Back problems have become noticeably “younger,” a neurologist says.If 30 years ago back problems were one of the signs of aging, today young people also complain about their spine.Experts explain who should fear radiculitis and what types of back pain should not be endured.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (back pain) is the most common complaint neurologists hear.It is generally accepted that it is associated with spinal pathologies (osteoarthritis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, this is not entirely true: back pain is often a manifestation of diseases in other organs.For example, pain in the thoracic spine can appear due to heart diseases (including acute ones - myocardial infarction, angina or thoracic aortic aneurysm) and can be associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, acute gastric or abdominal ulcers.Radiating (so-called) pain in the lumbosacral region can be a sign of appendicitis, ovarian obstruction, 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.
Pain can also be vertebral (originating from the spine itself, they have different severity and manifestations - it is pain in the lower back area (lumbodynia), in the chest area (thoracic pain) or in the cervical area (cervical pain), etc. As a rule, they arise due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal drugs, bed rest and reducing tension in the spinal segment. Such pain will disappear after 7-14 days.But structural changes in the spine can be more severe 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 twitched, people actually talked about radiculitis.But such a diagnosis can be made only by a neurologist after a clinical examination and studies such as CT and MRI, which will show clinical changes in the nerve roots.
Older people do not usually have sciatica, although they often talk about it.However, this is a disease of young people because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not happen suddenly and without reason.The favorable factor is the development in the spinal segment of degenerative-dystrophic changes such as bone necrosis, vertebral degeneration, and disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but with some provoking factor - usually after sudden weight lifting, hypothermia, infectious processes - radiculitis appears.It has stages of development and therefore initial symptoms.
At first it may be back pain or sudden pain when lifting heavy objects.A few days after taking painkillers and warming up, everything goes away.Next, diffuse (referred) pain occurs: this phase is characterized by a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).For a while, the pain disappeared, exacerbations and remissions alternated.Furthermore, each subsequent illness is more severe and lasts longer than the previous one.Thereafter, the radicular and even radicular-spinal phase of neurological manifestations of spinal osteoarthritis will develop, in which treatment by a neurologist with conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockade, will be mandatory.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Is disc herniation painful?
Herniated and bulging discs are common.These degenerative changes in the spine have become significantly "younger": previously they were mentioned in connection with people of the older generation, but now hernias can be found even in preschoolers.Clinically, they may (and this often happens) not manifest in any way;a person simply does not feel them.This is also due to anatomical characteristics: where the hernia is located, whether it compresses the roots or not, whether it puts pressure on the spinal cord and other aspects.In any case, the hernia itself does not cause pain, but if it affects the "benefits" of other structures of the spinal canal, then of course the patient will feel pain.Hernia cannot be detected visually;CT or MRI will help with this.
Is “youthful” back disease related to lifestyle?
Today, the back often worries people who sit for a long time in a static position (sitting in front of a computer in the office), are overloaded with long-term loads (including sports), lift weights and do not comply with the principles of a healthy diet.
The first time my back hurt.What to do?
If this is acute, sudden pain that is severe, localized and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need to call an ambulance so as not to miss the 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 seat for himself even in bed, there is paralysis (for example, beating of the legs) and impaired urination.
If you have muscle pain, you can use ointment and warm compresses.It is important to stabilize the spine and lie (instead of sit) more and not lift weights.If there is no change after a few days, you should consult your doctor.
What to do if your back hurts after daily activities?For example, after wearing the bag on one shoulder?
Pain may be associated with violation of the static state of the spine.Pain syndrome occurs, for example, due to flat feet and one leg being shortened (if it is longer than 1-2 cm, it will affect the overload of the spine).Muscle spasms appear continuously, requiring correction by a chiropractor.Sometimes this can be overcome by quite simple methods: making orthopedic insoles, prescribing massage, prescribing physiotherapy.
Can you 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.You should also not visit a chiropractor with severe pain: however, specialists use quite aggressive techniques that can only be carried out as prescribed by a neurologist or therapist.
What will help protect your back?
You should use reasonable physical activity: walk more often, exercise at the gym, pump your back muscles to help stabilize your spine.Maintain a balanced diet of trace elements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, bathing, sauna.