Back pain, back pain is the scourge of our time. Sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, hypercaloric diet and, consequently, excess weight contribute to the development of spinal diseases. What are we struggling with most? And where to go for help when our backs hurt?
Why does your back hurt?
Back pain is referred to when sitting along the vertical axis of the body, beside the spine. It is estimated that up to 80% of people worldwide experience back pain. It appears in different parts of the spine: from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar to the sacrum. However, patients 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. It is also affected by poor physical condition and lack of exercise.
This is especially true for those people who lead a sedentary life and work a lot on the computer.
Workers who perform strenuous physical work are more susceptible to back injuries and pain from overexertion.
Obesity can also cause back pain, as well as chronic stress and depression.
Back Pain: The Most Common Causes
- discopathy- we talk about that when it comes to the so-called herniated disc. It is accompanied by irritation or even nerve root damage. It most often occurs in the lumbar spine. This is manifested by pain in the back that goes into the legs, which causes you to lean forward and arch your spine. Most of the time, it affects young people between the ages of 25 and 40 years.
- Lumbago- also known as lumbago. Sharp, sharp pain affecting the lumbosacral region (lower back). This is one of the main reasons for going to the doctor's office. The cause is almost always a mechanical injury as a result of excessive spinal tension. Pain increases when you bend over and lift objects. Sometimes it goes away after a few days, but it can last for several weeks.
- Sciatica- in this case, the pain is caused by the compression of a fragment of the intervertebral disc in the nerve roots. Pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots causes severe pain that spreads to the buttocks and leg. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve as a result of a developing degenerative disease of the spine.
- osteoporosis- a disease that affects the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. This manifests itself in a progressive loss of bone density and a weakening of the bone structure, which makes them more prone to fracture. It is a condition that results in decreased bone growth, thoracic kyphosis and severe back pain. This disease can also lead to what is called a compression fracture of the vertebrae, even with minimal impact.
Who should you contact for help?
If we experience back pain, we should immediately consult a therapist. The doctor may perform preliminary tests and prescribe an x-ray, CT or MRI scan at his/her discretion. If deemed necessary, we will refer you to an orthopedist - a specialist in diagnosis and treatment of the skeletal system.
In case of problems with the spine and with the entire skeletal system, it is also worth consulting a physical therapist. 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 status of our column, there is an old and simple rule: it is better to be safe than sorry. Just follow a few simple rules during the day to enjoy life without back pain:
- Regular exercise.On the one hand, we are going to do exercises that will allow you to maintain a proper body weight and stay in shape. On the other hand, let's do exercises that strengthen the paravertebral muscles. We also need to remember the stretch. 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 in a sitting and lying position. Try not to bend or bend your spine abnormally, such as when sitting.
- The right mattress.How we 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 you according to your needs.
- A balanced and healthy diet.It must be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, they contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the correct proportions.