Back pain is a common problem not only for the elderly, but also for the young.Unpleasant pains appear 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 distress symptoms
According to statistics, about half of the adult population complains of back pain.However, not everyone turns to a qualified specialist for help.Since the elasticity of the muscles and intervertebral discs decreases significantly over time, serious spinal injuries can result.
Also, back pain often occurs due to excessive physical activity:
- Regular lifting of heavy weights;
- Dance;
- It 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 the deformed posture can be observed even in teenagers, which is the result of excessive workload in schools.
In addition, as a result of inflammation, swelling and possible pinched nerves, 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 back and neck muscles, other unpleasant sensations may appear.If the pain appears during tension during intense physical activity or episodic pain appears in a calm state, you should pay attention to the duration of the symptoms.If the discomfort does not go away within 3-5 days, then a visit to the doctor is required.
In addition, as a result of a serious illness, the following symptoms can be observed:
- Increase in body temperature;
- Nausea;
- Dizziness;
- Vomiting;
- diarrhea,
- Excessive or painful urination;
- Strong pains during menstruation in women;
- Swelling of the arms, legs, numbness of the lower extremities.
If at least one of the above symptoms is present, along with back pain, urgent hospitalization is necessary.Prolonged pain can cause serious complications, such as difficulty moving limbs, shock, confusion, etc.
First thing to do
Before the specialist arrives, you can provide yourself with relief measures at home to relieve the pain.
To do this, it is recommended to reduce physical activity.Try to move as little as possible, don't run, walk slowly, without movement, without sudden movements.
The second method is a hot compress.Many experts do not recommend heating the painful areas during the first two days.By taking a hot bath or making a compress (hot salt, alcohol solution), you can relieve your discomfort.One of the safest options is pain medication.
You should not choose very powerful analgesic or antispasmodic tablets, especially before the doctor comes.Since during palpation, the sensitivity may decrease and the diagnosis of the disease will be carried out incorrectly.
Worsening pain can be caused by stress.
Therefore, experts recommend to be as nervous as possible and, for preventive purposes, drink teas based on calming plants:
- Mint;
- Melissa;
- Valerian and other calming herbs.
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 provokes pain in the muscles or joints of the back.This will help determine the presence of serious diseases.If complications are detected, the specialist should refer 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.
Diagnosing
In addition to the palpation performed by a therapist, it is necessary to undergo an examination that allows you to reliably determine the causes of pain, as well as verify the presence or absence of a particular disease.
Joint and back diagnosis includes:
- MRI;
- Ultrasound.
When undergoing ultrasound diagnostics or computed tomography, various types of tumors can be detected, indicating possible inflammation and even cancer.Swelling, growth, bone and muscle damage are detected through research, as palpation makes it almost impossible to identify new growths that have appeared.Therefore, an experienced specialist will definitely refer his patient for an instrumental examination.
Often there are cases when discomfort in the back or joints indicate 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 inflammation of the kidneys.
Pain can also indicate diseases of the following organs:
- Intestines;
- Ovaries (in women), prostate gland (in men);
- Kidneys;
- Liver.
Therefore, in order not to violate the body's immunity once again with unnecessary medications 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 necessary.The first thing you should always pay attention to is posture.Try to monitor your posture, because with proper 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.
Under no circumstances should you lift weights, as in addition to damage to the back and spine, this can cause a hernia.If lifting weights is mandatory, try to keep your back straight and knees bent.
If you are in a permanent sitting position, it is necessary to arrange the workplace so that it complies with all the rules of work safety.Remember that the distance between the monitor and your eyes should be at least 15 cm, and the screen itself should be positioned 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 head support.
Try to exercise.Today on the Internet you can find many examples of exercises for the muscles of the back, 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.