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From time to time, even a healthy person's back hurts. According to studies, up to 4 out of 5 people have suffered from back pain at some point. The latter is affected by the muscles, bones and nerves in the back. What types of pain do we experience in the back and what do they arise from? Do you know when it is time to see a doctor and consult a specialist?
Diagnosis of back pain
Only a doctor can know the origin of the pain and determine the correct diagnosis. The most important role in the diagnosis is played by the location of the pain, its severity and accompanying symptoms. The cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine are among the most affected areas. The dull pain that prevents movement is mostly related to the muscles, the burning and stabbing sensation is associated with the nervous system. Sudden pain that affects the movement of the body can also arise from fractured vertebrae or an irregularly shaped spine. Another classification according to the duration of symptoms speaks of acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is felt in one place like a twinge in a muscle, it limits our mobility and lasts from a few hours to several weeks. With proper treatment, it can be completely eliminated. We consider chronic back pain to be one that lasts for more than months5. It often gets progressively worse and is difficult to treat. Many patients with chronic back pain have to learn to live with it; medications, patches, ointments, compresses, massages, baths and rehabilitation help. Eliminating chronic pain is challenging even for experts; prevention is the best option. People with sedentary jobs have up to 85% greater chance of experiencing chronic back pain. It's never too late to do something about it. More facts according to GSK (Global Pain Index):
Why does my back hurt?
Sedentary jobs and computer work are the most common causes of back pain and civilisation diseases. Poor posture, injuries and falls, overweight and obesity, stress, genetic predisposition, damaged discs and tumors are among the more serious causes of back pain. Rapid pain can occur when excessive strain and load is placed on the muscles and ligaments in the back, such as when lifting heavy things or unnatural movements with a load. Back problems Back problems arise from a passive lifestyle, lack of exercise and fluid intake. How is the spine? Exercise and prevention are really important. These are the most common ailments that cause spinal pain:
Upper back pain
Pain in the upper half of the back is often caused by overexertion from exercise, damaged or stretched ligaments and tendons. The cervical spine is most affected by stress and working at a computer in the wrong conditions. Such pain often continues to the head and can cause migraines in the long term. Lower back pain Long-term sitting is a silent killer! Trauma, lifting heavy objects, being overweight, but also smoking can trigger lower back pain. Walking and swimming have extremely beneficial effects on the lower back. An active lifestyle is essential for maintaining long-term health.
Other bodies
Sometimes the problem is in another part of the body, but the pain manifests itself in the spine. For example, the kidneys are close to the back muscles and we often mistake these pains. Infection and damage to the kidneys causes pain under the ribs and on the sides of the back. You may feel that the pain is coming from the inside. The most common accompanying symptoms include difficulty urinating, fever and nausea. At even the slightest suspicion of a kidney problem, see a doctor immediately. It may also be organ failure, where every hour plays its part.
When to see a doctor for back pain?
The first aid at home is rest and painkillers. If after a few days the pain does not subside, see a doctor. Is your pain accompanied by an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing or fever? See a doctor now. Sudden weight loss and weight gain, tingling in the limbs, swelling in the legs and steadily worsening back pain are also dangerous. Unless it's a tumor or other operable disease, a physical therapist and chiropractor are miracle specialists who can free your body from back pain. These experts have also developed a special online program, NoPainOffice, based on ergonomic principles for people with sedentary jobs. Pain is generally uncomfortable and interferes with our daily lives. It can be prevented with short movements and exercises, wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Join the NoPainOffice program and try to avoid or eliminate back pain for good with such prevention.
