Back Pain: Main Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Patients belonging to different age categories have to deal with unpleasant pain in the back. As a rule, discomfort in the body is a manifestation of serious diseases or the result of severe muscle tension. In most cases, the pathology is caused by structural changes in the joints of the vertebral body, in the soft tissues or in the nerve endings. The pain symptom is also the result of improper functioning of the internal organs.

back pain etiology

back exam for pain

By localizing the pain in the dorsal part of the body, it is possible to determine the nature of the violation in the work of the body. With affected bone tissue and the development of an intervertebral hernia, as well as with damage to the abdominal organs, discomfort appears in the lower part. If back pain is noted in the upper zone, this is a sign of aortic diseases, inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs, and the formation of tumors in the chest. Unpleasant sensations on the entire surface of the back, accompanied by fever, nausea, indigestion, require immediate medical attention, as they indicate serious health problems.

The main causes of back pain are associated with such diseases:

  • osteomyelitis affecting the bone marrow;
  • oncological neoplasms;
  • the appearance of hernias in intervertebral hernias;
  • scoliosis;
  • cartilage damage;
  • fibromyalgia

Very often, back pain is not associated with a change in the structure of the spine. In this case, pelvic bleeding or compression of the nerve endings in the sternum may be observed. Discomfort between the shoulder blades may be associated with peptic ulcers or arthritis. Pain radiating simultaneously to both sides is the first sign of appendicitis. Unpleasant sensations may appear after prolonged exposure to low temperatures, with repeated lifting of heavy objects, severe coughing or being in an uncomfortable position. Back pain often occurs after bone fractures, regardless of their location.

Features of the treatment of back pain

In case of unbearable pain, first aid measures are provided to patients. To do this, you can put a cold compress on the problem area, take painkillers and exclude physical activity. In the process of treating back pain, chondroprotectors are actively used today. Its injectable form guarantees the maximum bioavailability and speed of action of the drug, which slows down the destruction of cartilage tissues and relieves inflammation. The course of treatment may include:

  • hot ointments;
  • drugs that eliminate spasms of tissues;
  • physiotherapy procedures;
  • therapeutic massages;
  • acupuncture.

If necessary, the use of a special corset is prescribed, which reduces the load on the lower back and spine. In some cases, surgical interventions involving the installation of intervertebral prostheses are performed.