Back pain: main causes, symptoms and treatments

Patients belonging to different age categories face unpleasant back pain. As a rule, discomfort in the body is a manifestation of serious diseases or a consequence of strong muscle strain. In most cases, pathology occurs due to structural changes in the joints of the vertebral body, in soft tissues or nerve endings. The symptom of pain is also the result of improper functioning of internal organs.

Etiology of back pain

back examination for pain

By localizing the pain in the dorsal part of the body, it is possible to determine the nature of the injury in the work of the body. In the case of affected bone tissue and the development of an intervertebral hernia, as well as in the case of damage to the abdominal organs, discomfort occurs in the lower part. If the back pain is noticed in the upper zone, it is a sign of disease of the aorta, inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs and tumor formation in the chest. Unpleasant sensations on the entire surface of the back, which are accompanied by fever, nausea, and indigestion, require immediate medical attention, as they indicate serious health problems.

The main causes of back pain are associated with the following diseases:

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

Very often, back pain is not related to a change in the structure of the spine. In this case, bleeding in the pelvis or compression of the nerve endings in the sternum can be observed. Discomfort between the shoulder blades may be associated with peptic ulcer disease or arthritis. Pain that radiates simultaneously on both sides is the first sign of appendicitis. Unpleasant sensations can appear after prolonged exposure to low temperatures, with constant lifting of heavy objects, strong coughing or staying in an uncomfortable position. Back pain often occurs after bone fractures, regardless of their location.

Characteristics of back pain treatment

In case of unbearable pain, patients are provided with first aid measures. To do this, you can put a cold compress on the problem area, take painkillers and exclude physical activity. Today, chondroprotectors are actively used in the treatment of back pain. Their injectable form guarantees maximum bioavailability and speed of drug action, which stops the destruction of cartilage tissue and relieves inflammation. The course of treatment may include:

  • heating grease;
  • drugs that remove tissue spasms;
  • physiotherapy procedures;
  • therapeutic massages;
  • acupuncture.

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