BackPainSources

The way you feel the shoes can influence the way you step or the position of the whole body and implicitly of the spine. There are many people who complain of back pain, without imagining that this problem is caused by something as simple as wearing shoes every day.

Without any intention of discrimination, we must recognize that most of the people who choose to wear inappropriate shoes for the sake of trends and fashion are the most women. The offer of footwear is diversified on both sides.

But if in the case of men, apart from preferences and lack of inspiration in choosing the right pair, the risks are much diminished, for women we can find an impressive list of negative aspects, which can bring a lot of suffering, both during a days, as well as long-term.

Choosing the wrong pair of shoes can have the following negative effects:

• the discomfort of always swollen feet
• can cause blisters and painful corns
• the risk of having capillaries and broken blood vessels, even varicose veins
• pain in the fingers, joints, heels, hips, spine
• bone deformation, appearance and accentuation of mounts
• may worsen the health of diabetics
• promotes the appearance of fungal infections and dermatitis of the feet
• can lead to deformity of the pelvic bones and a troubled birth
• change gait
• ensures instability and discomfort throughout the day of activity
• contributes to the risk of injuries, sprains, dislocations, torn ligaments

 

CONTENT:

1. High-heeled shoes
2. Very low heeled shoes
3. How to choose shoes

 

 

High-heeled shoes

High-heeled shoes can be a problem for both women and men. Many women who wear high heels complain of foot pain with bone deformity at this level. Over time, the vicious position leads to pain in the spine.

It is true that heeled shoes give a special elegance to the foot, but over time, this can have repercussions on health.

In other words, it’s not worth following the famous saying that grandma suffers from beauty. Any heel over 5 cm leads to walking with an arched back and slightly bent knees.

This causes the quadriceps muscle to contract excessively due to unnatural gait. All these changes in the muscles and joints of the limbs will eventually affect the spine.

 

Very low heeled shoes

It is true that heels should be avoided as much as possible. This does not mean that you have to switch to shoes with very low soles.

At the moment it is a real adventure to find the right pair of shoes. Very thin-soled shoes do not provide the necessary support for the foot. In other words, every step will be a chore.

Through the thin sole you will feel every unevenness, so that the gait can change, together with the general posture and the position of the spine.

People who often wear shoes with very thin soles will eventually be affected, in the sense of pelvic and spine pain. They will also have serious problems with the knee joint.

 

How to choose shoes

Specialists in the field recommend footwear that does not adversely affect the tone and muscles of both the foot and the whole body. The foot is an elastic structure, and the vicious gait caused by poor quality shoes can later lead to deformities, both at this level and at the level of the spine.

There are shoes with orthopedic soles (outer and inner) that offer all the comfort you need, especially for very active people.

The measure should be chosen carefully, because a shoe that tightens can quickly lead to damage to the local vascularity, toe deformation and incorrect gait.

If you have difficulty choosing the right shoe and are already experiencing the devastating effects of uncomfortable footwear (back or leg pain, bone deformities), we recommend that you consider a visit to the podiatrist.

In time, wearing special shoes with the right size and curvature will help you get rid of the unpleasant back pain.

 

Whether we are talking about the height, the type of sole, the size or the material from which a pair of shoes is made, in choosing the most suitable variant we must take into account a few aspects:

• product quality
• to be the right size
• personal design and model preferences
• the type of activity you do
• the place where you wear them
• always feel comfortable.

In addition to the pain that the incorrect back position can triggers, you should know that the most serious problem is the damage to the spine that diminishes the quality of life.

If you keep your back arched during meals, at the office, when you read and even when you sleep, you most likely have this habit while walking and this not only causes you back pain every day, but also steals your height.

If you are among the employees who work only in an office, in front of a computer, then most likely you are hunched over frequently, sometimes and without realizing it. And this bad posture can lead to changes that can cause problems.

For example, the muscles in the upper back weaken because you use them less than you should (standing bent), and over time, signs of a hump may even appear – the spine bends and the shoulders pull toward the back. face of the torso. These changes can cause pain in the neck, middle and even arms and legs.

 

CONTENT:

1. How do we correct the back position?
2. Other tips

 

 

How do we correct the back position?

