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Why back pain: causes and treatment

Back pain is a common ailment of modern civilization: almost everyone experiences back pain at least once in their life. Fortunately, in about 90% of cases, the causes are not health-threatening. As a result, there's a lot you can do yourself to combat back pain - from heating to exercises to strengthen your back muscles. Learn more about the causes and treatment of back pain in this article.

back-ache

short information

  • Back-ache: is one of the most common types of pain and affects mainly women. Usually, back pain is nonspecific.
  • Classify:duration (acute, subacute, and chronic back pain), location (upper, middle, or lower back) and form (specific and non-specific back pain).
  • Reason:There is no reason for nonspecific low back pain. In contrast, specific back pain has a detectable symptom.
  • Survey:Depending on the patient's condition: blood and urine tests, neurological examination, gynecological examination, neuroelectrical measurement . . . .
  • Treatment:Heat therapy, medicinal plants, proper bending and stretching, back strengthening sports, back exercises at work, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, possibly medication

Back pain: description and classification

Low back pain, low back pain, stiff back or just back pain are the names of one symptom. Sometimes she squeezes the cross, sometimes she pulls her neck. Sometimes back pain spreads to one side, arm, or leg. Symptoms may be permanent or only temporary. Sometimes they are so strong that the victim can barely move.

Regardless of the nature and severity of complaints: back pain can haunt people of almost any age. They are one of the most common problems of modern man. Women of all age groups are more likely to experience back pain than men. This phenomenon also manifests in other forms of pain.

Doctors divide back pain according to different criteria:

Classification according to the location of back pain

  • Upper back:Pain in the upper spine (neck area) can be acute or chronic. It is usually felt in the shoulders, arms, and/or the back of the head. Examples include neck pain from poor posture at work, a herniated disc, or a mental disorder.
  • In the middle of the back:Back pain in the thoracic spine is rarely caused by trauma. Usually they are caused by irritation of large muscle groups in this area or dysfunction of the joints of the cervical vertebrae.
  • Behind:Back pain is most commonly found in the lower back. Because the lumbar spine is more prone to injury and damage than the cervical and thoracic spine. Lower back pain is called "back pain". Possible causes are, for example, a herniated disc or muscle strain.

Classification by time of back pain

Depending on the duration of symptoms, doctors distinguish between acute, subacute, and chronic back pain:

  • Acute back pain:it is back pain that comes on for the first time or after at least six months without pain and lasts up to six weeks. The prognosis is generally good: acute low back pain disappears in most victims within a few weeks.
  • Subacute back pain:If back pain lasts from six weeks to up to three months, they are considered subacute.
  • Chronic back painor chronic recurrent low back pain: persists for more than three months. The intensity of the pain can change during this time - sometimes the back pain is weaker, sometimes more intense. Chronic back pain is more common with age.

Classification of causes of back pain

Depending on whether or not the underlying cause can be identified, doctors distinguish between specific and nonspecific back pain. Read more in the next section.

Main reason

Back pain can be divided into two main causes: nonspecific back pain and specific back pain.

Non-specific back pain

For non-specific back pain, the doctor cannot find a clear cause for the symptoms. The vast majority of cases of back pain fall into this category.

Specific back pain

Overview of important causes of specific back pain:

