What are the warning signs of back pain that suggest something more serious? When should you see a doctor for your back pain?

Understanding the Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is a common affliction, affecting more than 85% of normal adults at some point in their lives. In most cases, the pain is caused by age-related wear-and-tear changes or minor injuries, and can be effectively treated with simple supportive care, such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. However, when the pain persists or presents in an unusual way, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Warning Signs: When Back Pain Suggests Something Worse

While serious, unrecognized diseases are rare causes of back pain, there are several disorders that can have serious health implications if not recognized and treated early. These conditions often present with clear warning signs that should prompt you to seek medical attention.

Persistent and Unremitting Back Pain

Back pain that is persistent, progressively worsening, and not relieved by rest may be a sign of a spinal tumor. Unlike common back injuries, spinal tumors typically cause pain that is not related to activity and may worsen at night. Patients with known cancers should alert their doctors to any new or worsening back pain, as this could indicate the cancer has spread to the spine.

Fevers, Chills, and Weight Loss

Spinal infections often present with localized pain that is worse with weight-bearing or activity, along with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and unexplained weight loss. Severe pain and the potential for vertebral collapse due to infection warrant immediate medical attention.

Abdominal Discomfort Mimicking Back Pain

Certain abdominal disorders, such as pancreatitis, aortic aneurysm, or kidney stones, can produce back pain symptoms. If your back pain is accompanied by abdominal discomfort, nausea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important to have your doctor investigate the underlying cause.

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

While the majority of back pain cases can be managed with conservative treatment, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate a more serious condition. If your back pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Most back pain is caused by age-related changes or minor injuries and can be treated with simple supportive care.
• Persistent, unremitting back pain, especially in patients with known cancers, may be a sign of a spinal tumor.
• Spinal infections often present with localized pain, fever, chills, and unexplained weight loss.
• Certain abdominal disorders can produce back pain symptoms, so it’s important to consider the whole clinical picture.
• If your back pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Care for Back Pain

Most episodes of back pain will resolve with conservative treatment, but there are certain warning signs that indicate the need for prompt medical attention. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor:

1. Persistent and unremitting back pain that does not improve with rest
2. Back pain accompanied by fevers, chills, or unexplained weight loss
3. Back pain that is accompanied by abdominal discomfort, nausea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms
4. Back pain that is associated with neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs

Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, imaging tests, and potentially further diagnostic studies, to determine the underlying cause of your back pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Seeking Prompt Medical Care for Worrisome Back Pain

While the vast majority of back pain cases can be managed conservatively, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition. If your back pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Your doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation and work with you to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan to address your back pain and protect your overall health.

When Back Pain Suggests Something Worse

Schedule a consultation: 440-248-1297

Robert F. McLain, M.D., a spine surgeon in the Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, recently published in The Spine Journal and Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research about when back pain suggests something worse.

When Back Pain Suggests Something Worse

Back pain, whether it’s low back pain, neck pain or pain up between the shoulder blades, affects so many of us (more than 85% of normal adults at some point in their lives) that that almost everyone has had an ache or pain that has made them worry. Since the common causes of back and neck pain are typically age-related wear-and-tear changes or minor injuries, 90% of people improve with simple supportive care – rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.   However, when pain persists, or presents in an unusual way, you may begin to worry that the pain is coming from something more serious.

While serious, unrecognized diseases are very uncommon causes of back pain, there are some disorders that can seriously impact your health if they aren’t recognized early enough. These kinds of disorders almost always offer a few clear clues to their diagnosis, however. A careful history and physical examination, looking for specific signs and symptoms, and properly selected diagnostic studies, will allow your physicians to confidently rule out important underlying diseases.

There are a few warning signs you should recognize and bring to your doctor’s attention:

Persistent and Unremitting Back Pain

Unremitting pain typically raises the same fear in patients and care-givers – a concern for cancer.  Back pain is the presenting symptom in most patients with cancer that has moved into the spine. Patients who already know they have a cancerous condition should alert their doctors to order specific imaging studies without delay.

Patients with spinal cancer usually experience a different kind of pain from that in common back and neck injuries. Ordinary back pain is usually related to activity, relieved by rest and is often associated with a recognized lifting or physical injury. It may seem to linger forever, but in reality, it typically begins to get better after about four to six weeks of rest.

Instead of getting better with rest, pain caused by a spinal tumor is persistent, progressively getting more intense over time, and is not relieved by rest. Pain may actually feel worse at night, and feel a bit better when you are up and around. Thoracic back pain may be associated with belt-like burning pain around the torso, and lower back pain may be accompanied by symptoms of pain or weakness in the legs similar to what we see in a disc herniation. 

You should already be on the lookout for warning signs of different types of cancer – fatigue, unintended weight loss, abnormal bleeding, previously unrecognized lumps or bumps, or any signs of blood – either coughed up, or in the urine or stool.   Women should see their doctor for any signs of nipple discharge or breast mass, atypical vaginal bleeding or change in bowel habits.

Since the most common cause of a spinal cancer is a metastasis from cancers of the lungs, breasts, prostate, kidneys, colon and thyroid, these organs should be thoroughly checked by your doctor when cancer is suspected.

Fevers, Chills and Weight-loss

Patients with a spinal infection usually have localized pain, worse when they are bearing weight or engaged in activity. Pain can be intense, and may be relieved only by laying down.  Fever, chills, headache and generalized illness are usually present, but even with advanced infection these symptoms may be subtle or overlooked for some time. If, however, you’ve noticed that you are losing weight, experiencing fatigue and have had fevers, chills or night sweats in addition to your back pain, you should bring this to the attention of your doctor. Severe pain may be caused by simply sitting up or changing positions.   If the vertebra is weakened by infection it may collapse, and a deformity may be detected. 

Spinal infections usually start somewhere else, and the most frequent causes are urinary tract infections, dental abscesses, pneumonia or any chronic wound.  Back pain that starts up while you are being treated for one of these problems deserves a careful look.

Neurological signs should be carefully sought.  Patients who initially complain of focal spine pain, followed by progressive radicular pain, weakness and incipient paralysis may have infection within the canal, with development of an epidural abscess.

Abdominal Discomfort Mimicking Back Pain

There are a number of disorders involving the abdominal organs that can produce back pain symptoms, and some of these disorders are quite serious. Although rare, they cannot be overlooked.

The most serious vascular disorder presenting as back pain is the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients are often difficult to diagnose early on, as initial symptoms may be subtle and non-specific. As the process gets worse, the pain becomes deep-seated and localized to the thoracic or thoracolumbar segments of the spine.  If your doctors have already said you have an aneurysm, then intense pain, undiminished by narcotics, should trigger you to go immediately to the emergency room.   

Back pain can be triggered by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcers, especially those involving the posterior duodenal wall, may cause upper lumbar back pain. A “perforated” ulcer may trigger intense pain and spasm, as well as signs of generalized illness and an acute abdomen.

Any type of kidney disease may cause back pain referred to the upper lumbar (thoracolumbar) junction and flank. Kidney stones are a notorious cause of severe, incapacitating back pain. This kind of pain typically comes in waves, causing intense back spasms and pain for a few minutes, then easing off for a bit before coming back with a vengeance.  Pain like this is referred to as colic, and is typical for kidney stones, gall stones and kidney infections.

Back pain caused by intra-abdominal sources is not directly aggravated by activity, may be colicky or throbbing in nature, and may be aggravated by eating, the menstrual cycle, or abdominal pressure or palpation. Pain like this is unlikely to originate from a spinal problem.

The key to identifying any of these disorders is a proper abdominal exam – meaning your doctor will want to get you into a gown, down on an exam table and carefully assess you. A simple x-ray can reveal or exclude the cause in many cases, but an abdominal CT scan may be needed to further clarify the problem.

Back Pain after a Fall or Injury: Fractures

Osteoporotic fractures of the vertebral body are the most commonly encountered fractures among primary care doctors.  These fractures are not always a result of great trauma and can, in some cases, cause few early symptoms.

