How to properly focus on low back pain?
Everyone has low back pain, so please don’t worry too much. Low back pain can be scary, but even severe low back pain usually resolves on its own within a few weeks, rarely requiring emergency treatment or surgery.
If you have low back pain in the following situations, seek medical attention:
●Recent fall or back injury
● Numbness or weakness in the legs
● Problems with bladder control
Unexplained weight loss
• Fever or other discomfort
• Frequent use of steroids, such as prednisone
Diabetes or diseases or medications that reduce immunity
span>
●History of cancer or osteoporosis
if any of the following If you have any symptoms, please also see a doctor:
Low back pain is too severe to handle simple tasks
No improvement in low back pain within 4 weeks
p>
Back compositionincludes:
Intervertebral Disc – Tough, disc-like tissue that adds cushioning to adjacent vertebrae and enables movement of the spine.
Spinal cord and nerves – The spinal cord is the nerve “highway” that connects the brain to the rest of the body and is located in the In the spinal canal, it runs through the entire vertebrae. The spinal cord gives off nerve branches that run between the vertebrae, where they connect to the arms, legs, and organs. So back problems can also lead to leg pain or problems with bowel and bladder control.
Muscles, tendons and ligaments – collectively referred to as the back “soft tissues” that support the back and keep it intact configuration.
What are the causes of low back pain?
There are many etiologies, and most of the time it is not clear.
Muscle strains can cause low back pain, often caused by excessive force on the waist, such as lifting heavy objects or bending over. Sudden pain after physical activity.
Causes also include:
Damaged, bulged or torn discs
spine Arthritis
Bone growth of vertebra causing compression of adjacent nerves
vertebral displacement
Spinal stenosis
Tumor or infection, but rare
Are imaging studies required?
Most patients do not require imaging studies such as plain X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Low back pain usually disappears within a few weeks. Imaging studies are usually not ordered if there are no abnormalities.
The doctor’s consultation and physical examination can also provide insight into the condition, so there is no need to worry about not scheduling imaging tests.
How can healthcare workers identify a problem just by asking?
Health care workers can learn a lot of etiological information through symptoms, such as:
●If you have low back pain after lifting heavy objects or twisting your waist, it may be a muscle strain.
If the pain spreads down the back of one thigh, it suggests a bulging or torn intervertebral disc Press the nerves leading to the legs.
●Pain that spreads across both legs indicates spinal stenosis, most often caused by bony hyperplasia of the spine.
How is low back pain treated?
Most patients with low back pain do not have serious medical problems, and the following simple measures can be tried:
●Keep moving–Being active can help with low back pain relief, so it’s best to do as much activity as possible. In severe cases, 1-2 days of rest may be required, but walking and activities must be resumed as soon as possible. Although you should not lift heavy objects and participate in sports when you have low back pain, you should try to engage in daily activities as much as possible.
Hot compresses– can sometimes help relieve pain, but the temperature should not be too high , to avoid burns.
Medication – You can try over-the-counter pain relievers first. Doctors often recommend trying nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs first, such as ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Merrill) and naproxen (brand name: Aleve), which may be more effective than acetaminophen (brand name: Aleve). : Tylenol).
If over-the-counter medicines do not work, please inform your healthcare provider. Doctors sometimes prescribe muscle relaxants. However, older adults can cause side effects such as difficulty urinating or confusion, so it is usually not used in people over 65.
Symptomatic treatment – some treatments may temporarily relieve symptoms, such as:
< p>
• Spinal manipulation – by professionals such as physical therapists or chiropractors to move or “comb” back joints, if you want to try it, please consult your doctor first personnel.
• Acupuncture Treatment – Acupuncture is performed by a TCM physician to block pain signals.
• Massage.
Although low back pain usually disappears within a few weeks, it sometimes lasts for a long time. Treatment:
●Self-Treatment – Asks you to recognize your pain. While you should rest as needed, be sure to move as much as possible. Warm compresses and gentle stretching can also relieve pain.
Physical therapy – a physical therapist will teach you how to strengthen your muscles through stretching and activities, which can also relieve pain and help restore normal activities.
You can try walking, swimming or riding an exercise bike. Tai Chi and yoga may also relieve low back pain. activities to help you persevere.
Stress Reduction – Some people find “mindfulness stress reduction” useful meditation. If you feel anxious or depressed, tell your healthcare provider and they will deal with it accordingly.
Some people wonder if injectables can relieve low back pain. Doctors may sometimes recommend injections to numb the painful area or reduce swelling, but only in select cases.
Low back pain rarely requires surgery.
How to prevent low back pain recurrence?
The best way is to move as much as possible, and exercises that strengthen and stretch your lower back are beneficial.
You can also try:
●Learn to lift with your legs instead of your back
●Avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position
Low back pain can be frustrating and worrying, but the above measures can reduce risk of recurrence, so there is no need to worry too much.
References:
UpToDate .
Wonderful Review What kind of muscle soreness do you belong to? Determine the type of pain to find a way to relieve it!
If you have such shoes at home, it is recommended to throw them away immediately! ! !
Popular Science|What to do with stiff neck, Chinese medicine teaches you some tricks
▼For more wonderful recommendations, please follow us▼