The simplest and fastest way to correct your back posture is to use orthoses for your spine. These are external devices made of special materials that are applied to the back with the role of correcting where needed. The orthoses not only rest the affected segment but also support it and give it healing time.

Orthoses also help the body to prevent injuries or trauma to the spine, and for the correct choice of them it is important to take into account several aspects, such as the recommendation of a specialist, choosing an orthosis with adequate support for your problem and respect the duration. its ideal for effective healing.

Another way we can correct our back posture is to keep it straight throughout the day. And the sleeping position is important, sleep is very important for a general state of good health so try to sleep on one side with your knees bent and not on your stomach.

You can also use stretching and stretching, which are important for maintaining good back and neck health. Their flexibility helps maintain the health of the spine. Any movement time is important so in addition to stretching you can also practice aerobics. If you are overweight it is important to lose extra pounds, so it is important to be active.

Last but not least, get hydrated. Hydration is also important for maintaining the elasticity of soft tissues but also for maintaining the size of the intervertebral discs, because dehydration can cause them to change.

 

Other tips

To reinforce the positive effects of these exercises, you can also consider the following recommendations:

• try to think more often about your posture and straighten every time you realize that you are sitting up
• get up from the office a few times. during the work day and take a few steps around the area
• when you go to the gym or exercise at home, make sure you also do leg, chest and back exercises (if you don’t exercise regularly you should start) .

The monitor should be placed at arm’s length in front of you, your forearms and arms should be at a 90-degree angle when you type, and your legs should be at a 90-degree angle when you sit in a chair.

Keep your shoulders back, your chest forward and your head as straight as possible.

Back exercises are essential for maintaining a healthy back and a straight spine. If you have no experience or are accustomed to sustained physical exertion, it is important to start with light exercise and a low number of repetitions.

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, found in all countries and a common cause for which we go to the doctor.

Among the factors that favor their appearance are: sedentary lifestyle, office work (often in an incorrect posture), driving for a long time, forcing the back muscles by lifting weights, obesity, stress and even anxiety.

Pain can occur in any region of the back, but the most common back pain occurs in the lower back, as it supports the weight of the upper body.

Before any workout, no matter how light or strenuous it may be, it is mandatory to warm up. Warming up the muscles is not a fad, but a necessity.

It is the one that protects us from accidents and prepares our body to enter the state of training. The internet is full of warm-up videos, so you can’t say you don’t know what to do and how to do it.

 

CONTENT:

1. When to seek medical advice?
2. Plank
3. Bottom Bridge
4. Lumbar Extension
5. “Superman” Exercise
6. “Cat” exercise

 

 

 

There are situations in which you need to see a doctor immediately, for example in case of acute pain (after trauma or falls), if the pain is persistent and does not improve after a while or when changing position, or if the pain causes numbness or tingling in the legs.

 

Plank

Is one of the best exercises, but also quite demanding. Facing the floor, lean on your forearms and toes and hold your position for 60 seconds.

The back should not be arched, the pelvis should not be too close to the ground, and the abdominal muscles should be stretched so that you can keep your hips in line with your shoulders. The body should form a straight line. As your muscular endurance increases, you will be able to do this exercise for a longer time.

 

Bottom Bridge

Lie on your back, then with your heels on the floor bend your knees and raise your hips as high as you can, while contracting your gluteal muscles.

Hold the position for 5 seconds and return to the floor, repeating this exercise 15-20 times.

 

Lumbar Extension

Lie on your face on the floor, then raise your arms and legs at the same time, arching your back. Perform 10 exercises like this, take a break, then a few more sets.

 

“Superman” Exercise

Sit on all fours with your palms pressed to the floor, then lift your right leg and left arm, supporting your other limbs. Hold the position for 5 seconds, then repeat the movement with the other arm and leg. Make 10 sets of this kind.

 

“Cat” exercise

This is one of the best exercises for the back muscles, especially for the lumbar muscles. Sit on your knees with your palms pressed to the floor, then slowly bend your back, while bending your head toward your chest.

Hold the position for 3-5 seconds and return to the starting position. Make 10 sets.