Any history of a fall, a lifting injury, a motor vehicle accident or any other trauma, when it is associated with immediate back pain, suggests a muscle or bone injury. If you are osteoporotic, this trauma may be minimal – a sneeze, fall from a chair, or slip and fall in the home. Localized pain over the spinal column – most commonly the thoracic spine – is suggestive enough of compression fracture that x-ray is warranted. 

Localized pain over the involved vertebral level is usually present. Even patients with healthy bone can experience a compression fracture if the injury is significant enough. If you fall off of a roof, for instance, and end up with severe back pain in the middle of your lumbar spine, there’s a decent chance you could have a compression fracture, and you should get that x-rayed. Of course, please don’t do that!

Your Doctor may want to Order Some Studies:

Diagnostic Studies: Depending on the most likely concern, your doctor may order any of a number of basic laboratory studies to detect anemia, inflammation, and elevated levels of proteins or markers in your system. Urinalysis may reveal blood, bacteria or reveal a renal stone.

In infections, specific tests can reveal the presence of infectious agents before the actual source is revealed.  A TB skin test should be placed, if you have traveled anywhere that that disease is common, or have simply been around someone who has had the disease.

X-rays and Imaging: Some problems are only visualized on x-rays when significant bone destruction has occurred. A bone scan may be necessary to identify fractures, infections or tumors in their earliest phase.  More often, MRI can screen the whole spine, and shows the soft tissue elements inside and outside the spinal column. 

However, among patients with a recent osteoporotic spine fracture, x-rays are the best way to quickly and accurately detect a new fracture and determine how much collapse has occurred.

Remember This:

Spinal disorders can be complex and challenging conditions to treat and can cause pain despite the best of efforts.  The serious causes of back and neck pain we talked about here are very uncommon, but because they require definitive and specific treatment, and because early diagnosis is important in every case, it’s important for you to know what to look for.

Identifying and treating the most dangerous causes of back pain is a matter of careful medical evaluation – with a proper examination, appropriate labs and the right imaging studies.

The good news is, when they all prove normal – as they almost always do – your physician can confidently reassure you that no ominous disease has been overlooked, and that you can devote your full concentration to rehabilitation and recovery from back pain.

Is it normal to have one-sided back pain? – Cleveland Clinic

Back pain is common: 80% of adults will experience it in their lifetime. Usually, people think of all-over back pain, but one-sided back pain is also a thing. And it can be an annoying thing.

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When to worry about back pain that’s only on the left or right side

“Unless you experienced an obvious cause, like a fall, you probably aren’t dealing with a fracture that requires special care,” says spine specialist Russell DeMicco, DO. “Rarely do you need to worry just because your pain is only on the left side or right side of the back.”

The exceptions are:

• Age: An older adult may experience a minor injury that results in a more serious condition — either because they have low bone density, or they developed arthritis that causes pain.
• Athleticism: Athletes may experience greater musculoskeletal wear and tear than the general population. They’re often more vulnerable to fractures, herniated disks or arthritis.

Tissue-related back pain is most common

Spontaneous one-sided back pain can occur for a variety of reasons, but it’s usually related to the soft-tissue (muscle, ligament, joint). The back muscles run up and down the left side and the right side — they don’t cross the midline (spine). So if you irritate a muscle on the left side of your back, you would likely only have pain in that region.

“Someone who is experiencing tissue-related pain will feel an
aching soreness and stiffness,” says Dr. DeMicco. “Often, the area will be
tender to the touch and have restricted range of motion because of the
discomfort they feel.”

Causes of tissue-related discomfort include:

• Sound sleeping: If you have a night with limited movement, you might find that the muscles on just one side of the back tense up, causing pain.
• Sitting at the computer: If you’re in the zone at work and forget to move around, you could end up feeling it on just one side of your back.
• Travel: Being stuck in a seated position for an extended period can cause muscle tightness. Dr. DeMicco recommends taking frequent breaks if you travel by car or walking around the airplane cabin whenever possible.

Usually, muscle-related pain will subside if you use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), rest the area and use an ice pack.

Left- or right-sided organ-related back pain

If the pain you experience is a little deeper in the back,
and you’re having other symptoms as well, it could be related to an internal organ.
See your doctor, because these are signs of an infection or irritation:

• Intestines: Inflammation of the colon may
  affect just one side of the lower back, but you’d probably also experience
  abdominal cramping, digestive problems and weight change.
• Kidneys: An infection or kidney stones may
  also cause one-sided back pain that occurs between the bottom of the rib cage
  and your hips. Again, you could expect to have other symptoms like blood in the
  urine, pain when urinating or fever.
• Uterus: Pain on the right side of the
  lower back may be due to fibroids or endometriosis. Along with the pain, you’d
  likely also experience menstrual irregularities, a frequent need to urinate and
  painful intercourse.

When to see a provider about one-sided back pain

“If you have pain in the left or right side of your back
that started for no particular reason, it will most often resolve on its own or
with minimal treatment,” says Dr. DeMicco. “Typically, we see 50% of cases
resolving within two weeks and 75% resolving by six to eight weeks.”

Have you been dealing with intense pain for 10 days and
over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t cutting it? Time to call your doctor,
who may recommend:

• Stronger medicines: Prescription-strength muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications could take the edge off as your body heals.
• Manipulation: A physical therapist, chiropractor or osteopath could perform hands-on treatment that deliver relief.

“If your pain extends beyond six weeks, your doctor will
likely recommend imaging,” says Dr. DeMicco. “An X-ray is usually the first
step to ensure there isn’t a broken bone or some other obvious reason for the
pain.”

Why Does My Mid Back Hurt When I Look Down?

Do you have middle back pain when you look down toward your toes?  Do you feel tension and strain between your shoulder blades?

Pain in the mid back between the shoulder blades is quite common. But massaging your aching muscles won’t get rid of your middle back pain.

It’s logical to want to rub the part of your body that hurts because it seems like that’s where the problem is. But to really get an understanding of what’s going on in your mid back, we need to take a more holistic view.

Related:

Why Does My Mid Back Hurt? Common Causes

First of all, we need to understand the two kinds of tight muscles: those that are locked short and those that are locked long.

Muscles that are locked short are just that – muscles that have contracted and won’t let go.  Locked long muscles, on the other hand, are being stretched, usually by the muscles that are locked short. They’re hanging on for dear life to keep you in some semblance of balance.

This is usually what’s going on in cases of middle back pain. The muscles on the front of your shoulders and chest are super tight, pulling your shoulders and back forward and stretching the muscles along your spine.

Those muscles in your mid back and along your neck are already being pulled to the greatest length they can manage. Rubbing them won’t help because they’re being stretched and literally can’t let go.

4 Keys to Fixing Middle Back Pain for Good

Your mid back pain is a result of tight shoulder and chest muscles — NOT tight back muscles. Usually people who suffer from middle back pain actually have weak back muscles, so back strengthening exercises can help.

In many cases, weak core muscles and tight hip flexors are also pulling your rib cage down, causing your shoulders to round into the classic computer hunch.

To get relief for your middle back pain, work on opening up the front of your body. Stretch your hip flexors and your chest muscles. Work on strengthening your core.

Pain Free At Any Age

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Sudden, excruciating low back pain: what do you do?

We all know of someone, who doing something seemingly innocuous, such as getting up out of a chair, or bending to reach something, finds themselves in ‘back hell’ and completely unable to move. When it happens to you, your back spasms up for no apparent reason, and you just can’t move, what do you do?

Most people, thinking something has ‘snapped’, ‘popped’, or ‘broken’, take the fastest route (in agony) to A & E. After waiting for hours, they are generally told ‘take ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory medication) and take it easy for a few days until it feels better!

