Back pain is one of the most common reasons to visit a doctor. It also often becomes the cause of disability around the world. According to statistics, over 70% of the world population has experienced back and lumbar pain at least once. Fortunately, in most cases, there are ways to prevent or treat back pain. Most 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 stabbing pain;
- pain that radiates to the leg;
- limit back mobility
What diseases cause back pain?
The causes of back pain can vary. Often this is damage to the muscles or ligaments in the back due to heavy lifting, sudden movements or injuries. There are numerous diseases that can cause back pain in the lumbar region:
- osteochondrosis, spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis;
- 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, low back pain or low back pain, inflammation of the sciatic nerve;
- occasionally - neoplasms of the spine, myeloma.
When should I see a doctor right away?
In most cases, back pain resolves without treatment within two weeks. If this does not happen, consult a doctor. In rare cases, back pain signals a serious medical problem. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently seek medical assistance if:
- have problems urinating or defecating;
- has a fever;
- pain spreads down the leg or radiates to both legs;
- the pain was caused by a fall, blow to the back or other injury;
- the pain is intense and does not go away after rest and taking painkillers;
- pain is accompanied by weakness and numbness in the leg;
- pain is accompanied by sudden weight loss.
People should also seek professional advice:
- more than 50 years;
- who have ever been diagnosed with cancer or osteoporosis;
- who are taking steroid hormones.
Which specialists should I contact?
These can be doctors of the following specialties:
- orthopedic traumatologist;
- neurologist;
- neurosurgeon;
- urologist;
- phthisiatrician;
- oncologist;
- rheumatologist;
- nephrologist;
Risk Factors
Back pain can occur in anyone, at any age, including children and adolescents. However, the following factors increase the risk of them occurring:
- Age.Very often, back and lower back pain appears at the age of 30;
- Sedentary lifestyle.The weakening of the back muscles due to insufficient physical activity is one of the factors that determine the onset of spinal problems;
- Overweight. Extra pounds create additional stress on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, leading to the development of diseases;
- Concomitant diseases.Back pain manifests itself in a number of diseases, including cancer.
- Psychological disorders.People with depression or anxiety are at greater risk for back pain.
Diagnosis of back pain
To make a correct diagnosis, numerous studies are conducted.
MRI of the spine
The gold standard for diagnosing back pain is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on the changes detected on the MRI, in combination with the clinical picture and neurological status, the doctor draws up a treatment plan for the patient. Also, the MRI image allows you to predict how the disease will progress.
Diagnostic blocks
Diagnostic blocks are highly informative for confirming the diagnosis in patients with a complex and unclear clinical picture. For example, the efficacy of the diagnostic block of the facet or sacroiliac joints confirms the axial nature of the pain of the patients and is an important criterion for setting the indications for radiofrequency denervation of the corresponding joints.
In addition to the high diagnostic value, intra-articular blocks are a therapeutic procedure, they have a pronounced analgesic effect with a different duration of action. In patients with root pain, diagnostic blocks may be performed when additional diagnosis is needed.
Treatment of back pain
There are several ways to treat back pain:
Drug therapy
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a pronounced effect, but their long-term efficacy is relative due to the rapid development of addiction and the risk of side effects. Muscle relaxants have proven effective, especially when used in the acute period. Antidepressants and some anticonvulsants are used to 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 effect of therapy.
Block 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 blocks, has increased markedly. 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 amazing! Pain relief is achieved for a period of between 6 weeks and 6 months, which in many cases avoids the need for surgical treatment.
Neurosurgery
The spectrum of neurosurgical operations for back pain is broad. Techniques such as spinal cord decompression, discectomy, foraminotomy, intervertebral disc replacement, minimally invasive and microsurgery are used, as well as numerous other surgical techniques.
Radio frequency denervation
Radio frequency denervation (RFA) is one of the most optimal treatments to significantly avoid or delay surgery. Thanks to him, you can not only quickly get rid of pain symptoms, but also minimize or completely eliminate the use of painkillers. Recovery after this procedure occurs fairly quickly, which allows you to quickly return to your normal lifestyle.