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 spine.The specialist explains who should fear radiculitis and what type of 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 can appear due to heart diseases (including acute ones: myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute abdomen.Radiating (referred) pain in the lumbosacral region may indicate appendicitis, ovarian stroke, 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 (comes from the spine itself, has varying degrees of severity and manifestation: pain in the lower back (lumbodynia), in the thoracic region (thoracalgia) or cervical (cervicalgia), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal medications, bed rest and relief of tension in the spinal segment. Such pain disappears within 7-14 days. But structural changes in the spine can be more serious and affectspinal 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 stiffens, people 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 root clinical changes.
Older people do not usually have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Even so, it 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 appear suddenly and for no reason.The predisposing factor is the development in the spinal segment of degenerative-dystrophic changes such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis and herniated disc.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor (most often after sudden lifting of weights, hypothermia or an infectious process) radiculitis appears.It has development phases and, therefore, initial symptoms.
At first it may be lumbago in the back, a sudden pain when lifting something heavy.After a few days of taking painkillers and warming up, everything disappears.Radiating (referred) pain 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 the neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develops, in which treatment by a neurologist using conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blocks, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Do herniated discs hurt?
Hernias and bulges of the intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly "younger": earlier they were talked about in relation to people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, it is possible (and this is what often happens) that they do not manifest themselves at all;a person simply does not feel them.This is also due to anatomical characteristics: 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 with the naked eye;CT or MRI will help with this.
Are “young” back diseases related to lifestyle?
Today, the back often worries people who spend a lot of time in a static position (sitting at a computer in the office), overload themselves with prolonged loads (including sports), lift weights and do not follow the principles of a healthy diet.
The first time my back hurt.To do?
If this is a sudden sharp pain with an intense degree of severity, 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 needed in cases where a person has such severe pain that he cannot find a place even in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, slapping the foot) and difficulty urinating.
If it is muscle pain, then you can use ointments and warming.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie down more (instead of sitting) and not lift weights.If after this there are no changes in a couple of days, you should consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after daily activities?For example, after carrying a bag on your shoulder?
The pain may be associated with a violation of the statics of the spine.Pain syndrome arises, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one leg (if it is more than 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 using fairly simple methods: an orthopedic insole is made, a massage is prescribed, and physiotherapy is prescribed.
Is it possible to get a massage when your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;It is not prescribed during periods of exacerbation.It is also not advisable to go to the chiropractor with intense pain: however, specialists use quite 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 in the gym, evenly exercise the back muscles, which stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of microelements.Practice aquatic procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.