First, the doctor pointed out that under normal circumstances, there should be no back pain at all:
If pain syndromes rarely occur—for example, after lifting weights, exercising, or uncomfortable postures—then this is a variation of the norm. However, if the pain occurs frequently-every time after sitting in an uncomfortable chair-this is the reason to be vigilant and look for the cause.
Pain only occurs once every six months or a year after traumatic factors. You should not rush to see a doctor. However, if the pain syndrome becomes chronic or enters a more intense phase, and then returns to the lungs, then this is already the reason to contact a specialist. The neurologist added:
In addition, the reason for the appointment of a specialist may be single, but acute pain that occurs for no reason, and a sharp increase in pain syndromes. Especially if the pain radiates to the legs or other parts of the body. This may be accompanied by other unpleasant feelings: loss of sensitivity, "goose bumps" on the skin, burning sensation. In this case, you must see a doctor.
Why does the lower back hurt?
According to doctors, a common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, which is pain caused by abnormal muscle tone in the waist.
Pathological muscular syndrome occurs precisely because we are uncomfortable sitting, body load, weightlifting, -said the doctor. As a result, muscle cramps. But it is more common that the root of the spine is compressed-this is a different, neuronal painful nature.
The neurologist explained that the root leaves the spinal cord and extends to different parts of the body, including the lower back. When these nerves are under pressure, all parts of the body begin to feel pain: the thighs, the tailbone, the sacrum, and even the abdomen.
The third option is the pathology of internal organs. These may be kidney, intestinal, and urological or gynecological problems. In this case, back pain is a sign of the existence of other diseases.
We also added that there are two types of pain itself: nociceptive (i. e. inflammatory) and neuropathic pain.
The first is related to the inflammation of muscle fibers-it manifests as myofascial pain syndrome and is related to traumatic factors. When the lower back feels hot to the touch, the pain is usually dull, and it pulls as the local temperature rises.
Neuropathic pain has different manifestations: burning sensation, goose bumps, numbness, coldness, and decreased sensitivity. Even small injections in the waist area can make the pain worse. If you feel such symptoms, see a neurologist immediately. In general, the answer to the question of which doctor to see for back pain is clear: the neurologist.
Can the pain be controlled at home?
Some people think that changing the chair can solve the problem of low back pain. The neurologist is convinced: it is always easier to see a doctor.
Of course, you can change the chairs one by one to get a more comfortable chair. But it turns out that this is not a problem. Although you should have a comfortable office chair to work anyway, it is best to get up every two hours and do some light physical activity for yourself: bend over, bend over and change the position of your lower back.
Pillows or rollers placed under the back work according to a similar principle:
We sat as usual and put a pillow. We stayed in this position for a while-they removed it again-the neurologist suggested. -This kind of lumbar support is also very useful. You can change the tilt angle of the monitor, including moving it slightly to the right or left. Therefore, the load will change-whether it is in the lower back, chest area or neck.
If you need relief now, the doctor drew attention to the following facts: Only dry heat should be used to treat back pain:
In this case, you should not go for a hot bath under any circumstances. But electricity and salt heating pads (in the form of bags made by my grandmother in the past) helped a lot. Various applicators can also be used. These are carpets with needles: if you lie on it, the muscle tension will disappear.
For this reason, the doctor recommends connecting a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and using topical anti-inflammatory ointments:
If you do all this and the pain disappears within 3-4 days, then there is no problem, someone might say. If the pain does not go away, there are no more options: you definitely need to see a doctor.