Back pain is a common problem not only among older people, but also among young people.Unpleasant pains appear as a result of sudden movements, lifting heavy weights and many other careless movements.However, prolonged pain may indicate the presence of a possible disease that requires treatment.
Causes of symptoms of discomfort.
According to statistics, about half of the adult population complains of back pain.However, not everyone turns to a highly qualified specialist for help.Since the elasticity of muscles and intervertebral discs decreases significantly over time, serious spinal injuries can occur.
Additionally, back pain usually appears due to excessive physical activity:
- Regular lifting of heavy weights;
- Hop;
- Falls;
- Sudden movements during exercise.
Recently, adolescents, students and young people who lead a sedentary lifestyle often complain of back pain.One of the most common causes of back strain is poor and uneven posture.Unfortunately, today deformed postures can be observed even in adolescents, which is the result of excessive workload in schools.
Additionally, as a result of inflammation, swelling, and possible pinched nerves, people often experience discomfort.If your back hurts a lot, you simply cannot do without a visit to the doctor.Of course, you can try to correct the situation yourself at home using folk remedies, safe ointments, pills or therapeutic massages.However, do not forget that self-medication rarely produces positive final results.In addition, the reasons for the appearance of various symptoms may indicate a serious illness.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of the disease.
In addition to pain in the back, as well as in the muscles of the back and neck, other unpleasant sensations may appear.If pain occurs during tension during intense physical activity or episodic pain occurs in a calm state, it is necessary to pay attention to the duration of symptoms.If the discomfort does not disappear within 3 to 5 days, a visit to the doctor is required.
Also, as a result of a serious illness, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Increased body temperature;
- Nausea;
- Dizziness;
- Vomit;
- diarrhea,
- Excessive or painful urination;
- Severe pain during menstruation in women;
- Swelling of arms, legs, numbness of the lower extremities.
If at least one of the above symptoms occurs, along with pain in the spine, urgent hospitalization is necessary.Prolonged pain can lead to serious complications, such as difficulty moving limbs, shock, confusion, etc.
The first thing you should do
Before the specialist arrives, you can, at home, take auxiliary measures to relieve the pain.
To do this, it is recommended to reduce physical activity.Try to move as little as possible, don't run, walk slowly, gently, without sudden movements.
The second method is a hot compress.Many experts do not recommend heating painful areas during the first two days.By taking a hot bath or making a compress (hot salt, alcohol solutions), you can relieve discomfort.One of the safest options is pain relievers.
It is not advisable to choose too strong analgesic or antispasmodic tablets, especially before the doctor arrives.Since during palpation sensitivity can be reduced and the diagnosis of the disease will be made incorrectly.
Worsening pain can be caused by stress.
Therefore, experts recommend being as nervous as possible and, as a prevention, drinking calming herbal infusions:
- mint;
- Melissa;
- Valerian and other sedative plants.
visiting a doctor
What can a doctor do if a patient is constantly experiencing very severe pain?The first thing is to find out the reason that causes pain in the muscles or joints of the back.This will help determine the presence of serious diseases.If complications are detected, the specialist should refer you to a neurologist, rheumatologist and orthopedist.If there is no such need, the therapist prescribes the necessary medication, which should include antispasmodics or local anesthetics.He also prescribes physiotherapy and massages.
Diagnosis
In addition to palpation carried out by a therapist, it is necessary to undergo an examination that allows you to reliably determine the causes of pain, as well as check the presence or absence of a particular disease.
Joint and back diagnosis includes:
- MRI;
- Ultrasound.
When undergoing a diagnostic ultrasound or CT scan, various types of tumors can be detected, indicating possible inflammation and even cancer.Swelling, growths, damage to bones and muscles are detected through investigation, since palpation makes it almost impossible to identify new growths that have appeared.Therefore, an experienced specialist will definitely refer his patient for instrumental examination.
There are frequent cases in which back or joint discomfort indicates the presence of a possible disease of a nearby organ.
For example, very often people seek treatment for back muscles, while the pain is a result of inflammation of the kidneys.
Pain can also indicate diseases of the following organs:
- Bowels;
- Ovaries (in women), prostate (in men);
- Kidneys;
- Liver.
Therefore, in order not to violate the body's immunity again with unnecessary medications and treatments, a thorough examination is necessary.
Prevention of severe pain.
In addition to treatment, especially in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, prevention is necessary.The first thing you should constantly pay attention to is your posture.Try to monitor your posture, because with correct posture, the load on the muscles and intervertebral discs is noticeably reduced.The second is to lift a heavy load.This is especially true for women.
You should not lift weights under any circumstances, since in addition to injuries to the back and spine, this can cause a hernia.If lifting weights is a must, try to keep your back straight and knees bent.
If you are permanently sitting, it is necessary to organize the workplace in such a way that it complies with all occupational safety regulations.Don't forget that the distance between the monitor and your eyes should be at least 15 cm, and the screen itself should be positioned so that your head is in a straight position.It is necessary to use a chair or armchair that supports your back, preferably with head support.
Try doing exercises.Today on the Internet you can find many examples of exercises for the back muscles that help relax and at the same time "wake up" the cartilage and muscles of the spine.
Remember that any joint or muscle pain requires treatment.If you feel stiffness for more than five days, home treatment will not be enough, and you also risk ignoring a serious illness.