Neurologist Explains How to Ease Back Pain

If your morning starts not with a cheerful rise but with cautious movements, you«re probably intimately familiar with back pain. When every step, every turn, every bend brings discomfort, it»s hard to enjoy life«s pleasures. Millions of people worldwide struggle with this problem daily, which hinders work, rest, and simply living a full life. Specialist neurologist from Euromed Natalia Alexandrovna Kuchinskaya will explain what causes back pain and suggest ways to solve this problem.

— Natalia Alexandrovna, right to the main question: why do so many people suffer from back pain?

— The causes are varied. Often, back pain occurs after physical exertion, especially if it was excessive or unusual, after an awkward movement, or prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position. We must not forget factors such as lifting heavy objects, injuries. But the most common cause of discomfort is nonspecific back pain — this is pain that is not associated with a specific disease or structural damage to the spine, but is due to problems in the muscles, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues of the back. It is benign in nature. The approach to diagnosis and treatment is always individual, so it«s important to see a specialist to determine the exact cause.

— If the problem is so common, does it mean there«s nothing serious and it can be left untreated?

— Of course not! You should not endure discomfort, even if the pain is mild and episodic. There are so-called «red flags» — danger symptoms, which include:

• pelvic disorders (problems with defecation, urination, sexual dysfunction);

• recent spinal injury, especially in the elderly with a history of osteoporosis;

• weakness in a limb, changes in reflexes;

• elevated body temperature;

• a history of substance abuse;

• presence of HIV, immunosuppressive therapy;

• a history of oncological diseases (often malignant neoplasms of the prostate);

• first appearance of pain at age over 55 or under 18;

• night pain, steadily progressing;

• lack of effect from proper treatment.

If these symptoms are present, it is especially important to see a doctor and undergo examination. Ignoring them can lead to worsening of the condition and the appearance of complications.

If you have back pain, it is primarily recommended to visit a neurologist for an examination. If necessary and with indications, the doctor will prescribe additional tests — X-ray, MRI, or others.

— In terms of location, lower back pain is most common. Why?

— The vertebrae in the lumbar region are larger and more massive than in other sections to better handle the load. However, the intervertebral discs in this area are subject to the greatest wear. They act as shock absorbers and over time, under constant loads, can lose their elasticity, flatten, leading to compression of nerve roots and, consequently, pain. Moreover, the lumbar region is at the bottom of the spine and serves as a kind of «bridge» between the upper body and the pelvis. It is here that the weight of the entire body is transferred to the lower limbs. This section is forced to constantly withstand significant axial pressure, especially when walking, running, bending, and lifting heavy objects.

— Of course, we must ask about treatment. Tell us how doctors can help with back pain.

— For acute and subacute nonspecific back pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for a short course. If there is muscle tension, muscle relaxants may be prescribed. In the treatment of chronic nonspecific back pain, antidepressants are used (selected individually considering contraindications). Physical therapy is recommended, preferably individually with an instructor. If it«s about more serious diseases, surgical treatment of spinal diseases may be indicated.

Natalia Alexandrovna Kuchinskaya sees patients at Euromed in the building on Kosmichesky Prospekt, 18d and at the Central Diagnostic Laboratory on 21st Amurskaya Street. Schedule and appointment are available via link.

The codes for the medical services mentioned in this article are indicated in the price list on the official website of LLC «MTSM Euromed». License L041-00110-55/00573852 dated 12 August 2020.