Back pain is one of the most common reasons to see a doctor. It also often becomes the cause of disabilities worldwide. According to statistics, more than 70% of the world's population has experienced back and lower back pain at least once. Fortunately, in most cases, there are ways to prevent or treat back pain. Often, the pain goes through itself in a few days due to the inclusion of the body's own protective mechanisms. It can have a different character:
- muscle pain;
- acute or acute pain;
- pain radiating to the leg;
- limiting mobility of the back
What diseases cause back pain?
The causes of back pain can vary. This is often an injury to the muscles or ligaments of the back due to weight lifting, sudden movements or injuries. There are several diseases that can cause back pain in the lower back:
- osteochondrosis, spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis;
- sprain, myositis, muscle contusion;
- scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis; osteomyelitis, epiduritis, ankylosing spondylitis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- intercostal neuralgia, diseases of Organs pelvic organs;
- spinal protrusion
- spinal stenosis, spinal instability and fractures;
- sciatica, lumbago or lumbago, inflammation of the sciatic nerve;
- occasionally - neoplasms of the spine, myeloma.
When should I see a doctor immediately?
In most cases, back pain will resolve without treatment in two weeks. If not, consult a doctor. In rare cases, back pain indicates a serious medical problem. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical help urgently if:
- has trouble urinating or defecating;
- has a fever;
- the pain spreads through the leg or radiates to both legs;
- the pain was caused by a fall, a blow to the back or other injuries;
- the pain is severe and does not go away after resting and taking painkillers;
- pain is accompanied by weakness and numbness in the leg;
- pain is accompanied by sudden weight loss.
Individuals should also seek professional advice:
- over 50 years old;
- who have already been diagnosed with cancer or osteoporosis;
- who are taking steroid hormones.
Which specialists should I contact?
They can be doctors of the following specialties:
- orthopedic traumatologist; neurologist
- ;
- neurosurgeon; urologist;
- phthisiatrician;
- oncologist;
- rheumatologist; nephrologist;
Risk factors
Back pain can occur in absolutely anyone and at any age, including children and adolescents. However, the following factors increase the risk of their occurrence:
- Age.Most of the time, back and lower back pain appears at age 30;
- Sedentary lifestyle.Weakening of the back muscles due to low physical activity is one of the factors in the occurrence of spinal problems;
- Too much.Extra pounds create additional stress on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, leading to the development of disease;
- Concomitant diseases.Back pain occurs in several diseases, including cancer.
- Psychological disorders.People with depression or anxiety are at increased risk for back pain.
Back pain diagnosis
To make a correct diagnosis, several studies are performed.
column MRI
The gold standard for diagnosing back pain is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on the changes detected in the MRI, together with the clinical picture and the neurological status, the doctor prepares a treatment plan for the patient. In addition, the MRI image allows you to predict how the disease will proceed.
Diagnostic blocks
Diagnostic blocks are highly informative to confirm the diagnosis in patients with a complex and unclear clinical picture. For example, the effectiveness of the diagnostic blockade of the facet or sacroiliac joints confirms the axial nature of the patient's pain and is an important criterion for defining the indications for radiofrequency denervation of the corresponding joints.
In addition to high diagnostic value, intra-articular blocks are a therapeutic procedure, have a pronounced analgesic effect with variable duration of action. In patients with radicular pain, diagnostic blocks can be performed when additional diagnosis is needed.
Treatment for back pain
There are several ways to treat back pain:
Pharmacological therapy
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a pronounced effect, but their long-term effectiveness is relative due to the rapid development of addiction and the risk of side effects. Muscle relaxants have proven to be good, especially when used in the acute period. Antidepressants and some anticonvulsants are used with good results in the complex treatment of pain. The treatment regimen is selected by the physician individually for each patient, depending on the patient's tolerance to medications, individual sensitivity and the severity of the therapy effect.
Treatment block performed under radiological control
In the past decade, due to the rapid and pronounced analgesic and therapeutic effect, the use of minimally invasive procedures, including epidural and intra-articular blocks, has increased dramatically. Epidural block is the most commonly prescribed procedure for root disease. With the correct diagnosis and the presence of indications for this procedure, the effect is simply incredible! Pain relief is achieved for a period of 6 weeks to 6 months, which in many cases avoids the need for surgical treatment.
Neurosurgery
The spectrum of neurosurgical operations for back pain is wide. Techniques such as spinal cord decompression, discectomy, foraminotomy, intervertebral disc replacement, minimally invasive and microsurgery are used, as well as a series of other surgical techniques.
Radio frequency denervation
Radiofrequency denervation (RFA) is one of the most appropriate treatment methods to avoid or significantly delay surgery. Thanks to it, you can not only quickly eliminate the symptoms of pain, but also minimize or completely eliminate the use of painkillers. Recovery after this procedure occurs quickly enough, which allows you to quickly return to your normal lifestyle.