Back pain is a common problem not only among older people, but also among young people.Unpleasant pain occurs due to sudden movements, lifting heavy weights, and many other careless movements.However, persistent pain may indicate the presence of a possible illness that requires treatment.
Causes of symptoms of malaise
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.
Back pain also often occurs due to excessive physical activity:
- Lifting heavy weights regularly;
- Jump;
- falls;
- Sudden movements during exercise.
Recently, teenagers, students and young people who lead a sedentary lifestyle often complain about back pain.One of the most common causes of back tension is poor, uneven posture.Unfortunately, poor posture can also be observed among adolescents today, which can be traced back to the overload of school.
In addition, discomfort often occurs as a result of inflammation, swelling and possible pinched nerves.If your back really hurts, 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 end 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 and back and neck muscles, other unpleasant sensations may occur.If pain occurs when you tense up during intensive physical activity or if pain occurs intermittently when you are at rest, you must pay attention to the duration of the symptoms.If the symptoms do not disappear within 3-5 days, a visit to the doctor is necessary.
In addition, as a result of a serious illness, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Increased body temperature;
- nausea;
- Dizziness;
- vomiting;
- Diarrhea,
- Excessive or painful urination;
- Severe pain during menstruation in women;
- Swelling of the arms, legs, numbness of the lower extremities.
If, in addition to pain in the spine, there is at least one of the above symptoms, urgent hospitalization is required.Persistent pain can cause serious complications such as difficulty moving limbs, shock, confusion, etc.
The first thing to do
Before the specialist arrives, you can provide yourself with supportive measures to relieve pain at home.
To do this, it is recommended to reduce physical activity.Try to move as little as possible, not to run, but to walk slowly, evenly and without sudden movements.
The second method is a hot compress.Many experts advise against warming painful areas for the first two days.You can relieve your symptoms by taking a hot bath or applying a compress (warmed salt, alcohol solutions).One of the safest options is painkillers.
You should not choose too strong painkillers or antispasmodic tablets, especially before the doctor arrives.Because during palpation sensitivity may be reduced and the diagnosis of the disease will be carried out incorrectly.
Worsening of pain can be triggered by stress.
Therefore, experts recommend being as nervous as possible and drinking teas based on calming herbs for prevention:
- Mint;
- Melissa;
- Valerian and other calming plants.
Visit to the doctor
What can a doctor do if a patient is constantly in very severe pain?The first thing you need to do 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 found, the specialist should give a referral to a neurologist, rheumatologist and orthopedist.If there is no need, the therapist will prescribe the necessary medications, which should include antispasmodics or local anesthetics.He also prescribes physiotherapy and massage.
diagnosis
In addition to palpation by a therapist, an examination is required that allows you to reliably determine the causes of pain and check the presence or absence of a particular disease.
Diagnosis of joints and back includes:
- MRI;
- Ultrasonic.
Ultrasound diagnostics or computer tomography can detect various types of tumors that indicate possible inflammation or even cancer.Swellings, growths, damage to bones and muscles are detected through examination, as palpation makes it almost impossible to detect newly appeared growths.Therefore, an experienced specialist will definitely refer his patient for an instrumental examination.
It often happens that complaints in the back or joints indicate the presence of a possible disease in a neighboring organ.
For example, very often people seek treatment for their back muscles when the pain is due to kidney inflammation.
Pain can also indicate diseases of the following organs:
- Colon;
- 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 comprehensive examination is necessary.
Prevention of severe pain
In addition to treatment, prevention is necessary, especially for people with a sedentary lifestyle.The first thing you should constantly pay attention to is posture.Try to monitor your posture, because with correct posture, the load on the muscles and intervertebral discs is noticeably reduced.The second is lifting a heavy load.This is especially true for women.
Under no circumstances should you lift weights, as this can lead to injuries to the back and spine as well as a hernia.If lifting weights is mandatory, try to keep your back straight and your knees bent.
If you assume a permanent sitting position, it is necessary to design the workplace so that it complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.Do not forget that the distance between the monitor and your eyes must be at least 15 cm, and the screen itself must 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 a headrest.
Try doing exercises.Today on the Internet you can find many examples of exercises for the back muscles that help to relax and at the same time “wake up” the cartilage and muscles of the spine.
Remember that joint or muscle pain requires treatment.If you feel stiffness for more than five days, home treatment is not enough, and you also risk ignoring a serious illness.