It’s natural, when you are in so much pain, to think the worst, but in most cases, it has been a series of minor injuries and overuse that has led to this sudden episode of muscle spasm and pain. Even something as simple as a sneeze can trigger back pain. The good news is there are quite a few things you can do to ease the pain and with the right help, get better fast.

The most common cause of sudden low back pain is injury to the muscles and ligaments supporting the back. However, you may wish to seek advice from your GP for reassurance that there is nothing more serious going on.

Seeking the expert advice of a reputable osteopath, such as Bansel Osteopathy, is also a good idea. Getting to the bottom of what is causing your back pain is the first step to recovery. Once you understand what is going on you can take appropriate action to get better.

Here are some simple first aid measures you can try for painful back muscle spasm:

1. Try not to panic

The most likely cause of your sudden back pain and it seizing up is due to injury to the muscles and/or ligaments supporting your spine. Your muscles are in spasm and will tense up more if you go into panic mode.

2. Ice

When muscles or ligaments are damaged and your low back muscles go into spasm this is as a result of the body’s acute healing response, known as the ‘inflammatory response.’ Apply an ice pack to the area (be sure to wrap your ice pack in a light tea towel first to prevent ice burns on the skin). Ice therapy will help to reduce local inflammation and relieve pain. A frozen pack of peas will do if you don’t have an ice pack. Apply for 10 minutes and repeat hourly.

3. NSAIDs

While long term use of NSAID medication isn’t recommended, in the short term, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, will help alleviate the acute inflammation, and thus some of the pain. If you don’t want to take medication internally, there are a number of topical NSAID gels that can also provide effective pain relief.

4. Stay mobile

As much as you think the best thing to do is rest, prolonged inactivity will just make matters worse. While movement initially may feel like it is impossible, with the help of ice and anti-inflammatory medication you should find the pain begins to ease enough to allow you to walk gently around at home. Keeping mobile is really important. Walking, even slowly, will help to keep you mobile and promote the blood flow required for healing.

5. See an osteopath

Osteopaths specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Osteopathy is a natural therapy that aims to restore function to the body and alleviate the problems that are preventing the body from healing itself. Treatment includes massage, mobilisation and manipulation. Osteopaths also give advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise to promote recovery and well-being.

How can a simple sneeze lead to an episode of such excruciating pain?

In pretty much all cases, it isn’t the sneeze or the movement, such as reaching for something, that is solely responsible for your back injury and excruciating pain. Over time, poor posture or repetitive stress can lead to muscle strain or other soft tissue problems. Your sneeze, or seemingly innocuous movement is merely the last straw.

The rarer causes of sudden low back pain

While in most cases the cause of sudden low back pain is nothing too serious, there are in rarer cases more serious underlying causes and complications, including:

• Compression fractures to the spine from osteoporosis
• Cancer of the spine
• Fracture of the spinal cord
• Ruptured or herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal curvatures
• Leaking aortic aneurysm
• Kidney infection or kidney stones
• Problems related to pregnancy
• Medical conditions of the female reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, cancer or fibroids

Always seek medical advice if your back pain doesn’t begin to resolve within a couple of days, and seek urgent medical advice if you have pain and any of the following symptoms: incontinence, trouble urinating, weakness, pain or numbness in legs, fever, weight loss, or severe pain at night waking you from deep sleep. Also, seek advice if your back pain continues for more than 4-6 weeks, or if the pain is becoming progressively worse.

Back pain is a common condition, and though it can be very uncomfortable, it is not usually serious.

Reasons My Back Hurts When Eating | Healthy Eating

By Andrew French Updated December 14, 2018

Experiencing back pain while eating food or after a meal is not normal and it indicates some sort of problem or health issue. Reasons for feeling pain in your back while eating are wide-ranging and include simple causes such as poor posture or more serious conditions such as stomach ulcers.

If your back pain is consistently triggered by eating and the pain is severe, or doesn’t resolve itself within a few days, contact your doctor.

Poor Posture

Eating meals at a kitchen table is not as common as it once was, due mainly to different work schedules and family dynamics. Instead, eating on the run, in the car, at work or in front of the television is much more common for many modern people. Sitting on an uncomfortable chair or in an awkward position puts stress on your back, especially the lower region called the lumbar spine. Take note of your posture while eating — don’t slouch or cross your legs — and see if your back pain disappears.

Heartburn

Acute heartburn, also called indigestion or acid reflux, is a very common digestive complaint often caused by eating too quickly or consuming food that is overly acidic or spicy. However, chronic heartburn is usually triggered by a dysfunctional sphincter or valve at the top of the stomach, which causes digestive juice to enter the esophagus, according to MayoClinic.com. Heartburn, as its name infers, typically leads to burning pain in the chest that can radiate down the left arm, mimicking a heart attack, although shoulder blade and mid-back pain referral are also possible. Referral pain is felt in locations distant from the source of the problem.

Ulcers

Ulcers can occur almost anywhere along the digestive tract, but they are especially common in the stomach and esophagus — the tube that attaches your throat to your stomach. Inflamed stomach ulcers primarily cause intense stomach pain that is felt in your upper abdomen, although pain referral to the middle region of your back — called the thoracic spine — is possible too. Most stomach ulcers are caused by bacterial infection, although consuming excessive amounts of spicy processed food or alcohol can contribute also.

Gallbladder Inflammation

Your gallbladder sits underneath your liver in the upper right part of your abdomen. The formation of gallstones can prevent the release of bile, which is needed in your small intestine to digest fat. If you have gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder, eating fatty food may trigger an “attack” a few hours after an meal. A gallbladder attack is characterized by nausea and severe gnawing pain in the upper right abdomen, but the pain can also radiate to the upper back or thoracic spine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, which is an inflamed pancreas gland, is most common in alcoholics and people who abuse drugs, although viral infections are possible too. Eating food can further irritate your pancreas because it releases enzymes that digest protein and carbohydrates. Common symptoms of acute pancreatitis include severe central abdominal pain — felt below your stomach – radiating mid-back pain, nausea and vomiting.

Pancreatitis is the most life-threatening potential cause of back pain while eating, which is why consulting your doctor is essential.

Upper & Lower Back Pain Treatment

What is back pain?

Back pain is very common and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Just about everyone experiences back discomfort at some point in their life. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most common symptoms that our patients in Boca Raton report.

Back discomfort can range in intensity from mild to severe. However, it is very important to stay on top of the pain, especially as you age. Our specialists have been successfully treating back pain in Boca Raton for more than 10 years. Call us at 561-549-9090 for a consultation.

The upper or middle back (aka the thoracic spine) is constructed for strength to anchor the rib cage. Safeguarding vital internal organs in the chest. In comparison to the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), the upper back is well-protected from pain and injury.

Your lower back is an extraordinary well-engineered structure of joints, bones, ligaments, and muscles. Which all work together to deliver support, flexibility, and strength. However, your lower back is a complex structure, and unlike your upper back, it is not unusual for it to be subject to pain and injury.

Below we break down thoracic spine pain into two categories, upper back & lower back. You will see the symptoms and causes listed under each category.

UPPER BACK PAIN (Thoracic Spine)

The upper and middle back area is less prone to injury than your lower back. This is due to your lower back baring more bodyweight and work than your upper back. Although this does not mean that you cannot have pain in your upper back, it is just less common.

Your back structure is made up of 12 vertebrae in your upper and middle back. Typically a physician will refer to this as T1 through T12 (T standing for “thoracic”.) Between the vertebrae, there are spongy discs, which act as shock absorbers for your body. They cushion your bones as you move about your daily routine and activities. The spine is held together by muscles and ligaments. This whole area is known as the thoracic spine.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Catch the signs early

Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Download the common heart attack warning signs infographic (JPEG) | (PDF)

Symptoms vary between men and women

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain (angina) or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn about the warning signs of heart attack in women.

Watch video: “Just A Little Heart Attack” – a short film directed by and starring Elizabeth Banks

Don’t hesitate to call 911

Learn the signs for heart attack, and remember: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out.

Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own.

Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.

An emergency medical services (EMS) team can begin treatment when they arrive – up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

For many reasons, it’s best to call 911 so that an experienced EMS team can begin treatment and arrange rapid transport to the emergency room.

Watch an animation of a heart attack.

Learn more:

90,000 12 riddles and paradoxes of pain

• Yana Litvinova
• BBC, London

January 29, 2018

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

We all know that pain is an objective reality , but at the same time its perception is deeply subjective. Pain can be a symptom, or a disease, and mental and physical. How close are we to understanding what it is?

Acute, dull, sudden, chronic, aching, throbbing, blinding… This is not a complete list of epithets that we, without hesitation, use when talking about the sensation that we all experienced and continue to experience: about pain.

She is oblivious to skin color, eye shape, or social status. It does not care at what level of evolution this or that creature is. The pain is experienced by people, dogs, cats, dolphins, whales, birds, frogs and even, according to scientists, earthworms.

At the same time, if scientists say that the mechanism of pain is more or less clear to them, then what is it: a signaling system of malfunctions, an obligatory part of being, without which it is impossible to understand physical and mental well-being, a purely physiological process or a result complex chemical processes in the brain, neither doctors, nor even the clergy came to a unanimous agreement.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

We know how the signaling system works through neurons to the brain and back, but many questions still remain unanswered

In addition, there is a group of people who, due to genetic pain abnormalities are not experienced at all.

In fact, they do not need to be envious, because they can easily miss the onset of some disease and die, although painlessly, but completely in vain.

All our knowledge about pain is built on paradoxes.

1. Our brain records pain signals, but does not feel it itself

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

The brain records and processes pain signals from all other parts of the body, but does not feel pain itself

Let’s say , you twisted your ankle, or burned your finger. Nerve fibers immediately send a signal to your brain that decodes the sensation as pain.

No wonder modern surgery became possible only after the discovery of anesthesia.

However, if the brain itself is the object of the operation, then it does not need anesthetic.

Nerve cells in the brain send themselves the same signals as with a broken limb, only there is no data center for them.

The brain, accustomed to being responsible for the whole organism, does not understand at all when it should be in pain for itself.

There is something eerie about this, but patients are often fully conscious during brain surgery, which allows surgeons to know if they are getting too deep into the main processor of our body.

2. We all feel pain differently

Photo author, DanielVilleneuve

Photo caption,

Pain is subjective: for some it is agony, but for some it is a slight inconvenience.

The fact that, after, say, natural childbirth, one woman says that it was a little uncomfortable, but okay, and the other already requires anesthesia at the very beginning of the contractions, does not mean that one of them is stoic, and the other is weak slob.

How we feel pain is influenced by many factors: what chemical reactions are taking place at this time in your brain, whether there is an inflammatory process somewhere in your body, and also how much you “remember” the pain that you experienced before …

As the head of the New York Center for Spinal Surgery, Kenneth Hansraj, once said: “Someone can drill the tibia without anesthesia, but he will calmly tell you, they say, buddy, pull this thing out! skin of a thin needle “.

3. Pain can be distracted from

Photo author, Portra

Photo caption,

Pain can be deceived: if you start shaking your bruised finger, it becomes easier

Our brain, of course, is the most complex computer when- or created by nature, but at the same time it is a little dull.

The fact is that it is difficult for him to simultaneously analyze several sensations.

Let’s say you were bitten by a mosquito and the bite is desperately itching. Attach an ice cube to it, and suddenly you will realize that you still feel the cold, but the itching has disappeared.

This is why we instinctively rub the bruised area or shake desperately with a finger that we accidentally pinch in the door.

4. Redheads are worse

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Caption to photo,

Redheads have a hard time: fiery hair color is accompanied by a non-standard attitude to painkillers

It’s hard to believe, but in 2009 in the journal American Dental Association, an article appeared according to which redheads really do not like to visit dentists.

The fact is that the same genetic combination that rewards them with fiery hair color makes them less susceptible to certain pain relievers.

And sometimes they need a dose that is twice what would be enough for some brunette.

It is also possible that their body responds to anesthesia in a not entirely trivial way. Some doctors, by the way, make adjustments for the patient’s hair color.

5. Sex Saves Pain

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Photo Caption,

Having sex can reduce migraine pain… if, of course, you have the strength to do it

Well, objectively speaking, if you have a migraine attack, then sex in such a situation seems to be a somewhat dubious affair.

However, there are some statistics according to which 60% of migraine sufferers felt much better if they did it during the attack.

Sexual arousal produces endorphins in the brain, which are natural pain relievers.

By the way, things are not so simple with migraine patients. It is suspected that the same gene variation that rewards migraine sufferers at the same time significantly increases their libido.

6. We were mercilessly divided into women and men

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Photo caption,

We all feel the same, only men believe that we must endure

In fact, there is no scientific evidence that that men and women feel pain differently.

Although doctors note that, in general, women are more likely to admit that they are in pain.

Perhaps this is due to a social stereotype that requires “real” men to endure by clenching their teeth.

7. Those who do not feel pain

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Photo caption,

It is not so good for those who do not feel pain: just touching a hot stove can result in a third-degree burn

This is a very rare genetic abnormality. So rare that in the entire history of medicine, it has been met only a few dozen times.

Those who are very unlucky to be born with it may, for example, sense whether an object is hot or cold, but do not feel pain.

And this, by the way, is really bad. For example, accidentally touching a hot stove could result in a third-degree burn, rather than a small blister that would occur if they quickly realized what was happening and pulled their hand away.

According to the available statistics (which, for obvious reasons, are extremely small), the average life expectancy of such insensitives is significantly lower than the average.

8. Most common pain

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Caption,

The most common pain in developed countries is pain in the lower back

This is back pain. Approximately 27% of people in developed countries claim to suffer from lower back pain.

Whereas from constant headaches, or migraines – only 15%. Experts advise against exercising and gaining weight.

However, this is a consequence of our evolutionary success.Bipedality is not at all conducive to spinal health. Quadrupeds, in which the weight is distributed much more evenly, do not suffer from back pain.

9. What hurt kings and dinosaurs

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Photo caption,

Both kings and dinosaurs suffered from gout. Here, however, is a dragon, but probably he is a close relative of the tyrannosaurus

Gout, aka arthritis, used to be called the disease of kings, since it was allegedly the result of excessive consumption of fatty foods and alcohol.

It is clear that in the distant Middle Ages only very wealthy people could afford it. We now know that gout pain arises from the formation of sharp uric acid crystals inside the joints.

Investigation of the skeleton of the upper limb of a female Tyrannosaurus rex (which paleontologists have named Sue) has shown that this particular Jurassic predator also suffered from gout, and in a very neglected form. It is likely that throughout the last years of her life, Sue suffered from chronic pain.

10. The nature of pain is not at all unambiguous

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Photo caption,

Sometimes pain turns from a symptom into a disease. It hurts everywhere, and why is not clear

Pain is a symptom, which, however, gives only a general idea that something is wrong, but does not give any specificity.

And in patients suffering from central pain syndrome, the pain itself becomes the disease, and not its symptom.

These patients complain of pain throughout the body, with sensations ranging from “needles” to “strong pressure”.In this case, the brain is not just a registrar and processor of pain sensations, but also their main generator.

11. Do not underestimate your brain

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Caption to photo,

Do not underestimate your brain: it knows perfectly well which buttons and under what circumstances should be pressed

The brain is designed so that it is constantly assesses the signals it receives, deciding how serious the danger is and whether immediate action should be taken.

Having received an alarming signal, the brain immediately tries to answer the main question: “How dangerous is this all?”

In assessing the situation, our central processor uses all the information it has at its disposal: from subjective, coming from our past experience, to objective, obtained from the whole complex of physical and chemical parameters of the organism.

