Back problems have become noticeably "younger," says a neurologist.If 30 years ago, back problems were an indicator of age, now young people also complain about their spines.The specialist will tell you 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 that neurologists hear.It is generally accepted that it is associated with spine 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 can occur due to heart diseases (including acute ones - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or preparation aneurysm of the thoracic aorta) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer or acute abdominal disease.Referred pain in the lumbosacral region may indicate appendicitis, ovarian apoplexy, pelvic pathology and gynecological problems.Usually, such pain occurs acutely, suddenly or gradually, and often poses a threat not only to health, but also to life.
Such pain can also be vertebrogenic (originating from the spine itself, with different severity and degree of manifestation - these are pains in the lower back (lumbodynia), chest (thoracalgia) or neck region (cervicalgia), etc. They are usually caused by changes in the spine and can be corrected with stress-relief and segmental pain relievers. 7-14 days But structural changes in the spine can be more serious, and thethey can affect the spinal roots, veins or even the spinal cord.In such cases, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, conus-epiconus syndrome and other neurological manifestations can develop.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
As soon as the back suddenly twitches, people actually talk about radiculitis.But such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after a clinical examination and tests such as CT and MRI, which show radicular clinical changes.
Older people usually do not have sciatica, although they often talk about it.Still, this is a disease of the younger, because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not appear suddenly and without reason.The predisposing factor is the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal segment, such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - more often after sharp weight lifting, hypothermia, infectious process - radiculitis appears.It has stages of development, hence the initial symptoms.
At first there may be lumbago in the back, sudden pain when lifting something heavy.After a few days of taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Then radiating (referred) pain occurs: this phase manifests itself in a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For a while, the pain disappears, exacerbations and remissions alternate.In addition, each subsequent exacerbation is more severe and lasts longer than the previous one.After that, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of the neurological manifestations of osteochondrosis of the spine develops, in which treatment by a neurologist with 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 the intervertebral discs are common.These degenerative changes of the spine have become significantly "younger": they used to be talked about in connection with the older generations, but today hernias also occur in preschoolers.Clinically, they may (and often do) not manifest in any way;one simply does not feel them.This is also due to anatomical features: where the hernia is located, whether it compresses the root, whether it exerts 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 a person will feel pain.A hernia cannot be seen with the eye;CT or MRI can help with this.
Are "youthful" back diseases related to lifestyle?
Today, people who spend a long time in a static position (sitting in front of 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 often worry about their backs.
At first my back hurt.What should I do?
If this is a sharp, sudden pain of intense severity, local in nature, and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you should call an ambulance so as not to miss an acute pathology of the internal organs.Urgent help is also needed in cases where a person has such severe pain that he cannot even find a place for himself in bed, paralysis occurs (for example, leg impingement), and urination disorders occur.
If it's muscle pain, you can use ointments and heat.It is important to stabilize the spine and lie down more (not sit) and not lift weights.If there is no change within a few days, consult a doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after everyday activities?For example, after carrying a bag on one shoulder?
The 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).Permanent muscle spasms appear, which must be corrected by an orthopedic doctor.Sometimes this can be corrected with fairly simple methods: orthopedic insoles are made, massage is prescribed, physical therapy is prescribed.
Can you get a massage if your back hurts?
If there is pain in the spine, massage is contraindicated;it is not prescribed during the period of exacerbation.Even with severe pain, it is not worth going to a chiropractor: nevertheless, the specialists use quite aggressive techniques, which are only possible on the basis of a neurologist or therapist's indication.
What helps protect the back?
You need to use rational physical activity: walk more often, work in the gym, evenly pump up the back muscles that stabilize the spine.Maintain a balanced diet in terms of micronutrients.Practicing water procedures: swimming pool, baths, saunas.