Back pain is a common problem not only for the elderly, but also for young people.Unpleasant pain occurs 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.Because the elasticity of the muscles and intervertebral discs decreases significantly over time, serious spinal injuries can occur.
Also, back pain often occurs due to excessive physical activity:
- Regular heavy lifting;
- Jumping;
- Falls;
- Sudden movements during exercise.
Recently, teenagers, students and young people who lead a sedentary lifestyle often complain of back pain.One of the most common causes of back tension is poor, uneven posture.Unfortunately, today, deformed posture can also be observed in adolescents, which is the result of excessive workload in schools.
In addition, as a result of inflammation, swelling and possible nerve entrapment, people often experience discomfort.If your back really hurts, then 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, tablets or therapeutic massage.However, do not forget that self-medication rarely leads to 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 the 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 the symptoms.If the discomfort does not disappear within 3-5 days, a visit to the doctor is necessary.
In addition, as a consequence of a serious illness, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Increased body temperature;
- Nausea;
- Vertigo;
- Vomiting;
- diarrhea,
- Excessive or painful urination;
- Severe pain during menstruation in women;
- Swelling of hands, feet, numbness of the lower extremities.
If at least one of the above symptoms is present, along with pain in the spine, urgent hospitalization is necessary.Prolonged pain can cause serious complications, such as impaired limb movement, shock, confusion, etc.
First thing to do
Before the arrival of the specialist, you can provide yourself with auxiliary measures for pain relief at home.
To do this, it is recommended to reduce physical activity.Try to move as little as possible, do not run, walk slowly, smoothly, without sudden movements.
Another method is a warm compress.Many experts do not recommend heating the area with pain during the first two days.Taking a warm bath or making compresses (heated salt, alcohol solutions) can ease the discomfort.One of the safest options is pain medication.
You should not choose too strong analgesic or antispasmodic tablets, especially before the arrival of the doctor.Because during palpation the sensitivity may be reduced and the diagnosis of the disease will be made incorrectly.
Aggravation of pain can be caused by stress.
Therefore, experts recommend that you be as nervous as possible and that, for the purpose of prevention, you drink teas based on soothing plants:
- Mint;
- Melissa;
- Valerian and other calming herbs.
A visit to the doctor
What can the doctor do if the patient constantly feels 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 in determining the presence of serious diseases.If complications are detected, the specialist should give a referral to a neurologist, rheumatologist and orthopedist.If there is no such need, the therapist prescribes the necessary medicine, which should include antispasmodics or local anesthetics.He also prescribes physiotherapy and massage.
Diagnostics
In addition to the palpation performed by the 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 certain disease.
Joint and back diagnosis includes:
- MRI;
- Ultrasound.
Ultrasound diagnostics or computed tomography can detect different types of tumors, which indicate possible inflammation and even cancer.Swelling, growths, damage to bones and muscles are revealed by research, because it is almost impossible to identify new growths that have appeared by palpation.Therefore, an experienced specialist will certainly refer his patient to an instrumental examination.
There are often cases when discomfort in the back or joints 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 the result of kidney inflammation.
Pain can also indicate diseases of the following organs:
- intestines;
- Ovaries (in women), prostate (in men);
- Kidneys;
- Liver.
Therefore, in order not to damage the body's immunity again with unnecessary drugs and treatments, a comprehensive examination is necessary.
Prevention of severe pain
In addition to treatment, especially for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, prevention is also necessary.The first thing to constantly pay attention to is posture.Try to monitor your posture, because proper posture significantly reduces the load on the muscles and intervertebral discs.Another is heavy lifting.This is especially true for women.
In no case should you lift weights, because in addition to back and spine injuries, this can cause a hernia.If lifting weights is a must, try to keep your back straight and your knees bent.
If you are in a permanent sitting position, it is necessary to arrange the workplace in such a way that it complies with all the rules of occupational safety.Do not forget that the distance between the monitor and the eyes must be at least 15 cm, and the screen itself must be placed so that your head is in an upright position.It is necessary to use a chair or armchair that will support your back, preferably with a headrest.
Try doing exercises.Today on the Internet you can find many examples of exercises for the back muscles, which help to 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, then home treatment will not be enough, moreover, you risk ignoring a serious illness.