Back pain is one of the most common reasons to see a doctor. It is also often the cause of disability around the world. According to statistics, more than 70% of the world's population has experienced back pain and lower back pain at least once. Fortunately, in most cases, there are ways to prevent or treat back pain. Very often the pain goes away on its own within a few days due to the inclusion of the protective mechanisms of the body itself. It can have a different character:
- muscle pain;
- shooting or shooting pain;
- pain radiating to the leg;
- limitation of back mobility
What diseases cause back pain?
The causes of back pain can vary. It is often damage to the muscles or ligaments of the back due to heavy lifting, sudden movements or injury. There are a number of diseases that can cause back pain in the lumbar region:
- osteochondrosis, spondylosis, spondylarthrosis;
- sprain, myositis, muscle contusion;
- scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis;
- osteomyelitis, epiduritis, ankylosing spondylitis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- intercostal neuralgia, diseases of the 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 improve without treatment within two weeks. If this does not happen, please consult a doctor. In rare cases, back pain signals a serious medical problem. Therefore, it is necessary to seek urgent medical help if:
- have difficulty urinating or defecating;
- has a fever;
- the pain spreads down 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 rest and taking pain relievers;
- the pain is accompanied by weakness and numbness in the leg;
- the pain is accompanied by sudden weight loss.
Individuals should also seek professional advice:
- over 50 years old;
- who have been previously diagnosed with cancer or osteoporosis;
- who are taking steroid hormones.
Which specialists should I contact?
They may be doctors of the following specialties:
- orthopedic traumatologist; neurologist
- ; neurosurgeon
- ;
- urologist;
- phthisiatrist;
- oncologist; rheumatologist
- ;
- nephrologist;
Risk factors
Back pain can occur in absolutely anyone at any age, including children and adolescents. However, the following factors increase the risk of their occurrence:
- Age.Most often pain in the back and lower back appears at the age of 30;
- Sedentary lifestyle.The weakening of the back muscles due to low physical activity is one of the factors in spinal column problems;
- Overweight.Excess pounds create additional stress on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, leading to the development of diseases;
- Concomitant diseases.Back pain occurs in a number of diseases, including cancer.
- Psychological disorders.People with depression or anxiety are at greater risk of back pain.
Diagnosis of back pain
In order to make a correct diagnosis, a number of studies are carried out.
MRI of the spine
The gold standard for diagnosing back pain is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on the changes detected on MRI, related to the clinical picture and neurological condition, the doctor establishes a treatment plan for the patient. In addition, the MRI image allows you to predict the course of the disease.
Diagnostic blocks
The diagnostic blocks are very informative to confirm the diagnosis in patients with a complex and unclear clinical picture. For example, the efficacy of diagnostic blockade of the facet or of the sacroiliac joints confirms the axial nature of the pain in patients and is an important criterion for determining the indications for radiofrequency denervation of the corresponding joints.
In addition to a high diagnostic value, intra-articular blockages are a therapeutic procedure, have a pronounced analgesic effect with a variable duration of action. In patients with radicular pain, diagnostic blocks may be performed when it is necessary to make an additional diagnosis.
Treatment of back pain
There are different ways to treat back pain:
Pharmacological treatment
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 been shown to be effective, especially when used during the acute period. Antidepressants and some anticonvulsants are used with good effect in the complex treatment of pain. The treatment regimen is selected by the doctor individually for each patient, depending on the patient's tolerance to drugs, individual sensitivity and the severity of the therapeutic effect.
Blocking of treatment performed under radiological control
Over the past decade, due to the rapid and pronounced analgesic and therapeutic effect, the use of minimally invasive procedures, including epidural and intra-articular blockages, has increased significantly. Epidural block is the most commonly prescribed procedure for radicular disease. With the correct diagnosis and the presence of indications for this procedure, the effect is simply amazing! Pain relief is achieved over a period of 6 weeks to 6 months, which in many cases obviates 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 surgery and microsurgery, as well as a number of other surgical techniques are used.
Radiofrequency denervation
Radiofrequency denervation (RFA) is one of the most optimal treatment methods to avoid or significantly delay surgery. Thanks to him, you can not only quickly eliminate the symptoms of pain, but also minimize or completely exclude the use of pain relievers. Recovery after this procedure occurs quite quickly, which allows you to quickly return to your normal lifestyle.