 

If the exercises described above seem too difficult, there are still some steps you can take to prevent back pain, such as: avoiding prolonged sitting in the chair, weight loss (obesity being a common cause of back pain), mandatory bending of the knees when lifting heavy weights and, last but not least, choosing a sleeping mattress that will not cause discomfort (ergonomic mattresses).

Make it a habit to perform these back exercises 3 times a week and you will notice that your back pain disappears and your muscles get stronger. Then maybe your will switch to workouts for the other muscle groups as well.

As you make sports a constant in your life, you will notice that your mood will be better and your body will be much more effective in fighting colds.

Depending on the diagnosis, lumbar surgery may be either the first treatment option, which happens in rare cases, or the alternative of choice in lumbar pain refractory to most medical treatments.

If you have constant pain or if the pain occurs frequently and interferes with sleep, work or other daily activities, then surgery may be needed in the spine.

Usually the results of lumbar surgery are more predictable in people with sciatic nerve damage, in those who suffer only from isolated low back pain, the effectiveness of the interventions is lower.

 

CONTENT:

1. Conditions that require surgical treatment
2. Surgical procedures

 

1. Conditions that require surgical treatment

Disc herniation

This is a condition in which the outer shell of the intervertebral disc, made up of concentric rings of connective tissue, is damaged, allowing the inner part of the disc – which has a gelatinous consistency – to protrude outward, compressing the surrounding nerves.

This causes sciatic pain, which radiates along the lower limb. Disc herniation is often also called intervertebral disc rupture.

 

Spinal stenosis

It is characterized by narrowing of the bone canal through which the spinal cord and spinal nerves pass. Spinal stenosis is usually caused by excessive bone development due to osteoarthritis of the spine.

Compression of the nerves in the case of spinal stenosis leads to low back pain, paresthesia in the lower limbs and loss of bladder and / or intestinal control. These patients may have difficulty walking any distance and severe lower limb pain.

 

Spondylolisthesis

A condition in which a vertebra slips from its place in the spine. As a result of attempts to stabilize the spine, the joints between the vertebrae that have changed position and the adjacent vertebrae enlarge, leading to compression of the spinal nerves at their exit through the intervertebral holes.

Spondylolisthesis causes both low back and lower limb pain along the sciatic nerve.

 

Vertebral fractures

Fractures caused by vertebral trauma or caused by osteoporotic collapse of the vertebral bodies. Vertebral fractures lead to low back pain and lower limb pain – by compressing the roots of the spinal nerves.

 

2. Surgical procedures

Here are some of the most commonly used surgical procedures:

In case of disc herniation:

Laminectomy / discectomy: in this operation, the dorsal portion of the affected vertebra and a ligament portion are removed in order to extract the herniated disc, in order to decompress the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves.

Microdiscectomy: As with discectomy, this procedure removes the herniated disc through an incision made in the back, with the amendment that the incision is much smaller and the doctor uses a special microscope to locate the herniated disc.

The fact that the incision is small decreases the size of the postoperative scar and the intensity of the post-intervention pain. It seems that the recovery period after the intervention is the same as in the case of classical discectomy.

Laser surgery: Technical advances in recent decades have made it possible to use lasers in herniated disc operations.

During these procedures, the surgeon inserts a needle into the disc and then releases a few laser pulses at that level to vaporize the tissue inside the disc. This reduces its volume and moves the pressure exerted by the disc on the surrounding nerves.

The decrease in pain intensity in the case of this intervention is not immediately noticed by the patient; Although it can return to daily activities after 3-5 days of surgery, the pain decreases in intensity only after a few weeks or months after surgery. There is currently some controversy in the medical world over the effectiveness of this type of intervention.

 

In the case of spinal stenosis:

Laminectomy: When the narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the roots of the spinal nerves with the appearance of pain or paresthesias, doctors resort to decompression of the spinal canal, resorting to a surgical procedure called laminectomy.

A wide incision is made, the purpose of which is to partially remove the ligaments and osteophytes that appeared as a result of osteoarthritis. The operation is laborious and requires hospitalization and physiotherapy sessions to regain the strength and mobility of the spine.