And having received the signal, it sends “instructions” to the nerve endings on how to behave. Canadian physician Paul Ingram described the process in the following imaginary dialogue:

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Photo caption,

The brain commands the neurons as it wants, and so you have to obey

Nerves: Problem! Problem! Huge! Big! Red alarm! Switch on immediately!

Brain: Mmmmm, huh? Okay, I took note.But here’s the thing, guys, I have a database here, sorry, it’s strictly secret, so take my word for it: it’s not all that scary. Relax.

Nerves : No, no, listen, this is all very serious!

Brain: Nope, I don’t believe it.

Nerves: Listen, maybe we, of course, do not have access to this “information” that you constantly talk about, but we know very well what tissue damage is! And we are not playing with toys here. We won’t shut up until you take action!

Brain (in the voice of a hypnotist): You no longer remember what the matter was.There is absolutely no need to send me signals. Everything is absolutely fine, breathe deeply …

Nerves: Oh, yes … What are we talking about? Damn, it seems like they just wanted to report on something important … Well, okay, we’ll be back later.

12. The main boss

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Photo caption,

The brain decides how to regulate the pain button in our body, and why sometimes it stops at six, and sometimes at ten, we are up to We still don’t know until the end

The brain can really rotate the peripheral nerve endings as it pleases.

If he doesn’t like something, he may ask for more information. Or he can order his subordinates not to fuss.

In recent years, a lot of information has appeared according to which the nerves in the periphery can actually change, both physically and chemically, possibly following a command from the brain.

As noted by the same Paul Ingram: “The brain can not only turn the button that controls the sound, but easily change all the equipment, changing the signal itself long before it enters the speakers.”

Conclusion

The ultimate nature of pain, despite the fact that it is an integral part of the existence of all living things, is still unknown to us.

Cervicocranialgia – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Headaches in a certain percentage of cases are caused by problems in the neck and are called cervicocranialgia . These pains are usually associated with changes in the structures of the neck or head, or may be reflected (for example, from the upper back, jaw, or shoulders).

Sudden onset of neck and head pain is often associated with injury from contact sports, traffic accidents, weightlifting, bending forward or sideways, twisting the neck, or a combination of these movements. In addition, in the presence of damage to the ligamentous apparatus, pain in the neck and head can occur even after sneezing due to a strong adaptive muscle spasm. Also, one of the most common causes of acute neck pain radiating to the head, shoulder, arm, forearm is a herniated disc, subluxation of the facet joints.Gradual onset of neck and head pain often occurs in patients who sit at a computer for a long time, repetitive neck tilts, poor posture, or a combination of these factors. Also a common cause of pain may be a herniated disc. In older patients with gradual onset of neck pain, one of the most likely causes of symptoms is degenerative changes in the spine.

Causes

Headaches have many causes and are often associated with certain neck pains.These headaches are known as cervicogenic headaches and are often caused by myofascial pain and muscle-tonic syndromes of various etiologies and types. But it must be borne in mind that pain in the neck and at the same time in the head can be a sign of serious diseases such as, for example, meningitis or a brain tumor, and can also be caused by a neck injury and this must be taken into account when diagnosing cervicocranialgia .

Muscular causes of cervicocranialgia

Problems in the muscles can lead to such pain, especially if there are problems in the muscles running from the lower jaw to the side of the head.These muscles are connected to the base of the skull and can be spasmodic due to poor posture, overuse, or stress. Usually, a headache associated with muscle problems is also felt as pain when moving in the shoulder. When pressure is applied to the area of ​​pain (in the neck or shoulder), the headache tends to change. The pain can be mild to moderate or intense, lasting from several hours to several weeks.

There are three main nerves, C1, C2, C3, which run directly into the head from the cervical spine.

These nerves innervate the muscles around the skull at the top of the neck and can spasm as a result of inflammation or prolonged stress. Muscles such as Semispinalis capitus, Capitus long, and Longus Capitus, Capitus Lateralis are responsible for moving the head backward, forward, and sideways, respectively. The trigeminal nerve innervates the facial muscles, while the second cranial nerve provides sensitivity to the back of the head. These two nerves are located in the upper part of the neck, so any damage or injury in this area can lead to pain that can radiate from the lower back of the head and radiate to the upper part of the head, eyes, and face.Neck and head pain can also be caused by myofascial syndromes associated with muscles such as Upper Trapezius, Sternocleidomastoid, Splenius Capitis, Splenius Cervicis, Semispinalis Capitis, Semispinalis Cervicis, Longus Capitis, Longus Colli, Multifidioid and Rotis.

Degenerative changes in the spine

Structural involutional degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae can cause reflected head pain, usually in the back of the head.

Herniated disc in the cervical spine is one of the most common causes of neck pain, with possible radiation to the arm, shoulder and often to the head, but more often the headache is due to secondary muscle spasm. The pain can increase with palpation pressure in the neck and often the pain is accompanied by a limitation of mobility in the neck. Sometimes the pain may be absent in the neck, but there may be only pain in the arm or only a headache. As a rule, pain in the arm is accompanied by numbness, a tingling sensation in the arm.Pain caused by a herniated disc is often aggravated by prolonged static loads (for example, when sitting), when turning the head.

Neck Injury

Injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, discs and nerves in the upper part of the neck can lead to chronic pain in the neck and head. The most common injuries are “whiplash,” which occurs during falls or road accidents, or sports injuries, such as subluxations of the “facet joints,” which respond well to manual manipulation. Poor posture, repetitive movement, and stress can also cause facet joint subluxation, which can lead to localized neck pain and chronic headaches.

Sprain

Tears (tears) of the connective tissue surrounding the articular joints are usually the result of excessive stretching of tissues during twisting, bending and extension, especially against the background of poor posture. A sprain usually presents with neck pain on one side, which can radiate to the lower part of the head.Typically, these conditions are accompanied by muscle spasm.

Injuries to the facet joints often result from sudden neck movements, collisions during contact sports. Usually in such cases there is a constant, dull pain that can be localized in the back of the head, upper forehead, behind the eye, in the temple area and, less often, around the jaw or ear. Headache is usually associated with neck pain, stiffness in the neck, and difficulty turning the neck.Pain may increase with palpation in the cervical spine, usually on one side of the neck, just below the base of the skull. Sometimes there may also be symptoms such as a tingling sensation, numbness, nausea, or mild dizziness.

Arthritis of the cervical spine

The most common cause of chronic neck pain leading to headache is osteoarthritis, which is caused by degenerative changes in the joints of the vertebrae. Usually, only changes in the joints of the three upper vertebrae of the neck are the cause of cervicogenic headaches.Osteoarthritis of the neck (spondylosis) is a degenerative change in the facet joints that leads to the formation of osteophytes and bulging discs. These degenerative processes can generate chronic, dull, or sharp neck pain and pain in the back of the head.

In addition to involutionary degenerative changes in the cervical spine, changes in the joints can also be caused by systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, in which inflammation in the joints can cause pain in the neck and cause chronic cervicogenic headache.Such causes of cervicogenic headaches are much less common than osteoarthritis (spondylosis), but pain manifestations caused by inflammatory diseases of the neck joints are more intense and prolonged.

Serious illnesses

Many serious illnesses or conditions can lead to chronic headaches and are often accompanied by neck pain. These are diseases such as brain tumors, brain abscesses localized in the occipital region, tumors of the cervical spine, and Paget’s disease.Acute pain in the head and neck can be caused by infectious diseases such as meningitis. In addition, acute pain in the neck and head can be caused by fractures of the spine due to injuries, sports, traffic accidents. As a rule, pain syndrome is acute and is preceded by an episode of trauma. With a fracture, both pain in the neck and head and symptoms such as impaired movement in the limbs, impaired sensitivity may appear. Therefore, when diagnosing pain in the neck and head, it is necessary to take into account the possible genesis of pain in the neck and head, which requires emergency medical care.

