Back pain, back pain is the scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, a high-calorie diet and, as a result, excess weight contribute to the development of diseases of the spine. What do we struggle with the most? And where to go for help when you have back pain?
Why do you have back pain?
We talk about back pain when we 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 suffer from back pain. It appears in different parts of the spine: from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar region 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. He is also affected by poor physical condition and lack of exercise.
This is especially true for people who lead sedentary lives and work a lot at the computer.
Workers who perform heavy physical labor are more susceptible to back injuries and pain from overuse.
Obesity can also cause back pain, as well as chronic stress and depression.
Back pain: the most common causes
- Disc disease- we talk about it when we are dealing with what is called a herniated disc. It is accompanied by irritation or even damage to the nerve root. Most often occurs in the lumbar spine. This manifests as back pain going to the legs, causing you to lean forward and arch your spine. Most often affects young people between 25 and 40 years old.
- Lumbago- also known as lumbago. Sharp, shooting pain that affects the lumbosacral region (lower back). This is one of the main reasons for going to a doctor. The cause is almost always a mechanical injury resulting from an overstrain of the spine. Pain increases with bending and lifting of 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 the crushing of a fragment of the intervertebral disc on the nerve roots. Pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots causes severe pain that spreads to the buttock and leg. Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve resulting from a developing degenerative disease of the spine.
- Osteoporosis- a disease which affects the elderly, in particular postmenopausal women. This manifests as a gradual loss of bone density and a weakening of the bone structure, which makes them more prone to fractures. 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 experience back pain, we should immediately see a therapist. The doctor may perform preliminary examinations and order an X-ray, CT scan or MRI at his discretion. If he deems it necessary, we will then be referred 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. You just need 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 stay in shape. On the other hand, let's do exercises that will strengthen the paraspinal muscles. We also need to remember the stretches. 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 when sitting and lying down. Try not to slouch or bend your spine abnormally, for example when sitting down.
- The right mattress.The way we sleep has a significant impact on the health of our spine. The mattress should be neither too soft nor 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 right proportions.