The most unpleasant sensations – light and short pain in the lumbar region, which have no pathological basis and is called the ordinary muscle strain. We are interested in cases, when the reason lies in the spine.
7 disturbing symptoms
1. The pain does not go away
Usually back pain goes away after a short rest, or taking pain medication. If in one month no improvement, the pain interfere with your normal daily activities, it is necessary to go to the doctor.
2. Pain spreading to the arm or leg
If in addition to the pain in the back, goes for all the ud is a sign of irritation of the spine the spinal cord or even the presence of a herniated disc.
"This symptom may not indicate serious damage to the intervertebral disc, but still need to consult a neurologist: there are many non-surgical methods of treatment. Can help massage, physiotherapy, manual therapy, exercises to strengthen the muscles of the corset, stretching, therapeutic blockade or the introduction of a special elastic adhesive. Tactics can be chosen individually. You can expect a positive outcome if timely treatment for the qualified medical aid".
3. The appearance of numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg
"Long time passing numbness in the extremities (sensation, numbness, tingling, pins), that would be about the persistent damage to the nerve fibres. Decreased muscle tone in the lower extremities or the occurrence of lameness is also a terrible symptom of the violation of motor functions", – said the expert.
4. Pain at night
Increased pain at night or at the time of release – an alarming sign. If you also note morning stiffness can be a symptom of systemic inflammatory disease – ankylosing spondylitis. In this case, you want to consult with a neurologist or rheumatologist and the selection of a particular therapy.
5. The emergence of persistent pain in old age (pay attention to their parents!)
In women older than 50 years increases the risk for osteoporosis (increased brittleness of the bones). Even minor damage can lead to various fractures, two thirds of which are localized in the spine (often in the thoracic and lumbar part of the spine).
"Only a consultation and x-ray examination help to identify fractures of the vertebrae and prescribe the appropriate treatment. We must remember that in this case magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is most commonly performed in patients with pain in the back, not informative, since it does not allow to adequately assess the status of bone structures".
6. Pain accompanied by fever or weight loss
"Dangerous symptoms – reducing weight, without any diet or increasing temperature on the background of the back pain. Possible current infection, tumor of the spinal cord or vertebrae. This requires attention of the doctor, and delay in such cases is unacceptable".
7. Pain in the back and inability to control bowel movements or bladder
"Another reliable sign of a spinal cord injury is urinary incontinence or numbness in the groin area. These symptoms should not be ignored: warn that the syndrome of compression of horse tail cone – end of the spinal cord and the roots," says the expert.
If these symptoms occur acutely, have to call an ambulance: the best result of the surgical treatment is achieved in the first 48 hours.
Tumor or infection on the prevalence of occupy last place in the list of "Why my back hurts", but this is the case, when usually ignoring the signals that our body is an unacceptable tactic.