A neurologist says there is a definite "younger" trend to back disease.If back problems were an indicator of age 30 years ago, now young people are also complaining about spinal problems.Experts explain who should fear radiculitis and what kind of back pain you shouldn't endure.
Why does my back hurt?
Back pain (back pain) is the most common complaint neurologists hear.It is generally believed to be associated with spinal pathologies (osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.).In fact, that's not entirely true: back pain often indicates disease in other organs.For example, thoracic spine pain may be due to heart disease (including acute illness - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or thoracic aortic dissection aneurysm), or it may be related to acute or chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer, or acute abdomen.Radiating (referred) pain in the lumbosacral region may indicate appendicitis, ovarian stroke, pelvic pathology, and gynecological problems.Typically, this pain is acute, occurs suddenly or gradually, and often poses a risk not only to health but also to life.
The pain may also be vertebral in origin (coming from the spine itself, and they have varying degrees of severity and manifestations - these are pain in the lower back (lumbar pain), pain in the chest (chest pain), or pain in the neck area (cervical pain), etc. Usually, they are due to changes in the spine and can be corrected with non-steroidal medications, bed rest and relieving pressure on the spinal segments. This pain will occur between 7-14It disappears within days. But structural changes in the spine may cause the pain to become more severe and affect the spinal roots, blood vessels, and even the spinal cord. In this case, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, and other neurological manifestations may occur.
Why is back pain often called sciatica?
People actually talk about radiculitis once there's a sudden spasm in the back.But such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist after clinical examination and studies such as CT and MRI that show radical clinical changes.
Older people don't usually have sciatica, although they talk about it often.Nonetheless, this is a disease of the young because its development requires an active immune response.
How do you know if you have radiculitis?
Sciatica does not happen suddenly and for no reason.Predisposing factors are degenerative dystrophic changes in spinal segments, such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthropathy, and intervertebral disc herniation.Structural changes occur gradually, but due to some predisposing factors - more often after sharp lifting, hypothermia, infectious processes - radiculitis appears.It has stages of development and therefore initial symptoms.
It may start with low back pain, sudden pain when lifting heavy objects.After a few days of taking painkillers and warming up, it will all go away.Next, radiating (referred) pain occurs: this phase manifests itself as a more persistent pain syndrome (10 days).Over a period of time, the pain disappears, alternating with intensification and relief.Furthermore, each subsequent exacerbation was more severe and longer lasting than the previous one.Subsequently, neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis develop a radicular or even radiculospinal stage, in which the neurologist must treat with conservative treatment methods, including paravertebral and epidural blockade.Surgical treatment of the disease is also possible.
Does a herniated disc hurt?
Hernias and herniated discs are common.These degenerative changes of the spine have become significantly "younger": previously they were talked about in connection with older generations, but now hernias can be found even in preschool children.Clinically, they may (and this often happens) not manifest in any way; a person simply cannot feel them.It also has to do with anatomy: where the hernia is, whether it's compressing the root, whether it's putting pressure on the spinal cord, etc.In any case, the hernia itself does not cause harm, but if it affects the "interests" of other structures in the spinal canal, then of course the person will feel pain.Hernias cannot be seen with the naked eye; a CT or MRI will help with this.
Is back disease in “youth” linked to lifestyle?
Nowadays, the back often worries people who spend long periods of time in static positions (sitting in front of the computer in the office), chronic overloading (including sports), lifting weights and not following the principles of a healthy diet.
The first time my back hurt.what to do?
If this is an acute, sudden pain, of high severity, localized and accompanied by other symptoms (fever, weakness, intoxication), then you need to call an ambulance in order not to miss acute lesions of the internal organs.Emergency help is also needed if the patient is in severe pain, unable to find his or her position even in bed, has paralysis (such as flapping feet), and has difficulty urinating.
If the pain is in the muscles, ointments and warmth can be used.It is important to stabilize the spinal segment and lie down more (instead of sitting) and not lift heavy objects.If there are no changes within a few days, you should consult your doctor.
What should I do if my back hurts after daily activities?For example, after a shoulder bag?
Pain may be related to violation of spinal statics.Pain syndromes occur, for example, due to flat feet, shortening of one leg (if it exceeds 1-2 cm, it affects the overload of the spine).Persistent muscle spasms occur and require correction by an orthopedic surgeon.Sometimes it can be corrected with fairly simple methods: orthotic insoles, massage, physical therapy.
Can I get a massage when I have back pain?
Massage is contraindicated in case of pain in the spine; it is not prescribed during exacerbation of the condition.You also shouldn't go to a chiropractor because of severe pain: Still, experts use fairly aggressive techniques that are only possible under the instructions of a neurologist or therapist.
What helps protect your back?
You should engage in reasonable physical activity: walk more, go to the gym, and evenly strengthen your back muscles to stabilize your spine.Maintain a balanced diet with trace elements.Practice water procedures: swimming pool, bathroom, sauna.