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Back pain

A woman is afraid of back pain

In recent years, back pain has been one of the most common complaints among patients in emergency medicine and during outpatient visits.Such pain is not an independent nosological entity, but a clinical manifestation of a number of diseases.What is particularly serious about this symptom is that when acute pain occurs, physical activity is often significantly restricted and the ability to work is restricted.

The main cause of back pain is spinal disease;In addition, such a clinical manifestation can be caused by pathologies of internal organs, professional characteristics (long sitting at the table or in the driver's seat, heavy physical work), injuries or pregnancy.In most cases, it is possible to find out the cause of pain by carefully examining the patient;Sometimes additional tests are required to make a diagnosis.Relieving pain syndrome depends on the underlying disease and the characteristics of its course;Treatment is selected individually for each case.

Medical statistics show that more than half of the world's population suffers from back pain.In addition, in childhood, such a symptom indicates diseases of the internal organs and is quite rare;As you get older, back pain becomes more common, almost everyone suffers from it in old age and only around 25% of those affected see a doctor.

What are the dangers of back pain?

In most cases, treatment for back pain that is prescribed too late or insufficiently leads to the process becoming chronic.Chronic back pain is a very common cause of reduced performance in people aged 40 to 55 and is characterized by:

  • lasting character;
  • increased during movements and physical activity;
  • limiting physical activity;
  • Development of a feeling of stiffness in the back.

The chronic process is characterized by a recurrent course with frequent episodes of exacerbations provoked by prolonged hypothermia, physical activity or remaining in one position.Exacerbations are followed by periods of remission in which no or minimal pain occurs.In most cases, back pain does not pose a direct threat to a person's health or life, however, there are serious diseases of the spine and internal organs that are manifested by this symptom and require immediate consultation with a specialist.

Back pain due to common illnesses

The most common conditions that manifest as back pain include sciatica and herniated discs.

The severity of pain in these diseases depends on the stage of their progression and the patient's sensitivity threshold.

radiculitis

Radiculopathy or radiculitis is a symptom complex that arises due to compression of the roots of the spinal cord and is manifested by motor and autonomic disorders against a background of severe pain.There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) radiculitis.

Clinical manifestations

It is manifested by a pronounced pain syndrome localized at the site of injury and aggravated by movements and coughing (even a slight cough).The pain can be of different nature (aching, dull or stabbing), occur periodically or be constant.In most cases, the pain radiates to the upper or lower extremities.In addition to pain, the disease is characterized by muscle weakness and loss of sensitivity in the limbs.

Herniated disc

The protrusion or prolapse of disc fragments into the canal of the spine is called a herniated disc.The disease most commonly occurs in people aged 25 to 50;The risk group includes drivers, people who sit for long periods of time and have to lift heavy objects every day.

Clinical manifestations

The main symptom is pain, which is dull and intermittent at the beginning of the disease and increases with physical exertion, coughing and prolonged stay in one position.As the hernia progresses, the pain increases and, depending on the location of the hernia, radiates to the arm, buttocks or thigh.

Causes of pain in people over 50 years old

Almost every older person experiences pain in their spine;The most common causes of this symptom are the following diseases:

osteoporosis

Clinical manifestations

The disease is characterized by an asymptomatic or barely noticeable onset with symptoms similar to osteochondrosis.The pathology is often recognized in characteristic injuries or fractures that can occur with minimal stress or minor bruising.

It is very difficult to detect the disease at an early stage;it usually manifests itself by the following signs:

  • Pain in the lumbar or thoracic spine that occurs with prolonged static stress and with sudden changes in the weather;
  • hair and nails become brittle;
  • the development of non-inflammatory periodontal diseases is possible;
  • changes in posture and reduction in height;
  • the appearance of leg cramps at night.

Spondylosis

Chronic degenerative-dystrophic damage to the spine caused by deformation of the vertebrae and the appearance of bone outgrowths and spines (osteophytes) on their surface.

Clinical manifestations

In the early stages it manifests itself as a slight limitation of the mobility of the spine.As the disease progresses, a pronounced pain syndrome develops due to the fixation of the overloaded area.Acute, unbearable pain is accompanied by muscle tension and limited mobility due to the gradual straightening of the physiological curvatures of the spine.

Causes of pain in people under 50 years old

Very often, the following pathologies become the cause of pain in the lumbar or thoracic spine, which occurs in young or middle age:

  • sacroiliitis;
  • spinal osteomyelitis;
  • spondylolisthesis;
  • Fibrositis.

Sacroiliitis

The inflammatory process localized in the sacroiliac joint is called sacroiliitis.The cause of the development of this disease can be injuries, increased load on the joint for a long period of time (during pregnancy, work with heavy lifting or constant sitting), congenital developmental anomalies, metabolic disorders and neoplasms.

Clinical manifestations

The pain is localized in the pelvic area and spreads along the sciatic nerve on the affected side;it can be aggravated by pressure on the iliac wing and flexion of the limbs.If the pain is severe, the patient assumes a forced position with knees bent.In addition to pain, an increase in body temperature, the development of purulent abscesses and severe intoxication syndrome can be observed.The disease is usually treated in surgical departments.

