If we turn to the anatomy of the posterior part of the trunk, it should be noted that there are 256 muscles, 150 ligaments, and 33 vertebrae. And almost every one of these anatomical structures can theoretically be a source of back pain.
If we take all backache cases as 100%, then only in 10% of them the cause of pain is the spine itself. The remaining 90% of the causes are the muscular-ligamentous apparatus.
It has been proven that only 10% of back pain cases are caused by the spine and its joints, intervertebral discs. In the remaining 90% of cases, the cause of pain changes in the muscular-ligamentous apparatus.
Risk factors:
- Uncomfortable working position
- Heavy physical activity
- Injury
- Cooling, drafts
- Alcohol abuse
- Depression and stress
- Occupational diseases associated with exposure to high temperatures (in particular, in hot workshops), radiation energy, sudden temperature fluctuations, vibration
Of all these factors, it is necessary to single out an uncomfortable working posture, incorrect posture in a sitting or standing position. This factor has recently become relevant due to the increasing finding of a person in an inactive state, sitting at a TV, computer, laptop, telephone. And, as a rule, a person does not notice how long and most importantly he is sitting incorrectly. This creates the prerequisites for excessive tension of some muscles and ligaments and, conversely, excessive relaxation, stretching of others. This leads to the appearance of so-called trigger points, the irritation of which leads to the appearance of pain. This phenomenon is called myofascial syndrome.
Heavy physical exertion, especially sudden, abrupt, can lead to both reflex muscle spasms, and, consequently, pain, and can cause sprains, muscles, instability of the spinal motion segment.
Trauma is often the cause of acute back pain that occurs immediately after the injury. It is necessary to exclude in these cases both vertebral fractures and their listhesis (displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other in different planes).
Hypothermia is often the cause of more superficial pain (called neuromyositis).
Alcohol abuse is a risk factor for back pain due to poor coordination, less criticism, and an increased risk of drunken injury.
Depression and stressors cause chronic back pain and also predispose to chronic acute pain.
It should be noted that, of course, not only the conditions listed above can be the cause of back pain. There are a number of other reasons:
- Diseases of internal organs (diseases of the heart, lungs)
- Diseases of the stomach and intestines, pelvic organs
- Diseases of the rectum
- Spine tumors
- Bekhterev’s disease
There are so-called “red flags” – “symptoms of threat” of back pain:
- the onset of persistent back pain before the age of 15 and after 50 years;
- non-mechanical nature of pain (pain does not decrease at rest, in the supine position, in certain positions);
- connection of pain with trauma;
- gradual increase in pain;
- history of oncology;
- occurrence of pain against the background of fever, weight loss;
- complaints of prolonged stiffness in the morning;
- symptoms of spinal cord injury (paralysis, pelvic disorders, sensory disorders);
- changes in urine and blood tests.
If at least one or several of them are identified, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, since these symptoms can be with rather serious diseases, the treatment of which should begin on time and be adequate.
In any case, if you experience back pain, especially after resting, taking medications, you should consult a doctor, first of all, the therapist, who, having analyzed the situation, can refer to the necessary narrow specialist and prescribe the necessary additional research methods.
