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Back pain - what to do?

Back pain - symptom. Most people at least once in a lifetime encounter with him. This is one of the most common reasons for visits to the doctor and go to work.

back pain

Key words: back pain, back pain, spine

Back pain can occur at any age, but is more common between 35 and 55 years. Pain in the spine is associated with the way our bones, muscles, intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

Back pain can be due to problems with the vertebrae, the discs between them, the ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, the muscles, the internal organs of the abdominal and pelvic areas. Also cause pain the upper back can become diseases of the aorta, tumors in the chest and inflammation of the spine.

Risk factors

The presence of risk factors increases the likelihood of development of a particular state. For example, obesity significantly increases the risk of type II diabetes.

The following factors are associated with increased risk of back pain:

  • office work;
  • work, combined with the constant stress;
  • pregnancy - pregnant women often suffer from back pain;
  • lack of exercise;
  • age;
  • depression;
  • obesity/overweight;
  • Smoking;
  • heavy exercise;
  • heavy physical work.
signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of back pain

A symptom is something the patient feels that the character can be noticed by a doctor. For example, pain is a symptom, whereas a rash is a sign.

The main symptom of back pain is pain in any part of the back. Sometimes the pain extends to the buttocks and leg or shoulder and arm.

You should contact your doctor immediately if the pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

  • weight loss;
  • high temperature (fever);
  • back pain ease after rest;
  • pain, which radiates to the leg;
  • the pain down below the knee;
  • the presence of fresh injuries of the spine;
  • leakage of urine (even in small doses);
  • difficulty urinating - urine passing with difficulty;
  • fecal incontinence - loss of control over the process of bowel movement;
  • numbness in the genital area;
  • numbness of anus;
  • numbness in the buttocks.

Get expert help, if you belong to one of these groups:

  • people aged less than 22 years of age or over 55 years of age;
  • patients who took steroids for a few months;
  • patients with cancer;
  • patients who once had cancer;
  • patients with low immunity.

The causes of back pain

The human spine is a complex structure consisting of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks and bones. The intervertebral discs are located between each pair of vertebrae and act as shock absorbers friction. Problems with any of these components can cause pain in the spine. In some cases, the cause of the pain can be established.

stretching

Stretching

The most common causes of back pain are:

  • stretched muscles;
  • stretched ligaments;
  • lifting a heavy object in an incorrect posture;
  • lifting too heavy a subject;
  • the result of a sudden and awkward movement;
  • spasm of the muscles.

Structural problems

The following structural problems can cause back pain:

  • protrusion of the intervertebral disc. Rupture of outer shell plate leads vbuhanie its internal content outside. This can lead to a pinched nerve and as a result, the pain;
  • herniated disc - bulging of internal disk content of large dimensions;
  • sciatica sharp and shooting pain, which radiates to the buttocks and the back area of the foot, caused by protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc, compressing the nerve;
  • arthritis - patients with osteoarthritis commonly have problems with joints, hips, lumbar spine, knees and hands. In some cases, it may be spinal stenosis, since the space around the spinal cord is narrowed;
  • abnormal curvature of the spine - if the spine curves in an unusual way the patient is more likely to suffer from pain in the spine. Example of an abnormal bending of the scoliosis, which the spine curves to the side;
  • osteoporosis - bones, including the vertebrae become brittle and porous, which leads to increased breakage.

Below are some of the other causes of back pain:

  • cauda equina - horse's tail is a bundle of nerve roots that branches off the spinal cord. People with cauda equina syndrome feel a dull pain in the lumbar and buttock. Can also be loss of sensation of the buttocks, genitals, thigh. Sometimes people who have the cauda equina syndrome suffer from incontinence of urine and/or feces;
  • cancer of the spine - a tumor located on the spine, it can squeeze the nerves, leading to pain;
  • infection of the spine - if the patient has a high body temperature and painful hot area back, as this may indicate infection of the spine;
  • other infections - pelvic inflammatory disease in women, and infections of the bladder and kidneys can also cause back pain;
  • sleep disorders - people with sleep disorders are more likely to experience pain in the spine in proportion to the population;
  • herpes zoster infection, which can affect the nerves;
  • bad mattress - if a mattress does not support specific parts of the body and ensure a flat back position, is in danger of developing pain in the spine.

Also cause pain in the spine can be certain movements or body positions, such as prolonged driving, cough, etc.

back pain, what to do

What to do when your back hurts

If you experience pain for several days, then the following tips will help you reduce the pain and discomfort and speed recovery:

  • stay as active as possible;
  • if necessary, use over-the-counter painkillers;
  • use hot and cold compresses. Fit the bottle with hot water, and a bag of frozen vegetables.

Despite the fact that it is difficult to remain optimistic when you are in pain, try not to be discouraged. This will speed up the healing.

Prolonged pain that lasts for six weeks, you should consult a doctor. The doctor takes a history, performs the examination and, where necessary, sent for further study. The doctor may prescribe x-rays, if you suspect problems with the bone or osteoartroosi, CT (computer tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), where it is suspected that the intervertebral hernia or other problems related to soft tissue or nerves. In this situation, MRI is the best choice. Also, your doctor may advise you to take some laboratory tests or to measure the electrical activity of the nerves (EMG).

After diagnosis the doctor will prescribe treatment. In most cases, conservative treatment, which may include:

  • specific exercises;
  • reflexology;
  • traction of the spine;
  • massage.

In severe cases, you may be asked about action. The surgeon will help You choose the appropriate method and advise on the possible complications. For some time after surgery, recommended the passage of prophylactic treatment of the spine. Remember that surgery is quite dangerous, because the action area is located close to the nerves.