Symptoms

Head fights associated with the neck ( cervicocranialgia ), as a rule, have a certain connection with a neck injury and in such cases the headache can be on one side, the pain can be at the base of the skull, forehead, in the parietal part around the eyes. As a rule, the pain begins in the neck area, and in most cases is not pulsating or sharp.

Other features of headaches associated with neck pain are the frequent presence of symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision (often only on the side of the headache), watery eyes and sometimes vomiting, in in cases where the pain is of a serious origin.Sometimes there is swelling around the eye on the side of the head where the pain is felt. The pain may worsen when the shoulders are moved. The intensity of headaches can be mild to severe, lasting several hours to several days or even weeks.

Headaches associated with the neck must have at least one of the following properties:

1. The headache must be preceded by:

• Neck movement
• Prolonged uncomfortable head position
• Pressure on the upper half of the neck or base of the skull on the side of the headache

2. Limited range of motion in the neck

3. Pain in the neck, shoulder or arm

If all three properties are present, then it is most likely that the headache is due to problems in the neck.

Characteristics of headaches associated with the neck

• Often history of neck injury (contusion of the cervical spine, sprain, subluxation of the facet joints)
• Unilateral headache
• Sometimes pain can be on both sides
• Pain localized at the base of the skull, in the forehead, on the sides of the head or around the eyes
• Pain can last for hours or days
• Headache usually begins in the neck
• Moderate to severe headache
• Headache, non-pulsating
• Pain is not sharp

Other features that are noted with headaches associated with the neck:

• Nausea
• Sound sensitivity
• Light sensitivity
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blurred vision on the side of the headache
• Vomiting
• Lachrymation on the side of the headache
• Edema around the eyes on the side of the headache

Diagnostics and treatment

Diagnosis of cervicocranialgia presupposes, first of all, the exclusion of serious causes of headaches such as brain tumors, meningitis or spinal injuries. Based on the medical history, study of symptoms and physical examination, the doctor, in most cases, can make a preliminary diagnosis and determine the required amount of examination. Instrumental research methods (X-ray, CT, MRI) make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis. If it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis, laboratory research methods can be prescribed.

Treatment of cervicocranialgia depends on the genesis of pain and, as a rule, is effective in using a set of therapeutic measures (drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture and exercise therapy).

90,000 Back pain: causes, treatment, orthotics

Causes of back pain and risk groups

Back pain is one of the most common complaints of diseases of people of working age, elderly and senile age. The human spine bears almost the entire weight of a person. It consists of 33-34 vertebrae, which are connected by intervertebral discs. Thanks to this connection, the vertebrae can move relative to each other.The sacrum and coccyx are special parts of the spine. The sacrum is formed by five fused vertebrae, and the coccyx is a rudimentary part of the spine that does not perform a supporting function.

Pain can develop in any one or all three parts of the spine. Most often, pain occurs in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Pain can be caused by diseases and injuries of the discs (protrusion of the disc, herniated disc) and intervertebral joints (arthrosis of the facet joints), or other conditions.
The number of people with back pain has increased dramatically in recent years and decades, making this the most common complaint in the world.

Types of back pain

Acute back pain lasts up to six weeks. If it lasts up to 12 weeks, it is called subacute.Pain that persists after 12 weeks is called chronic pain.
Depending on the definition of certain causes of pain, there are

• nonspecific back pain
• specific back pain

Specific back pain

Specific back pain

If the exact cause of the pain is known, it is referred to as specific back pain.

Examples of specific pain are trauma, lesions of the intervertebral disc, inflammation of the intervertebral joints (arthrosis of the facet joints).

Nonspecific back pain

Nonspecific back pain

In some cases, back pain is classified as nonspecific because it is not possible to accurately determine its cause.

Nonspecific back pain can occur with poor posture or lack of physical activity.

Symptoms and complaints

Almost everyone has experienced either “lumbago” or mild back pain. “Back again!” – a very common phrase, because the back is under significant stress every day. Hours spent sitting in the office, slouching in front of the computer, lifting and carrying heavy objects, or working in the garden in this position: minor back pain is an integral part of everyday life.

Back pain should be taken seriously. The reason for contacting the doctor should be situations when the pain does not go away for several days, when certain movements intensify the pain or when the pain radiates to the limb (s), and especially when there is a feeling of numbness .

Shooting pains in the lower extremities are characteristic of compression of the spinal cord or its roots (for example, herniated disc). The pain inherent in arthritic changes in the intervertebral joints is usually dull and local.The nature and intensity of pain can vary greatly from person to person. Only a doctor can, on the basis of complaints and symptoms, prescribe the necessary examination and treatment appropriate to the situation. Depending on the situation, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, or schedule surgery. With conservative treatment and during the period of postoperative rehabilitation, it is very important to regularly do exercises of therapeutic gymnastics, because they train muscles, stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

Most common causes of back pain

The spine or vertebral column is a complex structure consisting of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments ¹ . Pain occurs when the interaction of these structures is disturbed. Typical reasons are:

Stress

Stress causes back pain

Predominantly sedentary work and lack of physical activity in daily life lead to chronic tension in the muscles of the back and pain in the spine in the absence of any disease.

Did you know that emotional stress at work and in your personal life also leads to muscle strain? For more information on the link between psychological stress and back pain, see this brochure.

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Hernia

The intervertebral discs act as biological shock absorbers and separate the vertebral bodies from each other. With a decrease in the elasticity of the disc, it begins to bulge into the lumen of the spinal canal (the so-called prolapse), and its height decreases.The latter negatively affects the work of the intervertebral joints, because their biomechanics is disrupted.

If the protruding part of the intervertebral disc presses on the sensitive nerve fibers, then various sensory disturbances may occur in the innervation zone of the compressed nerve: pain, tingling, numbness, creeping, etc. If the motor nerve fibers responsible for the work of the muscles are compressed, then the function of the innervated muscle is disrupted, up to paralysis.

Blocking

Violations of posture and heavy lifting can lead to disruption of the anatomical relationships of the structures of the spine.In some cases, this leads to the so-called block of intervertebral joints, usually accompanied by severe pain. When the intervertebral joints are blocked, the back muscles are in a state of painful spasm. Thus, pain occurs not only in the blocked joint, but in the muscles. This dramatically reduces the physical activity of patients up to the inability to walk. When blocking intervertebral joints, effective stabilization of the spine with medi braces helps to eliminate muscle spasm, localize pain and increase motor activity.

Degenerative changes

As we age, our spine gradually changes its structure, which is described by the general term “degenerative changes”. In this case, the word “degenerative” refers to irreversible changes as a result of aging. Despite the irreversibility of the process, the use of orthoses helps to relieve and improve the patient’s condition.

Degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc imply a violation of its elasticity, a decrease in height and bulging into the lumen of the spinal canal.A decrease in disc height causes increased stress on the intervertebral (facet) joints.

Muscular causes

The position of the spine, including the lumbar spine, is stabilized by the work of the muscles. The back muscles, the abdominal muscles and the muscles of the lateral abdominal wall are involved in maintaining posture. Muscle work makes the load on the intervertebral discs more even and prevents excessive stretching of the tendon-ligamentous apparatus.Any pain syndromes negatively affect the functioning of muscles, which can lead to local hypertonicity or, conversely, local weakness. As a result, the stabilization of the spine is impaired. This, in turn, provokes an increase in the hypertonicity of some muscles, i.e. a vicious pathological circle is formed.

Medical gymnastics helps to break the pathological circle, allowing to restore the symmetry of the tone of the trunk muscles.

Deformations

The cause of back pain can be localized not only in the trunk.For example, abnormal gait biomechanics can also cause back pain. First of all, this is due to the loss of the cushioning function of the foot in case of certain deformations. Another reason may be the difference in the length of the limbs, exceeding the norm.

Good news: In many cases, back pain goes away after a few weeks. Nonspecific pain is successfully treated with the help of mobilization techniques (manual therapy) and medication. With such pain, exercise therapy exercises are very effective.

