Back pain - what to do?

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

pain in the back

Key words: back pain, back pain, spine

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

Back pain can be caused by problems with the vertebrae, the discs between them, the ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles, internal organs in the abdomen and pelvic areas. Also, cause pain in the upper part of the back pain can become a disease of the aorta, tumors of the breast, and inflammation of the spine.

Risk factors

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

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

  • office work;
  • work, together with the constant stress;
  • pregnancy pregnant women often suffer from pain in the back;
  • the sedentary way of life;
  • age;
  • depression;
  • obesity/excess weight;
  • Smoking;
  • heavy physical exercise;
  • heavy physical labor.
signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms in the back

A symptom is something the patient feels, while a sign can be noticed by the doctor. For example, pain is a symptom, while 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 immediately contact a doctor if pain accompanies any of the following signs:

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

Seek professional advice if you belong to one of these groups:

  • people under the age of 22 or over the age of 55 years;
  • patients who are on steroids for a few months;
  • patients with cancer;
  • patients who have ever had cancer;
  • patients with low immunity.

The reasons for back pain

The human spine is a complex structure consisting of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks and bones. Intervertebral discs are located between each pair of vertebrae and function as shock absorbers friction. Problems with any of these components can lead to pain in the spine. In some cases, the cause of the pain could not be determined.

stretching

Stretching

The most common reasons for back pain are:

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

Structural problems

The following structural problems may cause pain in the back:

  • the protrusion of intervertebral discs. The rupture of the outer casing of the disc leads to vbuhanie its internal contents to the outside. This can lead to serious nerve and as a result, the pain;
  • herniated disc - bulging of internal disk content of large dimensions;
  • sciatica sharp and shooting pain that radiates to the buttock and back area of the feet, caused by protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral discs, compressing the nerves;
  • arthritis - patients with osteoarthritis commonly experience problems with the joints of the hips, lumbar spine, knees and hands. In some cases, it may be spinal stenosis, 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. One example of anomalous bending is scoliosis in which the spine curves to the side;
  • osteoporosis - bones, including the vertebrae to become brittle and porous, which leads to an increase of the breaking.

Below are some other causes of back pain:

  • cauda equina - horse tail is a bundle of nerve roots that branches off of the spinal cord. People with cauda equina syndrome feel a dull pain in the lumbar spine and buttocks. Also, there may be loss of sensation of the buttocks, genitals, thigh. Sometimes people with cauda equina syndrome suffer from incontinence of urine and/or feces;
  • cancer of the spine - a tumor located in the spine, can compress the nerves, leading to pain;
  • infection of the spine - if the patient has a high body temperature and painful hot area on the back, then this may indicate infection of the spine;
  • other infections - pelvic inflammatory diseases in women, and infections of the bladder and the kidneys can also cause pain in the back;
  • disorders - people with disorders are more likely to experience pain in the spine compared to the General population;
  • herpes zoster infection, which can affect the nerves;
  • bad mattress - if a mattress does not support specific parts of the body and ensures a flat back position, there is a risk of development of pain in the spine.

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

back pain what to do

What to do when back hurts

If you have pain for a few days, then the following tips will help to reduce pain and discomfort and speed of recovery:

  • stay as active as possible;
  • if necessary, use over-the-counter painkillers;
  • use hot and cold packs. Will fit in 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 process of healing.

Prolonged pain that lasts for six weeks, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will take a history, conduct examination and, if necessary, sent for further study. Your doctor may order x-rays if you suspect that there is a problem with the skeletal system or osteoarthrosis, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) with suspected intervertebral hernia or any other problems related to soft tissues or nerves. In this situation, MRI is the best choice. Also, the doctor may advise to take some lab tests or for the measurement of the electrical activity of the nerves (EMG).

After the diagnosis the doctor prescribe treatment. For most cases a conservative treatment, which may include:

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

In severe cases, can be set for the work. The surgeon will help to choose the appropriate method and advise on the possible complications. After some time of operation, it is recommended the adoption of prophylactic treatment of the spine. Remember that surgery is quite dangerous, because the operating area is located in the vicinity of the nerve.