Back pain, back pain is the scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, high-calorie nutrition and, as a result, excess weight contribute to the development of diseases of the spine. What are we struggling with the most? And where to go for help when our back hurts?
Why does your back hurt?
Back pain is spoken of when one feels it along the vertical axis of the body, to the side of the spine. It is estimated that up to 80% of people worldwide experience back pain. It appears in different parts of the spine: from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar to the sacrum. However, patients most often complain of pain in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The spine makes itself felt as a result of mechanical injuries. But often the cause can be degenerative changes, inflammation or diseases that affect the mobility and condition of the joints.
Other factors that indirectly affect the health of our spine are also important. As we age, the spine becomes more vulnerable to injury. It is also affected by poor physical condition and lack of exercise.
This is especially true for those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and work a lot at the computer.
Workers doing strenuous physical work are more susceptible to back injuries and pain from overexertion.
Obesity can also cause back pain, as well as chronic stress and depression.
Back pain: the most common causes
- Discopathy- we talk about this when we are dealing with the so-called herniated disc. It is accompanied by irritation or even damage to the nerve root. Most often occurs in the lumbar spine. This is manifested by back pain going to the legs, which causes you to bend forward and arch your spine. Most often affects young people between the ages of 25 and 40.
- Lumbago- also known as lumbago. Sharp, shooting pain that affects the lumbosacral region (lower back). This is one of the main reasons for visiting a doctor's office. The cause is almost always mechanical injury as a result of overstrain of the spine. The pain increases with bending and lifting objects. It sometimes goes away after a few days, but it can last for several weeks.
- Sciatica- in this case, the pain is caused by squeezing a fragment of the intervertebral disc onto the nerve roots. Pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots causes severe pain that spreads to the buttock and leg. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve as a result of a developing degenerative disease of the spine.
- Osteoporosis- a disease that affects the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. This manifests itself in a progressive loss of bone density and a weakening of the bone structure, which makes them more prone to fracture. It is a condition that results in decreased bone growth, thoracic kyphosis, and severe back pain. This disease can also lead to the so-called compression fracture of the vertebrae, even with minimal impact.
Who should you contact for help?
If we feel back pain, we should immediately see a therapist. The doctor will be able to conduct preliminary examinations and prescribe an x-ray, CT or MRI at his discretion. If he deems it necessary, then we will receive a referral to an orthopedist - a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of the skeletal system.
In case of problems with the spine and the entire skeletal system, it is also worth consulting a physiotherapist. He will take care of our correct posture and present a series of exercises that will strengthen our spine.
How to monitor the spine?
In the case of the condition of our spine, there is an old and simple rule: prevention is better than cure. It is enough to follow a few simple rules during the day to enjoy life without back pain:
- Regular exercise.On the one hand, let's do exercises that will allow you to maintain an appropriate body weight and keep fit. On the other hand, let's do exercises that will strengthen the paraspinal muscles. We also need to remember to stretch. It will improve muscle flexibility and prevent cramps and stiffness. It will also improve the blood supply to muscles and tissues.
- Correct posture.It is necessary to monitor your posture both when walking and in a sitting and lying position. Try not to slouch or bend your spine unnaturally, such as while sitting.
- The right mattress.The way we sleep has a significant impact on the health of our spine. The mattress should not be too soft or too hard. It is best to consult a qualified dealer when choosing a mattress. He will select it according to your needs.
- A balanced and healthy diet.It should be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Also, contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the correct proportions.