days. But structural changes in the spine canbe 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 referred to as sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly cramps, it is actually referred to as radiculitis.However, such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after a clinical examination and studies such as CT and MRI showing radicular clinical changes.
Older people generally do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Nevertheless, it is a disease of younger people because an active immune response is required for its development.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not occur suddenly or for no reason.The predisposing factor is the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis and herniated disc in the spinal segment.Structural changes occur gradually, but with a provoking factor - more often after heavy lifting of weights, hypothermia, an infectious process - radiculitis occurs.There are development phases and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it can be lumbago in the back, sudden pain when lifting heavy objects.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up everything goes away.Next comes radiating (radiated) pain: this phase is manifested by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For some time the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.In addition, 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, is mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Do herniated discs hurt?
Hernias and bulging discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly “younger”: previously they were only spoken of in people of the older generation, but today hernias can even be found in preschool children.Clinically, they may (and often do) not manifest themselves in any way;a person simply doesn't feel them.This is also due to anatomical circumstances: where is the hernia, does it compress the root, does it put 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, the person will, of course, feel pain.It is impossible to detect a hernia by eye;CT or MRI help with this.
Are “youthful” back problems related to lifestyle?
Today, the back often worries people who spend a long time in a static position (sitting at a computer in the office), overload themselves with constant stress (including sports), lift weights and do not adhere to the principles of a healthy diet.
My back hurt the first time.What to do?
If it is an acute, sudden pain of intense severity, it occurs locally and is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss acute pathology of internal organs.Emergency help is also required if the pain is so severe that the affected person can no longer find space in bed, paralysis occurs (e.g. kicking feet) and urination is impaired.
If it is muscle pain, you can apply ointments and heat.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and to lie down more (instead of sitting) and avoid lifting weights.After that, if no changes occur 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 over your shoulder?
Pain can be associated with a violation of the statics of the spine.For example, pain syndrome occurs due to flat feet or shortening of one leg (if it is more than 1-2 cm, it affects the overload of the spine).Muscle spasms constantly occur and need to be corrected by an orthopedist.Sometimes this can be corrected using fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, a massage is prescribed, physiotherapy is prescribed.
Is a massage possible for back pain?
If you have pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.If the pain is severe, you should not go to a chiropractor: nevertheless, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that are only possible following the instructions of a neurologist or therapist.
What helps protect your back?
You should engage in physical activity rationally: walk more often, work out in the gym, and evenly train your back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Make sure you eat a balanced diet with regard to microelements.Practice water treatments: swimming pool, baths, saunas.