Prevention

Each of us can reduce the strain on the back and prevent pain.

Exercises useful for the back.

There are strength training exercises that you can easily integrate into your daily routine. This complex was developed in cooperation with a specialist in physiotherapy exercises.

Try it! And your back will thank you.

Try it!

• Regular exercise : Three 45-minute sessions per week will help improve well-being, activate the immune system and help maintain muscle tone.Optimal back sports are swimming and walking.
• Balanced nutrition : Proper nutrition prevents excess weight, which is an additional burden on the back.
• Lift weights correctly : When lifting weights, squat down and lift the load by extending the legs, not the back muscles.
• Carry weights correctly : carry heavy objects as close to your body as possible.Don’t carry heavy things in one hand.
• Be physically active : Sedentary workers should take every opportunity to increase their physical activity, such as walking up stairs better, getting up more often during the day, walking while talking on the phone, and taking walks during lunchtime.

Ergonomic workstation

Back pain often occurs at the workplace. Prolonged sitting in the wrong position can lead to chronic muscle fatigue and subsequent pain. Also, back pain is often provoked by work associated with frequent bending and lifting.

Download the medi brochure to learn more about ways to keep your back healthy at work and in your daily activities.

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Back pain treatment

There are many treatments for back pain.First of all, the attending physician chooses between conservative and surgical treatment. The latter is used when conservative treatment is ineffective and in a number of other cases.

Orthotics

See the Orthopedic Products for Back Pain brochure.

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Physiotherapy and massage

Physiotherapy and massage

Complexes of remedial gymnastics and special exercises for the back should be performed under the supervision of a doctor or physiotherapy instructor until you have mastered the technique of performing each exercise. Such sets of exercises are developed to train the strength of the musculature of the trunk.The doctor chooses the exercises that best suit the patient. Massage and physical therapy may be prescribed to reduce the intensity of pain.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment

Drug therapy is prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in the acute period. Taking pain relievers helps to eliminate the uncomfortable protective position that the patient takes to relieve pain.Medication should only be taken as directed by a doctor.

Back Exercises

Strong trunk muscles protect the spine from adverse stress, reduce the likelihood of spasm and pain. To prevent back pain, you should regularly do exercises to train your back muscles. Swimming or walking is also helpful.

The set of exercises combines strength training and stretching exercises, and is designed for 20 minutes.The optimal frequency of exercise is 2-3 times a week. Important: consult your healthcare professional before exercising.

Strength training

Orthopedic products for the spine

Medical braces and corsets for the spine are designed to treat pain and muscle spasm.Modern bandages and corsets effectively fight pain and increase physical activity. Depending on the diagnosis, devices with greater or lesser potential are used to stabilize the lumbar spine.

Lumbar braces and corsets with a higher height and more rigid stabilizing elements better stabilize and support the spine in the desired position. The ability to move without pain and participate in social life eliminates the seeming bulkiness of even the most rigid corsets.

Stylish orthosis – practical guide

Can a spine orthosis be fashionable and stylish? You can get the answer by reading our brochure.Learn how to take care of your health and dress appropriately for the occasion at the same time.

Treatment can be trendy!

Download the brochure!

medi products for effective back support

Bandages and corsets medi

medi manufactures a large number of orthopedic devices for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases.Hundreds of thousands of people around the world note the high efficacy of medi products, including those intended for the treatment of back pain. At the same time, patients point to the high comfort and durability of the products. Thanks to their special design, all medi lumbar braces are easy to put on. Additional comfort in the sitting position is also provided by a design solution – a special pattern in the groin folds.

Stabilization of the lumbar spine with medi orthopedic products is not accompanied by muscle weakening, much less atrophy.As already mentioned, the ability to move without pain increases the physical activity of patients. In addition, orthopedic support is aimed at eliminating excessive and / or painful mobility, and not at immobilization, which is the reason for the functional inactivity of the muscles and their weakening.

Find out more about medi orthopedic products for the spine.
Use the filter on the left side of the screen to select the product you want.

Sources

¹ Klein, Dr Christoph (2014): Orthopedics for patients.Understanding medicine. Remagen: Published Michels-Klein, p. 277.

Diagnostics and treatment

Types, causes and treatment of back pain.

Backache

90,000 Listed 98 symptoms of postcoid syndrome

Medical specialists told by what signs the postcoid syndrome can be recognized, reports UfaTime.ru.

According to representatives of the social movement Survivor Corps (USA), certain symptoms can really bother people who have had the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.In the course of the study, they interviewed 1,567 volunteers. Based on the responses of the respondents, the authors were able to compile a list – it included 98 signs of postcoid syndrome.

It is noted that the symptoms are listed in order of decreasing frequency:

– fatigue;

– muscle or body pain;

– shortness of breath or shortness of breath;

– difficulty concentrating or focusing;

– inability to an active lifestyle or exercise;

– headache;

– sleep disorders;

– alarm;

– memory problems;

– dizziness;

– constant chest pain or pressure;

– cough;

– joint pain;

– heart palpitations;

– diarrhea;

– sore throat;

– night sweats;

– complete or partial loss of smell;

– tachycardia;

– fever or chills;

– hair loss;

– blurred vision;

– nasal congestion or runny nose;

– a feeling of sadness;

– neuropathy in the legs and arms;

– reflux or heartburn;

– change in symptoms;

– partial or complete loss of the sense of taste;

– phlegm in the back of the throat;

– abdominal pain;

– back pain;

– difficulty breathing when bending over;

– nausea or vomiting;

– weight gain;

– ear congestion;

– dry eyes;

– convulsions and spasms;

– tremor;

– sleep longer than usual;

– pain in the upper back;

– flies or flashes of light;

– rash;

– constant thirst;

– nervousness;

– tinnitus or tinnitus;

– altered sense of taste;

– acute or sudden chest pain;

– confusion of consciousness;

– muscle twitching;

– irritability;

– weight loss;

– postnasal syndrome;

– dry throat;

– high blood pressure;

– dry skin;

– swelling of the hands or feet;

– heat intolerance;

– mouth sores or painful tongue;

– pain in the muscles of the neck;

– chills without fever;

– sensation of heat;

– olfactory hallucinations;

– pain in bones and limbs;

– burning of the skin;

– pressure at the base of the head or occipital nerve;

– enlarged lymph nodes;

– intracranial pressure;

– kidney pain;

– jumps in blood pressure;

– costochondritis;

– pain in the arm or wrist;

– protruding veins;

– abnormally low body temperature;

– pain in the middle of the back at the base of the ribs;

– tingling or burning sensation;

– soreness of the scalp;

– pain in the jaw;

– arrhythmia;

– low blood oxygen level;

– a cold burning sensation in the lungs;

– Chapped or dry lips;

– abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland;

– leg pain;

– Barley or eye infection;

– Rash and lesions on the toes;

– low blood pressure;

– Dry scalp or dandruff;

– kidney problems or protein in the urine;

– urinary tract infection;

– hormonal imbalance;

– oral candidiasis;

– personality change;

– acid reflux;

– symptoms of herpes and trigeminal neuralgia;

– anemia;

– increased levels of thyroid hormones;

– bilateral throbbing of the neck around the lymph nodes;

– fainting.

We will remind, earlier UfacityNews.ru wrote that experts told how to prevent hair loss during coronavirus.

Female hormones and their effect on the woman’s body

“It’s all hormones!” – a phrase that men often use to explain the illogical actions of women. It is generally accepted that hormonal effects have a much stronger effect on mood and behavior in women than in men. In fact, this is not the case.Hormones play a huge role in the body of any person – this is evolutionarily the oldest way of regulating the work of various organs. Although the human brain has developed more strongly than that of all living things on the planet, it often has to reckon with the effects of hormonal levels.

What hormones affect the body of women?

When people talk about “female” hormones, they most often mean the sex hormones estrogens and progesterone. By the way, in men they are also present, but in very small “doses”.

