The most discomfort – it's easy, short, pain in the lumbar region that there is no pathological basis and is called the common muscle strain. We are interested in the case when the reason lies in the fact that the spine.
7 disturbing symptoms
1. The pain doesn't go away
Usually pain in the back disappears after a short rest or take pain relievers. If within one month there is no improvement, the pain interferes with normal daily activities, you should see the doctor.
2. Pain spreading to the arm or leg
If in addition to the back pain goes on every limb, a sign of irritation of the spine, spinal cord, or even the presence of a herniated disc.
"This symptom does not indicate a severe lesion of the intervertebral disc, but you still need to consult a neurologist: there are many non-surgical methods of treatment. Can help, massage, physiotherapy, manual therapy, exercises to strengthen the muscle corset, stretching, therapeutic blockade or the introduction of a special flexible 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 the arm or leg
"Long time passing numbness in the extremities (sensation, numbness, tingling, needles) is all about the permanent damage to the nerve. 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
The pain at night, or a moment of relaxation – alarm signal. If you note morning stiffness, symptoms can also be a systemic inflammatory disease – ankylosing spondylitis. In this situation you want to consult a neurologist or a rheumatologist selecting your specific therapy.
5. The appearance of persistent pain in older age (I'll be considerate to my parents!)
The woman older than 50 years increases the osteoporosis (increased bone fragility). Even minor injuries can lead to various fractures, two thirds of which are localized in the spine (often in the thoracic, lumbar spine).
"Just a consultation, x-ray examination will help in identifying the vertebral fracture incidence, as well as prescribe the appropriate treatment. We must not forget that in this case, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is most often performed in patients with back pain, it's not informative, because it does not allow to properly assess the condition of bony structures".
6. Pain, fever, or weight loss
"Dangerous symptoms – weight reduction without any diet or increasing temperature, the background of the back pain. Possible current infection, tumor of the spinal cord or the vertebrae. This requires the attention of a doctor, the delay in such cases is unacceptable".
7. Back to the pain that she can't control bowel movements or bladder
"A sure sign of spinal cord injury, incontinence, or numbness in the groin area. These symptoms can't be ignored: they point to a syndrome of compression of horse tail cone – end of the spinal cord, roots," – says the expert.
If these symptoms have arisen, acute, call an ambulance: for best results, surgical treatment can be achieved in the first 48 hours.
Tumor or infection incidence in the last place in the list of "Why my back hurts", but this is the case when the usual ignoring the signals the body is unacceptable tactic.