BACK PAINS
The term commonly known as "back pain" may be technically referred to as lombalgy when it occurs in the lower spine (lumbar spine) or cervicalgy occurring in the upper part (cervical spine).
About three in four adults will have back pain during their lifetime and these numbers may rise due to poor postural habits and the increasing number of older people.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING BACK PAIN
- Wear proper footwear
- Avoid repetitive movements or the same position
- Avoid violent or excessive sports
- Avoid improper handling of weights
- Keep weight controlled
- Choose the stairs and not the elevator
- Maintain a correct posture to the computer
- To pick up on weights, do with the right column and using the legs as a lever
- Sleeping from belly upwards overloads the spine, one should sleep on the side with cushions
SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
Back pain may be acute or chronic. Acute pain usually lasts four to six weeks, while chronic pain can last a lifetime, indicating a much more serious problem in the spine, such as cervical or lumbar disc hernias.
It is estimated that more than ¾ of the world population suffers from spinal / vertebral pain, better known as "back pain," most of the time this pain is intense and limits personal and professional life, decreasing quality of life and ability of the affected person to perform movements, such as spinal flexion.
CAUSES
There are different triggers factors for low back pain and neck pain. However, the postural question is among the main risk factors. Incorrect posture habits when lying down, sitting or performing any day-to-day activity, work and play can lead to spinal injuries.
A large portion of the population nowadays lives with back pain, resulting from poor posture, inactivity, incorrect positions in the work environment, domestic tasks among other associated factors, including the wrong execution of exercises.
DIAGNOSIS AND EXAMINATION
The patient's clinical history can contribute greatly to the diagnosis of back pain, such as a detailed physical examination to evaluate the posture, range of motion, muscle spasms, pain and muscle strength of the spine and upper and lower limbs.
The doctor may also ask for additional exams such as MRI or CT scan.
TREATMENT
The treatment of back pain depends on the cause whether it is a protrusion, a hernia, or whether the problem is only postural, muscular or ergonomic.
In most cases where pain from herniated discs is refractory to conservative medication, minimally invasive treatments should be used (Plasmalight nucleoplasty - more advanced nowadays, ozone therapy or radiofrequency).
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is defined as a set of painful conditions that occur in the lumbar region, that is, in the lower spine region near the pelvis. These conditions are due to pathology in this region.
It is estimated that more than ¾ of the world population suffers from low back pain, better known as "back pain", most of the time this pain is intense and limits personal and professional life, decreasing the quality of life of the person affected.
SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
The affected patient feels pain in the lower back and muscle tension in the affected region. Mostly, you may find it difficult to sit or stand for a long time, which forces you to adopt new positions to keep you comfortable.
Lumbar pain can radiate to the buttocks, legs or sciatic nerve. The description of pain, such as pain in weight, tightness, burning or shock sensation, may help the doctor in diagnosing the type of pain.
CAUSES
There are different triggers factors for low back pain, but the postural issue is among the main risk factors. Incorrect posture habits when lying down, sitting or doing any activity from day to day, at work and at leisure can lead to spinal injuries.
But other factors can also be cited as causes for the development of low back pain, such as inflammation/infection, disc herniation, arthrosis or displacement of the vertebra, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic factors, aging and emotional issues.
DIAGNOSIS AND EXAMINATION
In about 90% of cases the diagnosis and cause are established through the patient's medical history and the complete physical examination.
Complementary examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required to help determine the exact size and location of the lesion, and to exclude other serious conditions that cause low back pain (such as infections, tumors, or nervous compressions).
TREATMENT
Acute low back pain may improve over time after a rest period. In addition, there are therapeutic options available such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids and muscle relaxants, which may help in the initial phase.
In cases where pain from herniated discs is refractory to medication, minimally invasive treatments should be used (Plasmalight nucleoplasty - more advanced nowadays, ozone therapy or radiofrequency).
The main goal of treating acute low back pain is to relieve pain, improve functional stability and prevent recurrences. Strengthening of the lumbar muscles and the use of containment straps may also a fundamental role in relieving pain.
Sciatica Pain
It is what makes possible the movement of the muscles of the legs, allowing the movement of the joints of the lower limbs, in addition to being responsible for the sensations.The sciatic nerve is considered the largest nerve in the human body: it extends from the posterior face of the hip, descending behind the thigh and knees until it reaches the first toe (hallux), that is, it goes from the lumbar spine to feet. It enables the movement of the leg muscles, allowing movement of the lower limbs joints, as well as being responsible for the sensations.
Pain in the sciatic nerve (or simply "sciatica") is caused by inflammation or damage in this, and by the pressure of the spine on the nerve. Generally, the rings that surround the lumbar disks rupture with increasing pressure, the nucleus escapes into the canal and compresses the nerve, causing pain.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DA DOR CIÁTICA
- Loss of Sensitivity
- Reduction of the Reflexes of the Affected region
- Decreased Muscle Strength
- Tingling or Burning Sensation
- Increased Pain in Orthostatism or Sitting
- Intensification of Pain with the Elevation of Lower Limbs
- Pain Radiating from the Lumbar spine to the posterior region of the Thigh or Leg
SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
The symptoms of sciatica may be varied, but the most common are loss of sensation or reduction of the reflexes of the affected region; decreased muscle strength; tingling or burning sensation; pain radiating from the lumbar spine to the posterior region of the thigh or leg; increased pain in orthostatism or sitting; and intensification of pain with elevation of the lower limbs.
In general, symptoms may vary, however, in any case they have worsened at night and, generally, sciatica may be associated with low back pain. The symptoms affect men and women, and can intensify with age, because the structures of the spine suffer more wear and compromise the spinal cord and roots that give rise to the nerves.
CAUSES
The most common causes for sciatic nerve compression and the onset of painful processes are tumors, lumbar spine stenosis, pressure fractures (causing slippage of the vertebrae), trauma, congenital anomalies, disc herniation, osteoarthritis, piriformis muscle syndrome (a muscle spasm that compresses the sciatic nerve).
DIAGNOSIS AND EXAMINATION
The diagnosis of sciatic pain involves the evaluation of the clinical history, careful medical observation and analysis of complementary diagnostic exams, such as magnetic resonance imaging. Other neurological examinations may also be important for assessing the state of the sciatic nerve.
TREATMENT
Acute low back pain may improve over time after a rest period. In addition, there are therapeutic options available such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids and muscle relaxants, which may help in the initial phase.
In cases where pain from herniated discs is refractory to medication, minimally invasive treatments should be used (Plasmalight nucleoplasty - more advanced nowadays, ozone therapy or radiofrequency).
The main goal of treating acute low back pain is to relieve pain, improve functional stability and prevent recurrences. Strengthening of the lumbar muscles and the use of containment straps may also a fundamental role in relieving pain.
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