The main causes of back pain include spinal problems, inflammation of the sciatic nerve or kidney stones, and to differentiate the cause the characteristic of the pain and the area of the back that is affected should be observed. Most of the time, back pain is of muscle origin and is caused by fatigue, weightlifting or poor posture, and can be solved with simple measures such as hot compresses and stretches.
However, if the pain occurs suddenly, if it is very severe, or if other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty moving, are associated, it is advisable to see your doctor for tests and to indicate the necessary treatment.
- When you have back pain on your right or left side.
- This usually indicates muscle damage.
- Which can occur after physical activity or as a result of a professional activity.
- Such as gardeners or dentists.
- For example.
- This type of pain usually occurs in the form of weight and can be quite uncomfortable.
How to relieve back pain due to muscle damage, you can place a hot compress in the area for 15 minutes, twice a day for at least 3 to 4 days and apply an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as Cataflam or Traumeel, for example. Also, during this time, it’s important to avoid trying too hard to relieve symptoms of the injury more quickly.
Respiratory diseases can also cause back pain, especially during breathing, because all the muscles in the abdomen and back are mobilized in the respiratory process.
How to relieve: It is recommended to see a pneumologist or family doctor to treat respiratory diseases, especially in case of symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, mucus or fever. However, it may also be advisable to place a hot compress in the area where the pain is felt to relieve symptoms.
Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of a lung infection
The presence of kidney stones, also called kidney stones, can also cause back pain. Pain caused by the presence of stones is known as renal colic and is characterized by very severe pain in the lower back that prevents the person from walking or moving. Learn about the other symptoms of kidney stones.
How to relieve: In these cases it is important to go to the emergency department for tests to identify the calculation and its size and, thus, start the appropriate treatment, which can be with the use of drugs that favor the breakage. and promote the removal of stones, in addition to anti-inflammatory to relieve symptoms, or perform a small surgical procedure to eliminate the calculation.
Sciatica is characterized by back pain that radiates to the legs and is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which is located in the final region of the spine or buttocks, causing stabbing pain with tingling or difficulty sitting or walking.
How to relieve: What is recommended in these cases is to look for an orthopedist to order tests, such as MRI, and indicate the best treatment, which can be done with medication and physiotherapy.
If you think you have an affected sciatic nerve, answer the following questions:
One sign of a heart attack is back pain with tightness in the chest that worsens with stress, as well as a feeling of discomfort or discomfort, especially if the person is overweight and has high blood pressure or cholesterol.
What to do: In case of signs and symptoms indicating a heart attack, it is recommended to call medical care as soon as possible through number 192 so that first aid can be provided and the consequences are avoided.
A herniated disk can cause pain in the middle of the back that worsens when standing or remaining in the same position for a long time, being more common in people over 45 years of age. This pain can also radiate to the sides, ribs, or buttocks, affecting the buttocks or legs.
What to do: A hot compress can be placed on your back and avoid staying in the same position for a long time. In addition, it is also recommended to visit the orthopedist to ask for an X-ray or MRI to indicate the best treatment, which may include physical therapy.
Muscle contracture can occur due to fatigue, excessive physical activity, anxiety or poor posture when sitting, for example, which can cause upper back pain and, in some cases, torticollis.
What to do: Stretching exercises are a great help to stretch your muscles and feel more relaxed. Staying in a comfortable position and slowly turning your head in all directions can help relax your upper muscles.
Back pain during pregnancy is also common, especially in the last months of pregnancy due to an overload of the spine.
What to do: To relieve back pain during pregnancy, massages, stretching and, in some cases, physical therapy are recommended. Learn how to relieve back pain during pregnancy.
It is advisable to consult a family doctor when your back pain is very severe, occurs suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea or shortness of breath. This way, your doctor may order tests to identify the cause, so you can start the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, or surgery to treat spinal problems, such as a herniated disk, for example.
During your appointment, it’s important to tell your doctor about the characteristics of your pain, specifying when it’s coming, whether it hurts all the time, or just when you make a move, and also what you’ve done to try to relieve the pain. It may be helpful to tell your doctor if you are sedentary and what your job is. By knowing these details, your doctor can make the diagnosis more quickly and indicate the best treatment.
What you can do to relieve back pain at home, before your doctor’s appointment, includes:
In addition, it is important to follow certain tips, such as taking good posture on a daily basis to protect the spine and regularly practicing physical exercises, such as strength training, which is a good exercise to improve posture, reduce pain.
See more tips for relieving back pain in the video below: