Backache, backache is the scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, high-calorie nutrition and the resulting overweight can all lead to the development of spinal diseases. What are we struggling most with? When our back hurts, where do we go for help?
Why does your back hurt?
People talk about back pain when they feel back pain on one side of the spine along the vertical axis of the body. It is estimated that as many as 80% of people worldwide have experienced back pain. It appears in different parts of the spine: from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine to the sacrum. However, patients most often complain of pain in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The spine will feel itself due to mechanical damage. But usually the cause may be degenerative changes, inflammation, or disease that affect joint mobility and condition.
Other factors that indirectly affect our spine health are also very important. As we age, the spine becomes more prone to injury. It is also affected by poor physical condition and lack of exercise.
This is especially true for people who live a sedentary lifestyle and work a lot on computers.
Workers engaged in heavy physical work are more likely to suffer back injuries and pain due to overwork.
Obesity can also cause back pain, as well as chronic stress and depression.
Back pain: the most common cause
- Disc disease-When we deal with so-called herniated discs, we talk about this. It is accompanied by stimulation and even damage to nerve roots. It most often occurs in the lumbar spine. This manifests as back pain in your legs, which causes you to bend forward and arch your spine. It most often affects young people between 25 and 40 years old.
- Low back pain-Also called low back pain. Severe, shooting pain that affects the lumbosacral (lower back) area. This is one of the main reasons to visit the doctor's office. The cause is almost always mechanical damage caused by overworked spine. The pain increases when bending and lifting objects. It sometimes disappears after a few days, but it may last for several weeks.
- Sciatica-In this case, the pain is caused by squeezing fragments of the intervertebral disc onto the nerve root. Applying pressure to the sciatic nerve or its roots can cause severe pain that can spread to the hips and legs. Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve caused by degenerative diseases of the spine.
- Osteoporosis-A disease that affects the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. This is manifested as a gradual loss of bone density and weakening of bone structure, which makes them more susceptible to fractures. This is a condition that causes decreased bone growth, thoracic kyphosis, and severe back pain. This disease can also cause so-called vertebral compression fractures, even if the impact is small.
Who should you contact for help?
If we feel back pain, we should see a therapist immediately. Doctors can decide to perform preliminary examinations and prescribe X-ray, CT or MRI. If he thinks it is necessary, then we will refer to an orthopedist-an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of the skeletal system.
If there is a problem with the spine and the entire skeletal system, it is also worth consulting a physical therapist. He will take care of our correct posture and provide a series of exercises to strengthen our spine.
How to monitor the spine?
As far as our spine condition is concerned, there is an old and simple rule: prevention is better than cure. Following some simple rules during the day is enough to enjoy a life without back pain:
- Exercise regularly.On the one hand, let us do some exercises to keep you at a proper weight and stay healthy. On the other hand, let's do some exercises that can strengthen the paravertebral muscles. We also need to remember to stretch. It will improve muscle flexibility and prevent cramps and stiffness. It will also improve blood supply to muscles and tissues.
- Correct posture.Whether it is walking, sitting or lying, you must monitor your posture. Try not to be listless or unnaturally bend your spine, such as when sitting.
- The right mattress.The way we sleep has a major impact on our spine health. The mattress cannot be too soft or too hard. It is best to consult a qualified dealer when choosing a mattress. He will choose it according to your needs.
- A balanced and healthy diet.It should be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, it contains the right proportions of protein, fat and carbohydrates.