“My back hurts” – this is a common complaint from older people. But back pain is not the companion of pensioners, it affects young people and even teenagers. Let’s understand what provokes painful sensations, how to alleviate them and what to do to prevent pain.
Why does my back hurt?
Our back consists of a skeletal framework, intervertebral discs connecting them, a complex plexus of muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia. Any violation in one of these elements shoots out back pain.
Sharp pain is usually caused by muscle and ligament strains or muscle spasm. They occur as a result of awkward movement, heavy lifting, and trauma.
Another group of causes underlying chronic pain are structural abnormalities of the spine:
- osteochondrosis;
- intervertebral herniations;
- arthritis;
- osteoporosis;
- sciatica;
- spinal curvature.
Backache also accompanies other ailments:
- tumors in the area of the spine;
- infection of the spine;
- other infectious diseases (pelvic inflammation in women, bladder disease, kidney problems);
- sleep disorders;
- shingles.
Improper body position, poor mattress, excessive physical exertion or, conversely, weak muscle corset provoke pain syndrome.
Most often painful sensations in the lower back are experienced by:
- workers of intellectual labor;
- pregnant women;
- people who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- smokers;
- overweight people;
- overly anxious people who are prone to depression.
Treatment of back pain
Many non-invasive treatment options are available for chronic low back and other spine pain, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
Current clinical practice increasingly emphasizes self-management exercises, physical and psychological therapies, and some complementary pain management, and less emphasis on pharmacologic and surgical treatments.
Non-medication measures to control pain
Avoiding bed rest is a key component of treatment. Staying active and returning to normal activities as soon as possible helps relieve symptoms in many cases. There are several non-medication treatments for chronic non-specific low back pain with proven effectiveness, these are:
- Intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Spinal manipulation therapy
- Yoga and Pilates
Examples of physical therapy techniques that are relatively effective in treating chronic pain may include:
- Continuous ultrasound
- Low-level laser therapy
- Electromassage with interferential currents
Prevention of back pain
After the attack is over and the pain sensation has dulled, to avoid a repeat episode, it is recommended to:
- not to lift objects that are too heavy;
- avoid bending over;
- walk more;
- avoid heavy physical labor;
- in sedentary work, take regular breaks to warm up.
Considering all aspects of back pain management and prevention, it is important to emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and an individualized approach to treatment. Proper treatment will not only alleviate symptoms, but will also help prevent their recurrence. Don’t forget the importance of regular physical activity and proper posture in maintaining a healthy back. Remember that your health is in your hands, and seeking medical attention in a timely manner can greatly improve your quality of life.
The role of sleep
Sleep plays an important role in the body’s recovery and can have a significant impact on back health. Lack of sleep or improper posture during a night’s rest can exacerbate chronic pain. If a person sleeps on an uncomfortable mattress or pillow, it can cause the spine to be misaligned, increasing tension in the spinal muscles and provoking pain.
- Choose the right mattress and pillow. The mattress should be firm enough to support the natural position of the spine. The pillow should provide proper head positioning without putting undue strain on the neck and spine.
- Lie on your side or back. Sleeping on your stomach is not a good choice, as it can put extra pressure on the spine.
- Use pillows to support your back. If you sleep on your side, a pillow can be placed between your knees to align your spine and reduce tension in your lower back.
- Follow a sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Not getting enough sleep can increase susceptibility to pain and stress.
When should you see a doctor if you have back pain?
Any injury, even an awkward movement followed by a sharp pain in the back, should be a reason to see a doctor, usually a trauma surgeon. Cancer patients, even more so, should not tolerate back pain, regardless of its etiology.
If painful sensations go to the leg, accompanied by numbness of the anus, genitals and buttocks, and problems with urination, it is worth urgently contacting a reliable clinic.
