Back pain is one of the most common complaints of illness in able-bodied, elderly and elderly people. The human spine can withstand the almost full weight of man. It consists of 33-34 vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. Due to this connection, the vertebrae can move relative to each other. The sacrum and tailbone are special parts of the spine. The sacrum is made up of five fused vertebrae, and the tailbone is the rudimentary part of the spine that does not perform a supporting function.
Pain can occur in any or all three parts of the spine. The most common pain is in the neck, chest and lumbar spine. Pain can be caused by diseases and injuries to the discs (protrusion of the disc, disc herniation) and intervertebral joints (arthrosis of the facet joints) or other conditions. The number of back pains has increased dramatically in recent years and decades, with this complaint being the most common in the world.
Types of back pain
Acute back pain lasts up to six weeks. If it lasts for up to 12 weeks, it is called a subacute. Pain that persists after 12 weeks is called chronic pain.
Depending on the definition of certain causes of pain:
- non-specific back pain;
- specific back pain.
Specific back pain
If the exact cause of the pain is known, it is called specific back pain.
Specific pains include trauma, disc lesions, and inflammation of the intervertebral joints (facet arthrosis).
Non-specific back pain
In some cases, back pain is not considered specific because the exact cause cannot be determined precisely.
Nonspecific back pain can occur with poor posture or lack of physical activity.
Symptoms and complaints
Almost everyone experienced "lumbago" or mild back pain. "Back again! " Is a very common term because there is significant stress on his back every day. Hours spent sitting in the office, crouching in front of a computer, lifting and carrying heavy objects, or working in a position in the garden: minor back pain is an integral part of everyday life.
Back pain should be taken seriously. Seek medical attention should be in situations where the pain does not go away for several days, when certain movements increase the pain, or when the pain radiates to the limb (s), and especially if numbness is felt.
Shooting pain in the lower extremities is characterized by compression of the spinal cord or its roots (e. g. , herniated disc). The pain inherent in joint changes in the intervertebral joints is usually dull and local. The nature and intensity of the pain can vary greatly from person to person. Based on the complaints and symptoms, only a doctor can prescribe the necessary examination and treatment appropriate to the situation. Depending on the situation, your doctor may prescribe physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, or a surgical schedule. With conservative treatment and during the postoperative rehabilitation period, it is very important to perform regular therapeutic exercises because they train the muscles, stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
The most common causes of back pain
The spine or spinal column is a complex structure consisting of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments. Pain occurs when the interaction of these structures causes disturbance. Typical causes:
Stress causes back pain
Predominantly sedentary work and lack of physical activity in daily life leads to chronic tension in the muscles of the back and pain in the spine in the absence of any disease.
Intervertebral discs act as a biological shock absorber and separate the vertebral bodies from each other. As the elasticity of the disc decreases, it bulges into the lumen of the spinal canal (called prolapse), and its height decreases. The latter negatively affects the work of the intervertebral joints because their biomechanics are interrupted.
If the protruding part of the intervertebral disc presses on the sensitive nerve fibers, various sensory disturbances can occur in the innervation zone of the compressed nerve: pain, tingling, numbness, creeping, etc. When the motor nerve fibers responsible for the work of the muscles are compressed, the functioning of the innervated muscle is paralyzed, all the way to paralysis.
Postural disorders and heavy lifting can lead to disruption of the anatomical conditions of the spinal structure. In some cases, this leads to a so-called blockage of the intervertebral joints, which is usually accompanied by severe pain. When the intervertebral joints are blocked, the back muscles are in a painful spasm. Thus, the pain occurs not only in the blocked joint but also in the muscles. This dramatically reduces patients ’physical activity to inability to walk. When blocking the intervertebral joints, stabilizing the spine with medi stiffeners helps eliminate muscle cramps, localize pain, and increase motor activity.
As we age, our spine gradually changes its structure, which is described by the general term "degenerative changes. "In this case, the word "degenerative" means irreversible changes due to aging. Despite the irreversibility of the process, the use of orthoses facilitates and improves the patient’s condition.
Degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc impede its elasticity, decrease in height, and bulge into the lumen of the spinal canal. Decreasing disc height causes increased stress in the intervertebral (facet) joints.