 

In the case of osteoporotic vertebral fractures:

Vertebroplasty: When low back pain is caused by a fracture caused by osteoporosis or trauma, doctors can make a small skin incision above the affected area, which injects a polymer called polymethacrylate into the fractured vertebra, which reduces pain and stabilizes the spine. The method is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

Kyphoplasty: Similar to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is used to reduce pain and stabilize the spine following osteoporotic fractures. Kyphoplasty is a two-step procedure. The doctor initially inserts a balloon-like device to restore the height and shape of the spine.

Subsequently, polymethacrylate is injected to repair the fractured vertebra. The procedure is under anesthesia and in some cases can be performed on an outpatient basis.

 

 

Low back pain and constipation may be symptoms of a single health condition or may indicate two unrelated conditions that occur at the same time.

Both symptoms are very common and rarely indicate a medical emergency when they occur on their own, unless they are severe and last for long periods of time.

However, if they are installed simultaneously, the person should consult a doctor as soon as possible for a medical check-up.

 

CONTENT:

1. Common causes
2. Common causes of back pain
3. Symptomatology management

 

Common causes

The most common examples of medical conditions that can cause constipation and back pain at the same time are:

• Intestinal Obstruction

This can occur for several reasons, such as the formation of a collection of hard stools that no longer move or compression on the intestine due to various causes, for example a tumor mass, preventing the stool from moving forward;

• Endometriosis

For people with endometriosis, the normal tissue of the uterus begins to develop elsewhere in the body. These include the fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, or bladder;

• Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia usually have an increased predisposition to generalized pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms;

•  Inflammatory bowel disease 

Is a group of medical conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. They have a great potential to cause inflammation in the intestine, resulting in diarrhea or constipation;

• Liver problems

Certain liver conditions, such as cancer, cirrhosis or hepatitis, can cause symptoms that include abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, itching and edema.

However, there are rare cases in which inflammation of the liver will put pressure on the nerves in the back region, causing pain at this level;

•  Pancreatic cancer 

Pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, various symptoms may be felt, including itching, back pain, abdominal pain, and digestive disorders;

• Peritonitis

Peritonitis occurs when the mucosa of the peritoneal cavity is affected by inflammation, infection or both. Symptoms may include constipation, fullness of the abdomen, fatigue and pain;

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections can include the kidneys, bladder and ureters. In addition to digestive symptoms, urinary tract infections, especially those of the kidneys, can cause back pain.

Women may experience both symptoms at the same time during pregnancy, as high levels of hormones can cause constipation, and an increase in the volume of the uterus can put extra pressure on the lumbar region.

Aging can also cause an increased incidence of back pain and constipation. As a person gets older, the vertebrae of the spine are affected and no longer effectively absorb shocks, thus contributing to back pain. Aging also affects intestinal peristalsis, causing constipation.

 

Common causes of back pain

According to researchers, about 80% of adults suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is usually an acute condition that can be caused by overuse or injury. However, some people may suffer from chronic back pain, lasting more than 12 weeks.

Among the most common causes of low back pain are:

• Disc herniation

The intervertebral discs that provide shock absorption at the level of the spine can come out, then pressing on the spinal nerves. This may be accompanied by pain and discomfort in the back;

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes a reduction in bone density, which significantly increases the risk of fractures, including the vertebrae;

• Scoliosis and other deformities of the spine

Changes in the curves of the spine may be accompanied by low back pain;

• Spinal stenosis

Is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows. The causes are usually injuries or the natural aging process. This narrowing can cause extra pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves, leading to pain and loss of sensitivity;

• Spinal tumors

Spinal tumors compress the spinal nerves, leading to pain and discomfort. However, this effect occurs quite rarely;

• Radiculopathy

It’s occurs when a nerve becomes compressed or inflamed. The most common associated symptoms are pain, tingling, and numbness in one or both sides of the body. Sciatica is a form of radiculopathy, compressing the sciatic muscle.

 

Symptomatology management

It is recommended that a visit to the doctor be performed as soon as constipation is associated with back pain. Also, a visit to the doctor should be performed if the low back pain is unexplained and constipation is common.

After thorough check-ups, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatments for the condition that is causing the unpleasant symptoms.

Some patients experience back pain after a long time standing. The pressure put on the back muscles, but also on the structures of the spine, is the one that most frequently causes the middle pain.

