Back pain, back pain is the scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, a high-calorie diet and, as a result, being overweight contribute to the development of spinal diseases. What do we struggle with the most? And where do we turn for help if our backs hurt?
Why does your back hurt?
Back pain is when a person feels it along the vertical axis of the body, to the side of the spine. It is estimated that 80% of people worldwide experience back pain. It appears in different parts of the spine: from the neck, chest and lumbar parts to the sacrum. However, patients most often complain of pain in the neck and lumbar region.
The spine can be felt due to mechanical damage. But it can often be caused by degenerative lesions, inflammation, or disease that affect the mobility and condition of the joints.
Other factors that indirectly affect the health of our spine are also important. As you age, your spine becomes more vulnerable to injury. It is also affected by poor physical condition and lack of exercise.
This is especially true for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and work a lot on the computer.
Workers who do strenuous physical work are more prone to back injuries and pain caused by overload.
Obesity can also cause back pain as well as chronic stress and depression.
Back pain: the most common causes
- Discopathy- this is what we talk about when it comes to the so-called herniated disc. This is accompanied by irritation or even damage to the nerve root. It most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine. This is manifested in the fact that the back pain goes to the legs, which causes leaning forward and curvature of the spine. It most often affects young people between the ages of 25 and 40.
- Lumbago- also known as lumbago. Sharp, shooting pain that affects the lumbosacral region (lower back). This is one of the main reasons for visiting the doctor’s office. This is almost always due to mechanical damage due to spinal overload. The pain is increased by bending and lifting objects. Sometimes it goes away in a few days, but it can take several weeks.
- Sciatica- in this case, the pain is caused by a fragment of the intervertebral disc being pressed against the nerve roots. The pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots causes severe pain that spreads to the buttocks and legs. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve due to developing degenerative disease of the spine.
- Osteoporosis- a disease that affects the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. This manifests itself in a gradual decrease in bone density and a weakening of the bone structure, making them more prone to fractures. It is a condition that results in decreased bone growth, chest exhaustion, and severe back pain. This disease can also lead to so-called compression fractures of the vertebrae, even with minimal impact.
Who do you need to turn to for help?
If we feel back pain, we should see a therapist immediately. The doctor may, at his or her discretion, perform preliminary examinations and prescribe an X-ray, CT, or MRI. If you deem it necessary, we will refer you to an orthopedic doctor - a specialist in diagnosing and treating the skeletal system.
If you have problems with your spine and your entire skeletal system, you should also consult a physiotherapist. He will take care of our correct posture and present a series of exercises that will strengthen our spine.
How to observe the spine?
For the condition of our spine, there is an old and simple rule: prevention is better than cure. There are just a few simple rules to follow throughout the day to enjoy life without back pain:
- Regular exercise.On the one hand, perform exercises that allow you to maintain proper weight and stay fit. On the other hand, perform exercises that strengthen the paraspinal muscles. We also need to remember to stretch. It improves muscle flexibility and prevents cramps and stiffness. It also improves the blood supply to muscles and tissues.
- Proper posture.It is necessary to monitor your posture while walking and in a sitting and lying position. Try not to bend or bend your spine unnaturally, such as while sitting.
- The right mattress.Our sleep has a significant impact on the health of our spine. The mattress should not be too soft or 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 important vitamins and minerals. In addition, it should contain the right proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.