Back pain is a common problem not only among the elderly but also among young people.Unpleasant pain appears as a result of sudden movements, lifting heavy weights and many other careless movements.However, prolonged pain may indicate the presence of a possible illness that requires treatment.
Causes of discomfort symptoms
According to statistics, about half of the adult population complains of back pain.However, not everyone turns to a highly qualified specialist for help.As the elasticity of muscles and intervertebral discs decreases significantly over time, serious spinal injuries can occur.
Additionally, back pain often occurs due to excessive physical activity:
- Regular lifting of heavy weights;
- 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 strain is poor and uneven posture.Unfortunately, today deformed posture can be observed even in teenagers, 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, tablets or therapeutic massage.However, do not forget that self-medication rarely leads to positive end results.Also, 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 back and neck muscles, other unpleasant sensations may appear.If pain occurs during tension during intense physical activity or if 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 will be necessary.
Also, as a result of a serious illness, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Increase in body temperature;
- Nausea;
- Dizziness;
- Vomit;
- Diarrhea,
- Excessive or painful urination;
- Severe pain during menstruation in women;
- Swelling of the arms, legs, numbness in the lower extremities.
If at least one of the above symptoms is present, along with back pain, urgent hospitalization is required.Prolonged pain can cause serious complications, such as difficulty moving limbs, shock, confusion, etc.
First thing to do
Before the specialist arrives, you can take auxiliary measures to alleviate the pain at home.
To achieve this, it is recommended to reduce physical activity.Try to move as little as possible, don't run, walk slowly, smoothly, without sudden movements.
The second method is a hot compress.Many experts do not recommend heating painful areas for the first two days.Taking a warm bath or making a compress (heated salt, alcohol solutions) can alleviate discomfort.One of the safest options is painkillers.
You should not choose very powerful analgesic or antispasmodic tablets, especially before the doctor arrives.On palpation, sensitivity may decrease and the disease will be diagnosed incorrectly.
Worsening pain can be triggered by stress.
Therefore, experts recommend staying as nervous as possible and, for prevention purposes, drinking calming herbal teas:
- 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 back muscles or joints.This will help determine the presence of serious illnesses.If complications are detected, the specialist must refer you to a neurologist, rheumatologist and orthopedist.If there is no need, the therapist prescribes the necessary medication, which should include antispasmodics or local anesthetics.He also prescribes physical therapy and massage.
Diagnosis
In addition to the palpation carried out by the therapist, it is necessary to carry out an examination to safely determine the causes of the pain, as well as verify the presence or absence of a certain disease.
Joint and back diagnosis includes:
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound.
When carrying out ultrasound or computed tomography diagnostics, various types of tumors can be detected, indicating possible inflammation and even cancer.Swellings, growths, damage to bones and muscles are detected through research, as palpation makes it almost impossible to identify new growths that have appeared.Therefore, an experienced specialist will certainly refer his patient for an instrumental examination.
There are often cases when discomfort in the back or joints indicates the presence of a possible disease in a nearby organ.
For example, people often seek treatment for back muscles while the pain is a result of kidney inflammation.
Pain may also indicate diseases of the following organs:
- Intestines;
- Ovaries (in women), prostate (in men);
- Kidneys;
- Liver.
Therefore, in order not to once again violate the body's immunity with unnecessary medications and treatments, a comprehensive examination is necessary.
Preventing severe pain
In addition to treatment, especially for people with a sedentary lifestyle, prevention is necessary.The first thing you should constantly pay attention to is your posture.Try to monitor your posture, as with correct posture the load on the muscles and intervertebral discs is significantly reduced.The second is lifting a heavy load.This is especially true for women.
You should not lift weights under any circumstances, as in addition to damaging your back and spine, it can cause a hernia.If lifting weights is mandatory, try to keep your back straight and your knees bent.
If you are sitting permanently, it is necessary to organize the workplace in such a way that it complies with all occupational safety standards.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 straight.It is necessary to use a chair or armchair that supports your back, preferably with a headrest.
Try exercising.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 experience stiffness for more than five days, home treatment will not be enough, plus you run the risk of ignoring a serious illness.