When we stand for many hours or walk for a long time, the pressure on the lumbar area is increased. Therefore, the back muscles are tense and thus spasms and pain appear.

 

CONTENT:

1. Causes
2. Treatment of low back pain caused by standing
3. Exercise that can prevent low back pain due to standing for longer periods

 

Causes

Low back pain that occurs as a result of standing is generally caused by the following conditions:

• Muscle tension
• Ligament stretch
• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated disc
• Other degenerative diseases of the spine

 

Treatment of low back pain caused by standing

In general, the pain goes away on its own after the person rests sitting on a chair or lying in bed for several tens of minutes. If back pain does not go away after rest, a number of remedies can be used, as well as drug treatment.

If you are also dealing with low back pain caused by standing for long periods of time, here is what you can do to improve it:

• Do some stretching exercises – stretch your lower back muscles to relax the area. Sit in a chair, then stand up slightly and stretch your arms as high as possible so that you lengthen your spine. If you repeat this exercise a few times, you will notice that the pain will improve.

 

• Cold / warm compresses – immediately after the pain starts, apply a cold compress on the lumbar area and let it work for about 20 minutes. Repeat the operation whenever you feel the need. Ice will stop the inflammatory process and also relieve pain. After 2 days, if the pain has not gone away, apply warm compresses to stimulate circulation in the area.

 

• Massage – whether we are talking about professional massage or amateur massage, the effects of massage in relieving low back pain cannot be disputed. By massaging the back, the blood circulation is stimulated and at the same time the muscles are relaxed, so that the pain is relieved. An anti-inflammatory ointment can also be used to enhance the effects of the massage.

 

• Drug treatment – muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory ointments, and oral anti-inflammatory drugs constitute the drug treatment aimed at relieving pain..

 

Exercise that can prevent low back pain due to standing for longer periods

Strengthening the back muscles through exercise reduces the risk of low back pain caused by increased standing pressure. Here are some exercises that strengthen the lumbar region:

• Lifting on the toes – get on the toes, then lower your body weight on your heels and lift your toes up. Repeat this exercise several times. This method transfers all the weight from the toes to the heels and vice versa, thereby relaxing the lumbar area.
• Pushing your abdomen forward – put your hands on your hips, then push your abdomen forward as far as you can. Immediately afterwards, move in the opposite direction, that is, pull your abdomen inwards. This exercise strengthens the muscles in the lumbar area, but also the abdominal ones.

Make it a habit to practice these exercises daily, either in the morning or in the evening. In this way, you will strengthen your back muscles and reduce lower back pain.

If you have occasional back pain, after many hours of standing, there is no need to worry. But if these pains do not improve in a few days or if they appear very often, it is necessary to go to the doctor because it is possible that it is a more serious condition.

Numerous myths about back pain are not helpful in managing this common and persistent problem, which often involves complex treatments with various risks and complications.

Preconceived notions about the causes, diagnosis and treatment can be aggravating factors in the continuity of symptoms, as complete and correct information helps to treat back pain more easily.

Medical statistics show that 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. In the US, this medical problem is:

• The main cause of disabilities of people over 45 years;
• The second frequent reason to visit the general practitioner;
• The third common cause of surgical procedures;
• The fifth common cause of hospitalization;

Therefore, most people end up experiencing annoying back pain at some point in their lives. The way they are kept under control can be affected by the many myths passed down from generation to generation about this widespread medical problem. Some of the most important myths are below.

 

CONTENT:

1. Chronic back pain is treated with surgery
2. Severe back pain can lead to paralysis
3. Back pain worsens with age
4. Active people are not at risk of developing chronic back pain
5. Traditional medicine does not recommend acupuncture to treat back pain
6. Rest helps relieve back pain
7. The chiropractor can permanently treat the back pain
8. Eliminating excess weight prevents back pain
9. People with chronic back pain need narcotics
10. Chronic back pain is treated by surgery

 

 

1. Chronic back pain is treated with surgery

In most cases, chronic back pain is treated with other non-invasive therapies, including minor lifestyle changes. Only in very severe cases, which cannot be managed by medication, are surgical interventions taken into account.

 

2. Severe back pain can lead to paralysis

The spine ends in the lumbar region of the body, where there are nerve roots with a robust structure. In most cases, the appearance of back pain does not indicate a medical problem that can lead to paralysis.

