Backache, backache is the scourge of our time. A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, a high-calorie diet and thus obesity all contribute to the development of diseases of the spine. What do we struggle with the most? And where do you get help when our back hurts?
Why does your back hurt?
One speaks of back pain when it is felt along the vertical axis of the body to the side of the spine. It is estimated that up to 80% of the world's people suffer from back pain. It occurs in different parts of the spine: from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine to the sacrum. Most often, however, patients complain of pain in the neck and lumbar region.
The spine is noticeable through mechanical injuries. But often degenerative changes, inflammations or diseases can be the cause that impair the mobility and the condition of the joints.
Other factors that indirectly affect the health of our spine are also important. As we age, the spine becomes more prone to injury. It is also influenced by poor physical condition and sedentary lifestyle.
This is especially true for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and do a lot of computer work.
Workers who do strenuous physical labor are more prone 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 this when we are dealing with the so-called herniated disc. It is associated with irritation or even damage to the nerve root. Most often occurs in the lumbar spine. This translates into back pain in your legs that causes you to bend forward and arch your spine. Young people between the ages of 25 and 40 are most commonly affected.
- lumbago- also known as lumbago. Sharp, stabbing pain affecting the lumbosacral region (lower back). This is one of the main reasons for going to a doctor's office. The cause is almost always mechanical injuries caused by overuse of the spine. The pain increases when bending and lifting objects. Sometimes it goes away after a few days, but it can take several weeks.
- sciatica- In this case, the pain is caused by squeezing a fragment of the intervertebral disc onto the nerve roots. Pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots causes severe pain that spreads to the buttocks and leg. Sciatica is 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 weakening of the bone structure, making them more prone to fractures. It is a condition that leads to decreased bone growth, breast kyphosis, and severe back pain. This disease can lead to what is known as a compression fracture of the vertebrae, even with minimal effects.
Who should you contact for help?
If we have back pain, we should see a therapist immediately. The doctor can do preliminary examinations and, at his or her discretion, prescribe an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. If he deems it necessary, we will be referred to an orthopedic surgeon - 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 also worth visiting a physiotherapist. He takes care of our correct posture and presents a series of exercises that will strengthen our spine.
How do you monitor the spine?
An old and simple rule applies to 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 exercise.On the one hand, we do exercises that allow you to maintain an appropriate body weight and stay fit. On the other hand, we do exercises that strengthen the paraspinal muscles. We also need to remember the stretching. It improves muscle flexibility and prevents cramps and stiffness. It also improves blood flow to muscles and tissues.
- Correct posture.It is necessary to monitor your posture both when walking and when sitting and lying down. Try not to bend or bend your spine unnaturally, e. g. B. when sitting.
- The right mattress.The way we sleep has a significant impact on the health of our spine. The mattress shouldn't be too soft or too hard. It is best to contact a qualified specialist 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. Also, contain the correct proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.