Back pain, back pain is the scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, high-calorie diet and consequently excess weight contribute to the development of spinal diseases. What do we struggle with the most? And where should we turn for help when our back hurts?
Why does your back hurt?
Low back pain is when it is felt along the vertical axis of the body, on the side of the spine. It is estimated that up to 80% of the world's people suffer from back pain. Appears in different parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic and lumbar to sacrum. However, patients most often complain of pain in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The spine feels as a result of mechanical injuries. However, the most common causes 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 you get older, your back becomes more susceptible to injury. It is also affected by poor physical condition and lack of training.
This is especially true for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and work a lot on the computer.
Workers who engage in strenuous physical activity are more susceptible to back injuries and pain as a result of excessive stress.
Obesity can also cause back pain, chronic stress and depression.
Back pain: the most common causes
- Dyscopathy- We talk about it when dealing with the so-called herniated disc. Accompanied by irritation or even damage to the nerve root. Most often it occurs in the lower back. This is manifested by back pain in the legs, which causes you to bend forward and bend your spine. Young people between the ages of 25 and 40 are often affected.
- Lumbaqo- also known as lumbago. Acute, shooting pain affecting the lumbosacral region (lumbar region). This is one of the main reasons to visit a doctor's office. The cause is almost always mechanical damage caused by overuse of the spine. The pain increases with bending and lifting objects. Sometimes it disappears after a few days, but it can last for several weeks.
- Sciatica- In this case, the pain is caused by compression of part of the intervertebral disc to the nerve roots. Pressure on the sciatic nerve or roots causes severe pain that spreads to the hips and legs. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve as a result of degenerative disease that develops in the lower back.
- Osteoporosis- a disease that affects the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. This is manifested by a gradual decrease in bone density and weakening of bone structure, which makes them more prone to fractures. Decreased bone growth is a condition that results in thoracic kyphosis and severe back pain. This disease can cause so-called compression fractures of the vertebrae, even with minimal impact.
Who should you turn to for help?
If you feel back pain, you should see a therapist immediately. The doctor will be able to perform initial examinations and, if desired, prescribe X-rays, CT or MRI. If necessary, then we will consult an orthopedist - a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of the skeletal system.
If you have problems with the spine and the entire skeletal system, it is worth consulting a physiotherapist. It will provide a series of exercises that will focus on our posture and strengthen our spine.
How to watch the spine?
There is an old and simple rule in the condition of our spine: prevention is better than cure. To enjoy life without back pain, it is enough to follow a few simple rules during the day:
- Regular training.On the one hand, let's do exercises that will allow you to maintain a suitable body weight and stay in shape. On the other hand, let's do exercises that will strengthen the paraspinal muscles. We must also remember about stretching. It will increase muscle elasticity, prevent cramps and stiffness. It will also improve blood supply to muscles and tissues.
- Proper posture.You need to watch your posture while walking, sitting and lying down. Try not to bend your spine, for example, while sitting.
- The right mattress.Our sleep patterns have a significant effect on the health of our spine. The mattress should not be too soft or too hard. It is better to consult a qualified seller when choosing a mattress. Will choose according to your needs.
- A balanced and healthy diet.It should be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains the right proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.