What about working out if your back hurts?

Today, many people lead a sedentary lifestyle. Office work, long subway or bus rides and sitting on the couch with the next TV series – all this is not good for the body, and in particular for the back. Lack of activity and constant sitting lead to discomfort and even pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Together with the neurologist of the European Medical Center Konstantin Makhinov we tell you what can cause back pain, how to ease the load on it and whether it is possible to do sports in this case.

Konstantin Makhinov

neurologist

Tells about the features and causes of pain.

What can cause back pain?

The causes of back pain can be divided into two large groups. In the first case, the development of symptoms is caused by diseases (oncological process, infection, rheumatologic diseases, etc.). In the other – the source of pain becomes the musculoskeletal apparatus, that is, ligaments, muscles, joints. It often happens that a person makes an awkward movement in everyday life, incorrectly distributing the load, there is an acute pain syndrome that limits mobility, which forces you to consult a doctor. The specialist, if necessary, prescribes various types of examinations: MRI, X-ray, tests.

In addition, the cause of the development of pain can be mechanical factors. We often do not pay attention to the fact that every day we sit incorrectly, “crooked”. This provokes the pain syndrome and worsens the state of health and quality of life. Asymmetrical load on the spine for a month or more can lead to exacerbation of unpleasant sensations. People are often surprised: it seems that nothing hurt – and suddenly it began. If you sit for a long time in curled, incorrect postures – for example, hunched over a laptop – any sharp turn or bend can be the last straw, which will lead to pain.

However, in most cases, with proper treatment, the pain goes away completely. The exception is 5-10% of cases when it becomes chronic. In this case, the patient will work with several specialists from different fields, for example, osteopath, neurologist and surgeon.

How to reduce the load on the back?

In most cases, pain is caused by repetitive uncomfortable positions in the workplace. Therefore, the first thing to do is to optimize this very workplace. The chair should be comfortable, so that you do not get tired and do not start to hunch over. It is also necessary to maintain an even load on both sides of the spine. Therefore, the computer should stand so that you do not have to sit half-turned or bend to it.

Particular attention to this should be paid to people with a high height – they may not fit the standard height of the table or chair. And it is recommended to put the monitor not above the eye line.

It is also worth focusing on the pain syndrome itself. In this case, it acts as our ally – it is worth avoiding positions that increase pain.

How to get rid of back pain?

If you go to a specialist with acute pain, you are likely to be prescribed medications that will reduce inflammation, accelerate recovery and return to the usual way of life. You will also likely be advised to avoid exertion that increases pain during the acute period and to pay attention to your posture. As the course of treatment passes, physical activity will gradually increase. But each case requires an individual approach. For example, sometimes people buy inexpensive orthopedic pillows, and they not only do not help to cope with pain, but also worsen the condition. And other patients with more budget analogs sleep well and do not notice any exacerbations.

It is important to remember the balance, because excessive and incorrect (without the supervision of a trainer or physical therapist) loads can also lead to increased pain. In general, five-minute exercises with standard warm-up maneuvers (stretching, bending over) during prolonged sitting can reduce the development of unpleasant syndromes.

Can you exercise if your back hurts?

The expert does not strictly recommend exercising. With pain, you should limit any physical activity, so that the recovery process takes place as soon as possible. Understand when you can start sports again, the attending physician will help. He will tell you which exercises will not harm your back. It is better to take your time when it comes to your health, as rest and relaxation are more beneficial than exercise in the gym.