In women, most estrogen is produced in the ovaries, but the adrenal glands and adipose tissue also contribute to some extent. In fact, it is not one, but a whole family of hormones:

· Estradiol is the most active member of the group in women of reproductive (childbearing) age. It plays an important role in the occurrence of secondary sexual characteristics, maintaining libido (sex drive), and the course of pregnancy. Violation of the synthesis of estradiol leads to various gynecological pathologies.

Estrone begins to dominate during menopause, while estradiol activity decreases. This shift can be determined in blood tests to determine if a woman has started menopause. In general, estrone is 4–5 times less active than estradiol. Scientists still continue to figure out what its physiological role is.

· Estriol has very low activity. Its concentration in the blood is small, but it rises strongly during pregnancy, because the hormone begins to actively produce the placenta.Estriol plays a role in the enlargement of the uterus and mammary glands. Doctors often call it “pregnancy hormone” and determine it in the blood of expectant mothers to check the condition of the fetus.

Progesterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and placenta. Its level increases during ovulation – when the next follicle matures in the ovaries, and an egg is released from it. During pregnancy, the content of this hormone in the blood rises sharply.

Effects of estrogen

These are the main sex hormones in women, but they affect not only the reproductive system.Their effects are important for the normal functioning of many organs.

Ovaries. Growth of follicles – bubbles in which eggs are located.

Vagina. Maintaining normal thickness of the organ wall, the production of natural lubrication during sex.

Uterus. Maintaining the normal state of the endometrium – the mucous membrane of the organ. Regulation of mucus production.

Breasts. Normal development of female breast tissue. Stopping breast milk production after breastfeeding is complete.

Development of secondary sexual characteristics. Growth of mammary glands, pubic hair and armpits. Under the influence of these hormones, body shapes become more rounded, feminine. All these changes are harbingers of menarche – the first menstruation.

Regulation of the menstrual cycle. Estrogenic hormones ensure the thickening of the uterine lining, preparing it for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Development and health of bones. Normal bone growth at a young age and maintenance of metabolic processes at an older age, protection against bone loss. After menopause, this protective effect disappears and the risk of osteoporosis, a disease in which bones lose calcium and strength, increases. As a result, very dangerous complications can arise, for example, a hip fracture.

Cardiovascular system. Estradiol helps to maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels, primarily due to the fact that it reduces inflammation of the vascular wall, is involved in the regulation of blood cholesterol levels.As with bones, these protective effects stop working after menopause. Therefore, older women have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and their complications in the form of strokes and heart attacks. It is the number one cause of death in the modern world.

The brain and emotions. Estradiol is believed to have a profound effect on the connections and interactions between nerve cells and even on the anatomy of the brain. It helps to normalize rest and sleep, maintain good concentration and memory.In addition, this hormone affects the production of serotonin, which has many different effects, including regulating mood. When estradiol levels decrease, serotonin also decreases. Scientists associate this phenomenon with depression, which can develop after childbirth and menopause.

Leather. Female sex hormones affect the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen. These compounds hold water in the skin and provide elasticity. When their number decreases, the skin becomes more flabby, begins to sag, and wrinkles appear.In addition, hormones protect the skin from photoaging, the effects of constant exposure to sunlight.

Effects of progesterone

This hormone prepares for conception and pregnancy. Its concentration in the blood rises in the second half of the menstrual cycle. The main functions of progesterone:

· Thickening of the uterine lining and its preparation for the introduction of a fertilized egg;

· Regulation of the menstrual cycle;

· Prevention of re-ovulation during pregnancy: at this time, the level of progesterone rises sharply, as the placenta begins to synthesize it;

· Growth of mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Other hormones that affect women

Of course, not only the two types of sex hormones described above affect the functions and health of the female body. Others also play an important role:

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland – the main human endocrine gland, which controls many metabolic processes, growth. This hormone promotes the production of breast milk, prevents pregnancy and suppresses menstruation during breastfeeding.It also has an analgesic effect.

· Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) got its name from the fact that it stimulates the maturation of follicles in the ovaries. It activates the synthesis of other sex hormones.

· Luteinizing hormone (LH) , like prolactin with FSH, is a pituitary hormone. It is necessary for the normal functioning of a woman’s reproductive system. When its level rises to peak levels, ovulation occurs – a ripe egg is released from the ovary.

· Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of the pituitary gland activates the production of thyroid hormones, which, in turn, ensure a normal menstrual cycle and are involved in the regulation of the work of many organs.

Anti-Müllerian hormone regulates the development of the reproductive system in the fetus, and in adult women affects the function of the ovaries. Determination of the level of this hormone in the blood is used to assess fertility (the ability to have offspring) and ovarian reserve (the number of follicles with eggs remaining in the ovaries).

· Inhibin B – a hormone that is produced in the ovarian follicles. It helps to synchronize the work of other hormones, in particular FSH, and is a marker of ovarian reserve.

You may be surprised, but in the body of women even the male sex hormone testosterone is produced. And this is not just a “rudiment”, it performs several functions: it helps to maintain fertility, libido, maintain bone mass, participates in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and promotes the production of red blood cells (red blood cells).

Hormones and menstrual cycle

The first menstruation can come at 8-15 years old. For most girls, this happens at the age of 12-13. In the future, this normally happens regularly. The average duration of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, and can range from 24 to 38 days. And this happens strictly in accordance with changes in the level of various hormones.

The menstrual cycle has three phases.

Follicular phase

As soon as menstruation came, this suggests that the first day of a new menstrual cycle has come.The ovum did not meet with the sperm, and therefore the thickened, prepared for pregnancy, the mucous membrane of the uterus is rejected. This occurs against the backdrop of a sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. A woman can become irritable, at this time, she quickly changes in mood.

Soon, the pituitary gland begins to actively synthesize FSH and LH. These hormones increase estrogen levels and promote the maturation of new follicles in the ovaries. After a few days, one of the follicles becomes dominant – an egg will be released from it later.The rest are absorbed.

Ovulatory phase

By the middle of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs. The level of LH rises sharply, and this leads to the fact that the egg leaves the ovary and then begins to move along the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity. She will be “alive” for 12-24 hours – it is at this time that fertilization is possible.

Luteal phase

This phase gets its name from the structure that remains in place of the opened follicle – the corpus luteum (in Latin, the corpus luteum).In fact, it is a gland that actively synthesizes progesterone.

The ovum continues to move along the fallopian tube towards the uterine cavity. If she meets a sperm, fertilization will occur, and the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus, which by this time has already been prepared under the influence of hormones. If fertilization does not occur, then the levels of estrogen and progesterone will drop dramatically, and this will lead to the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. And the unfertilized egg along with the detached mucous membrane will leave the uterus along with blood through the vagina.

Hormonal disorders in women

For a woman to be healthy and feel good, there must always be a balance in her hormonal background. Of course, there is never an ideal balance: the levels of different hormones change depending on the phases of the menstrual cycle, at different times of the day, depending on the physical, psycho-emotional state, external conditions. But if the deviations are strong and persist for a long time, this leads to a deterioration in well-being, creates a risk of developing certain diseases and complications.

The following symptoms may indicate that not everything is in order with your hormones:

• irregular periods;

Excessive growth of hair on the face, body;

Acne (blackheads) on the skin;

· Dryness of the vaginal mucosa;

· Decreased sex drive;

Soreness of the mammary glands;

Hot flashes – conditions in which there is a heat in the upper half of the body, the skin turns red, sweating increases, the heart rate increases;

Severe sweating at night;

· An increase in body weight for no apparent reason, when there were no changes in diet and lifestyle;

• constant feeling of tiredness;

· Increased irritability, sudden mood swings;

• frequent feeling of anxiety;

• depression: a state when a bad mood persists for many days, a feeling of depression, hopelessness, guilt, you do not want to do anything;

Difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, frequent awakening at night.