  • Muscle tension:Very often muscle tension is the cause of back pain. Poor posture, one-sided load, or little physical activity make the muscles uneven - some overwork, others less effective. As a result, the muscles shorten or stiffen, which can cause tension and pain. Pinched nerves can also be caused by muscle tension and cause back pain.
  • Herniated disc. . . The discs are located as shock absorbers between the individual vertebral bodies. They consist of a soft, viscous core surrounded by a fibrous ring. If the nucleus pulposus slips and penetrates the fibrous capsule, a herniated disc will occur. This causes severe back pain as the gelatinous mass comes out of the disc and presses on adjacent nerves.
  • Abrasion of the spine(spondyloarthritis, stage syndrome): With age, the vertebral joints gradually wear down in the body.
  • Rachiocampsis. . . In so-called scoliosis, the spine is curved to the side. This leads to premature wear and tear, which can cause muscle strain and back pain. In addition, with the so-called Scheuermann's disease, a curved spine is characteristic. The result is hunchback, back pain and limited mobility.
  • Degenerative spine(Spondylolisthesis): In this condition, the vertebrae are not stable enough to be easily moved. This happens especially in the lumbar region. Many patients have few or no complaints. But exercise and certain movements can cause back pain. When displaced vertebrae press on nerve roots, it can also cause neurological disorders such as emotional disturbances or paralysis.
  • Osteoporosis(bone loss). With osteoporosis, bones become increasingly fragile. Then you can break them even with the slightest load (e. g. fall, tripping). This often leads to vertebral fractures that are associated with back pain. Even the hallmark of osteoporosis - osteoporosis - can be linked to back pain.
  • Pregnancy:Many pregnant women suffer from back pain. This has a few causes. For example, hormonal changes in pregnant women lead to stretching of the tendons and ligaments in the pelvic floor area. As a result, they become unstable, which can cause pain in the pelvis and lower back. In addition, a woman's focus changes due to the growing fetus. It can also cause back pain. In addition, stroke and preterm birth may be associated with back pain.
  • Pyelonephritis:Pelvic nephritis is usually caused by bacteria and is especially common in women. Especially if it is a chronic condition, it can cause back pain for a long time.
  • Kidney stones:Unlike pelvic inflammatory disease, kidney stones are more common in men. Sometimes they are so small (ascites) that they are simply excreted in the urine through the ureters. On the other hand, large kidney stones can get stuck in the ureter. The result is renal colic, in addition to burning, cramping back pain, depending on the location of the kidney stone.
  • Pneumonia(pneumonia): In addition to a cough accompanied by fever and back pain, it is sometimes thought to be due to pneumonia. Inflammation is mainly caused by bacteria.
  • Pancreatitis(pancreatitis): Both acute and chronic pancreatitis cause pain in the upper abdomen. It often radiates to the back and is considered back pain.
  • Swelling of the spine and swelling of the ribs:Back pain can also be caused by a tumor in the spine or chest. Sometimes these tumors are benign, sometimes malignant. In the latter case, these are almost always secondary tumors of cancerous tumors in other parts of the body, such as breast or lung cancer.

Risk factors for back pain

There are several factors that increase your risk of back pain. This is mainly:

  • Work related factors:Carrying and lifting heavy objects, vibrations (for example, when working with a jackhammer) and working in an uncomfortable position place stress on the spine, joints, and muscles. This can lead to back pain in the long run. Therefore, some back diseases are recognized as occupational diseases.
  • Psychosocial conditions related to work: People who are dissatisfied with their workplace or have to work monotonously from morning to night (for example, on an assembly line) are more prone to back pain. In addition, social conflicts in the workplace and high labor intensity without rewards (in the form of money, recognition, promotion opportunities) can contribute to back pain.
  • Social status.Back pain is more common in people with low social status in terms of education, occupation, and income than people with high social status.

The current course of back pain can be influenced by adverse conditions such as psychological factors. These include, for example, unrealistic fears about back pain, depression, as well as passive or overactive behavior - that is, showing restraint or being too active.

Back pain treatment

With specific back pain, your doctor will, if possible, rule out the cause. For example, for a herniated disc, conservative (non-surgical) therapy is often sufficient, such as heat treatments, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and pain relievers or muscle relaxants. Surgery is rarely needed. If your back pain is caused by pyelonephritis, your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. Most bacteria are the cause of inflammation.

It's always best to consult your doctor about a technique before trying it.

  • Sports exercise:Physical therapy and back exercises are particularly recommended for nonspecific subacute and chronic low back pain, but not for acute low back pain.
  • Relaxation procedures:Targeted relaxation helps combat stress and tension (both play an important role in back pain). If the pain is already chronic, a VUR may also be helpful. By the way, there are other relaxation techniques such as self-generating exercises and meditation. Many patients with back pain have also had positive experiences in this area.
  • Comprehensive methods and practices:yoga, qigong, and tai chi also have a relaxing effect. These compound exercises are great for preventing low back pain and herniated discs.
  • Heat therapy:Heat (eg, hot packs, hot packs, mud baths, fango bags) relaxes muscles and may relieve nonspecific low back pain.
  • Medicinal plants:Combination preparations of ash and poplar can relieve back pain. For painful muscle strains, creams or patches containing capsaicin may help.
  • Aromatherapy:If you are suffering from low back pain (back pain), you can rub pine oil, sandalwood or ginger on the affected area. This can help relieve symptoms.
  • Back-friendly nutrition:Bones, joints, muscles and discs need a lot of nutrients to function. Make sure you get enough essential fatty acids, calcium, fluoride, vitamins C, D and E, as well as B vitamins, magnesium, boron, selenium and zinc. Not only does it help with a good back, but it also contributes to overall good health.
  • Drink a lot:The supply of nutrients to the intervertebral discs works only with large amounts of fluid.

