Back pain, back pain is a scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, a high-calorie diet and, as a result, being overweight all contribute to the development of spinal diseases. What do we struggle with the most? And where do we turn for help when our backs hurt?
Why does your back hurt?
Back pain is when you feel it along the vertical axis of the body, on the side of the spine. It is estimated that up to 80% of people worldwide experience back pain. It occurs 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 region.
The spine feels the 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 susceptible to injury. This 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 who perform strenuous physical work are more susceptible to back injuries and pain due to 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 a so-called disc herniation. It is accompanied by irritation or even damage to the nerve root. It most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine. This is manifested by back pain that goes to the legs, causing you to bend forward and bend your spine. It most commonly affects young people aged 25 to 40 years.
- Lumbago- also known as lumbago. Sharp, shooting pain affecting the lumbosacral region (lower back). This is one of the main reasons for visiting a doctor's office. The cause is almost always a mechanical injury as a result of overexertion of the spine. The pain increases when bending and lifting the object. Sometimes it disappears after a few days, but can last for several weeks.
- Sciatica- in this case the pain is caused by squeezing a fragment of the intervertebral disc on the nerve roots. Pressure on the femoral nerve or its roots causes severe pain that spreads to the buttocks and leg. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve as a result of the development of a degenerative disease of the spine.
- Osteoporosis- a disease that affects the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. This is manifested in progressive loss of bone density and weakening of bone structure, making them more prone to fracture. It is a condition that results in reduced bone growth, thoracic kyphosis and severe back pain. This disease can also lead to so-called compression fractures of the spine, even with minimal impact.
Who to turn to for help?
If we feel back pain, we should see a therapist immediately. The doctor will be able to perform preliminary examinations and prescribe X-rays, CT or MRI at his own discretion. If he deems it necessary, 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 worth consulting a physiotherapist. He will take care of our proper posture and present a series of exercises that will strengthen our spine.
How to follow the spine?
In the case of a condition of our spine, there is an old and simple rule: it is better to prevent than to cure. Just follow a few simple rules throughout the day to enjoy a life without back pain:
- Regular exercises.On the one hand, let’s do exercises that will allow you to maintain an appropriate body weight and maintain fitness. On the other hand, let’s do exercises that will strengthen the paraspinal muscles. We also need to remember stretching. It will improve muscle flexibility and prevent cramps and stiffness. It will also improve the blood supply to muscles and tissues.
- Proper posture.It is necessary to monitor your posture both when walking and in a sitting and lying position. Try not to bend or bend your spine unnaturally, for example while sitting.
- A real 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. When choosing a mattress it is best to consult with a qualified dealer. They will choose it according to your needs.
- Balanced and healthy diet.It should be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the right proportions.