Osteomyelitis of the spine

Osteomyelitis is a purulent infectious disease that affects bone tissue, periosteum and bone marrow.It can be acute (occurring for the first time) or chronic (long-term and characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission).

Clinical manifestations

It begins with chills, increased body temperature (often up to 40.0°C) and increased heart rate.After 2-4 days, local pain occurs over the lesion site, local swelling and hyperemia (redness) of the tissue, and limitation of motor activity.In chronic osteomyelitis, traces of fistula tracts (round wounds with purulent discharge) are found on the skin.If you suspect the development of osteomyelitis, you should urgently consult a doctor.This pathology is treated by a surgeon.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is the forward displacement of a vertebra as a result of congenital non-fusion of the arch with the body or degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc.In most cases it is caused by a displacement of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

Clinical manifestations

The main manifestation is chronic pain in the lumbar region caused by vertebral slippage and pinched nerve endings.The pain often radiates to the buttocks region and increases when attempting to sit up.May be accompanied by pain in the legs, muscle weakness and numbness in the limbs.

Fibrositis

Fibrositis is a nonspecific inflammatory process characterized by fibrous and fatty degeneration of fibrous connective tissue.The exact cause of the disease is not yet clear.More common in middle-aged women.

Clinical manifestations

  • moderate or severe persistent, aching back pain;
  • Headache;
  • neck and shoulder pain;
  • Pain and stiffness of the spine in the morning;
  • sleep disorder;
  • Irritability.

In the cold season, the pain increases when you are outside, after excessive exercise, after emotional stress, in the morning.

Pain of musculoskeletal origin

The musculoskeletal system, which makes it possible to hold and move the body in space, has a spatial and pain-sensitive function.Damage to any element of this system, no matter how small, through injury or illness leads to the development of pain.Various injuries, excessive physical activity, as well as displacement of the articular processes of the vertebrae lead to the development of an inflammatory process in the tissues of the spine, which becomes the cause of pain.

Pain radiating to the back and lumbar area (stenosis)

In the case of stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal or the exit holes of the spinal nerve roots), in which the nerve fibers are compressed, the pain that occurs in the back then radiates to the leg, while the patient's gait changes and he or she limps.

The pain is dull and constant.The cause of the development of this disease is age-related changes, so young and middle-aged people are not susceptible to its occurrence.Treatment uses a surgical method called decompression surgery, in which the vertebral arches are prepared.

Post-traumatic back pain

Causes of back injuries can be:

  • Sudden lifting of weights often results in sprains or tears in muscle fibers or ligaments.
  • fall;
  • blow or bruise;
  • mechanical impact.

When pain occurs, muscle fibers spasm during an injury, which disappears within several hours to several days, depending on the severity of the injury.If the injury is severe, muscle cramps can last for several weeks.Immediately after the injury, the pain is sharp, which after a while is replaced by pain.

Back pain during pregnancy

Some women experience persistent, excruciating pain in the lumbar region in the first few months of pregnancy, which only disappears after birth.The cause of the pain is the increased secretion of relaxin, a hormone responsible for preparing the birth canal for the passage of a child, namely softening the ligamentous apparatus of the sacral region.Since relaxin affects all ligaments and a pregnant woman's spine is placed under greater strain, chronic pain in the lumbar region can occur.

How to relieve back pain during pregnancy:

  • Do not wear high-heeled shoes;
  • all movements must be performed smoothly;
  • You can't lift weights;
  • If you urgently need to lift something heavy, try to distribute the weight between both hands, do not bend or jerk;
  • You should not bend to the ground, but get on your knees;
  • It is not necessary to remove high objects.

Causes of pain above the lower back

The main causes of pain above the lower back are:

  • osteochondrosis;
  • Myofascial syndrome.

Osteochondrosis

The degenerative-dystrophic process that leads to a change in the normal structure of the cartilage tissue of the spine is called osteochondrosis.There are cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral osteochondrosis.The disease is often accompanied by a herniated disc and an intervertebral fracture.

Clinical manifestations

Features of the symptoms of the disease depend on their location:

  1. Cervical osteochondrosis is manifested by pain and stiffness of movement in the neck and arms, headaches;When the vertebral artery is compressed, dizziness, hearing loss, and fainting can occur.
  2. With the thoracic form of the disease, acute pain in the back and chest (pale feeling), heart pain, and difficulty breathing occur.
  3. Lumbosacral localization is characterized by pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the legs and increasing with movement;Lumbago, numbness of the extremities and disorders of the urogenital system may occur.

Myofascial syndrome

Myofascial syndrome is a disease characterized by extremely painful over-tension of the spinal muscles.The main reason for its development is static overload of the muscular structure of the spine for a long period of time (in an uncomfortable position).

Clinical manifestations

The pain is localized on one or both sides of the spine and is aggravated by pressure, overload, injury or sudden hypothermia.The severity of the pain sensations can range from mild, barely noticeable discomfort to severe, excruciating pain lasting several days.

One of the most effective methods for relieving back pain istherapeutic blockages.