The position of the spine, including the lumbar spine, is stabilized by the work of the muscles. The muscles of the back muscles, abdominal muscles, and lateral abdominal wall are involved in maintaining posture. The work of the muscles makes the load on the intervertebral discs more even and prevents the tendon ligament from being overstretched. Any pain syndrome negatively affects muscle function, which can lead to local hypertension or, conversely, local weakness. As a result, spinal stabilization deteriorates. This, in turn, causes an increase in the hypertension of some muscles, i. e. an abnormal circle develops.
Medical gymnastics helps to break the pathological circle that allows you to restore the symmetry of your trunk muscles.
The cause of back pain is not just localized in the trunk. For example, abnormal gait biomechanics can cause back pain. This is mainly due to the loss of the padding function of the foot in certain deformities. Another reason may be a difference in limb length that exceeds normal values.
The good news: In many cases, the back pain goes away in a few weeks. Non-specific pain is successfully treated using mobilization techniques (manual therapy) and medication. In such pain, exercise exercises are very effective.
Prophylaxis
We can all reduce back strain and prevent pain.
Back exercises.
There are fitness exercises that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. This complex was developed in collaboration with a specialist in physiotherapy practices.
- Regular exercise: Three 45-minute workouts a week will help improve well-being, activate the immune system and maintain muscle tone. Optimal back sport for swimming and walking.
- Balanced diet: proper nutrition is the prevention of overweight, which is an additional burden on the back.
- Lift weights correctly: when lifting weights, you should squat and lift the load by stretching your legs, not your back muscles.
- Wear weights correctly: Wear heavy objects as close to your body as possible. Do not carry heavy things in one hand.
- Be physically active: Sitting workers should use every opportunity to increase their physical activity, such as walking on the right stairs, getting up more often during the day, walking during a telephone conversation, and walking at lunchtime.
Ergonomic workplace
Back pain often occurs in the workplace. Prolonged sitting in a bad position can lead to chronic muscle fatigue and subsequent pain. Back pain is often also triggered by work involving frequent bending and lifting.
Back pain treatment
It is suitable for many treatments for back pain. Above all, the treating physician chooses between conservative and surgical treatment. The latter is used when conservative treatment is ineffective and in many other cases.
Physiotherapy and massage
Complexes of healing gymnastics and back special exercises should be performed under the supervision of a doctor or physiotherapy instructor until you recognize the technique of performing each exercise. Such sets of exercises have been developed to train the strength of the muscles of the torso. The physician selects the practices that best suit the patient. Massage and physiotherapy may be prescribed to reduce the intensity of the pain.
Drug treatment
Medication is prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation during the acute period. The use of painkillers helps eliminate the uncomfortable protective position that the patient uses to relieve pain. Medication should only be taken as directed by your doctor.
Well exercises
Strong torso muscles protect the spine from harmful stress, reducing the likelihood of cramps and pain. To prevent back pain, exercise regularly to train your back muscles. Swimming or walking is also useful.
The series of exercises combines strength training and stretching exercises and is designed for 20 minutes. The optimal frequency of training is 2-3 times a week. Important: Consult your healthcare professional before training.
Orthopedic products for the spine
Medical and spinal braces are designed to treat pain and muscle cramps. Modern bandages and corsets effectively combat pain and increase physical activity. Depending on the diagnosis, devices with greater or lesser potential are used to stabilize the lumbar spine.
Lumbar braces and corsets with higher heights and stiffer stabilizing elements better stabilize and support the spine in the desired position. The ability to move painlessly and participate in social life eliminates the apparent extent of the most rigid corsets.
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Companies manufacture a number of orthopedic devices to treat a wide variety of ailments. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world are noticing the high effectiveness of products used to treat back pain. At the same time, patients point to the high comfort and durability of the products. Thanks to the special design, all lumbar braces can be easily attached. An additional comfort in the sitting position is provided by a design solution - a special pattern in the area of the groin folds.
Stabilization of the lumbar spine with medi orthopedic products is not accompanied by muscle weakness, much less atrophy. As already mentioned, the ability to move painlessly increases the physical activity of patients. In addition, orthopedic support is intended to eliminate excessive and / or painful mobility, not immobilization, which is the cause of functional inactivity and weakening of muscles.