Back pain medicine

Medication to relieve back pain to the point where physical activity can be resumed. Over time, drug dosage should and can be reduced: when they exercise, patients often need less medication to move (almost) painlessly. The doctor gives specific instructions for each patient about the time to use the drug, how much, how long, how long. Patients should follow these guidelines to avoid side effects or addiction.

Even with specific back pain, drug treatment can be helpful and necessary. Basically it's only for a short time.

In principle, there are different groups of active ingredients for the treatment of back pain. Depending on the type and severity of symptoms, it depends on the most appropriate medication in each case:

  • common pain relievers (pain relievers);
  • very strong painkillers from the opiate group;
  • muscle relaxants: not recommended for non-specific back pain;
  • some antidepressants, for example, for chronic nonspecific low back pain, when the patient has concomitant depression or sleep disturbances.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Back pain is not always a sign of a more or less serious medical condition that requires medical attention. There are usually relatively harmless causes behind it, such as muscle tension from lack of movement or poor posture. However, in the following cases, you should see a doctor for safety reasons:

  • atypical back pain
  • persistent back pain
  • back pain increasingly

Important research

These studies help clarify the causes of complaints:

  • cardiac catheterization;
  • joint perforation;
  • electromechanical;
  • X-ray;
  • Medical History;
  • Computerized tomography;
  • Scanning;
  • supersonic;
  • cystoscopy;
  • arthroscopy.

Back pain: check

To clarify your back pain, your doctor will first talk to you in detail to compile your medical history. Possible questions:

  • Back pain why?
  • Does your back pain spread to other parts of your body (such as your sides or one of your legs)?
  • How long does the current pain last?
  • Have you ever had back pain before? How does the pain happen?
  • Are there any factors that cause, aggravate, or relieve back pain (eg, fever, cold, movement)?
  • How is back pain treated (medication, massage)? Were the measures successful? Are there any side effects?
  • What is the duration (daily) of back pain?
  • How bad is your back pain? Do they interfere with daily activities?
  • Do you have any concurrent mental or physical illnesses?

Checked by a doctor

After taking your medical history, your doctor may conduct various studies to find out what's causing your back pain.

  • Blood tests:For example, various blood counts may be evidence of spinal cord abrasion, inflammation (such as pleurisy, prostatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease), or heart attack as the cause of back pain.
  • Urinalysis:Urinalysis can clarify or strengthen suspicions of kidney disease or acute prostatitis.
  • Electromyography (EMG):Measuring muscle electrical activity also helps identify a herniated disc that may be the cause of back pain.
  • Ultrasound procedure:If your back pain is caused by pyelonephritis or kidney stones, an ultrasound can help determine the cause.
  • X ray:Simple x-rays can provide information about many possible causes of back pain, such as pneumonia, pneumothorax, spinal obstruction, spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis), or osteoporosis. skeletal.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan:is performed when back pain is suspected due to a herniated disc, spinal cord scratch, aortic aneurysm, pancreatitis, or lung tumor.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):This test may be used to identify suspected herniated discs or spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis).
  • Scanning:This nuclear medicine test determines the functioning of various tissues, such as bone tissue (bone scintigraphy: suspected ankylosing spondylitis) or lung tissue (pulmonary scintigraphy: suspected pulmonary embolism)).

When to study?

A physical exam and tests (blood, urine) are common in diagnosing back pain. In contrast, X-rays — i. e. , X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans — are recommended only if specific back pain is suspected. In the first clarification, acute and chronic low back pain is deliberately ignored: too much examination can lead the patient to fear that there may be a serious cause behind the back pain that is simplyhas not been determined. This can make acute back pain chronic (chronic).