Examples of rare cases where paralysis is a real risk in the presence of low back pain are spinal tumors, spinal infections or unstable spinal fractures.

 

3. Back pain worsens with age

On the contrary, medical statistics say. The incidence of back pain is usually higher between 35 and 55. After this age, the pain tends to be less severe.

 

4. Active people are not at risk of developing chronic back pain

While it is true that active people have a lower predisposition to back pain, this problem can occur regardless of the level of physical activity. Some sports increase susceptibility to lumbar discomfort, such as volleyball, golf, or gymnastics.

 

5. Traditional medicine does not recommend acupuncture to treat back pain

More recently, the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians have unanimously recommended the use of acupuncture to treat chronic back pain.

Traditional medicine has embraced this complementary treatment, particularly following field studies demonstrating its potential to be even more effective than conventional treatments for this medical condition.

 

6. Rest helps relieve back pain

Doctors once recommended that people with chronic back pain (lasting at least 6 weeks) get more rest. Currently, experts have found that prolonged rest (over 1-2 days) rarely helps to relieve symptoms. Recent studies have found that bed rest can even aggravate back pain, while exercise can have the opposite effect.

In most cases, stretching exercises, swimming or walking contribute to the removal of discomfort and a better physiological condition.

 

7. The chiropractor can permanently treat the back pain

Chiropractic massage can temporarily relieve back pain by stimulating endorphins that alleviate discomfort, but its effects are not valid in the long run. Since 96% -99% of back pain goes away on its own in a few days, a visit to a chiropractor is not a must for everyone.

Research into the benefits of chiropractic massage has found that this type of therapy offers a slight improvement in fitness, but is recommended only after other methods of pain relief have failed or failed after a few days of treatment.

 

8. Eliminating excess weight prevents back pain

This is one of the most common myths. People who are overweight may have a higher risk of developing back pain, but there are also many patients with this condition who are normal and even underweight.

Back pain occurs in women and men alike, usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Among the factors that predispose to this problem are aging, trauma, sedentary lifestyle, incorrect body posture, poor sleeping position, smoking and stress.

Being overweight is just one of the risk factors that contribute to back pain.

 

9. People with chronic back pain need narcotics

This is one of the myths completely false, experts say. As a rule, anti-inflammatory drugs and those with a relaxing effect on the muscles give the best results in the prophylaxis of back pain. Narcotics, although they have a stronger analgesic effect, can aggressively stimulate pain receptors in the brain.

Eventually, the patient becomes tempted to increase the dose due to the increased discomfort, entering a vicious circle. For this reason, narcotics are not a good option for controlling back pain.

 

10. Chronic back pain is treated by surgery

Most cases of chronic back pain receive treatment through non-invasive therapies, often involving minor lifestyle changes. Surgical interventions are only considered in very severe cases that cannot be managed by medication.

Intercostal neuralgia is a rare painful medical condition that involves the intercostal nerves that feed the muscles between the ribs. Patients with intercostal neuralgia experience chest pain.

The pain is usually intermittent and spasmodic. The intensity can vary depending on different factors. The condition is treated by a neurologist.

Intercostal neuralgia is frequently confused by the patient with chest pain of cardiac etiology (heart pain) or painful abdominal discomfort associated with digestive and biliary disorders. Chest pain is the main reason for presentation to the emergency medical service in approximately half of the cases, while abdominal pain is attributed to another 30% of the total number of evaluations.

CONTENT:

1. Causes
2. Symptoms
3. Treatment

 

Causes

It can be caused by a variety of different diseases and conditions. These can include infections, inflammation, trauma, malignancies, but also any other abnormal processes. A common cause of intercostal neuralgia is surgery involving the chest.

This type of surgery can often damage the intercostal nerves. The main causes of this disease are:

• damage to the ribs or chest
• blockage or degeneration of the intercostal nerve
  neuritis
• pregnancy – which can cause the ribs to expand to make way for the fetus
• straining or straining a muscle in the chest wall, shoulders, back or arm
• rib infection
• shingles
• surgery of organs, bones and tissues in the thoracic cavity
• tumors in the chest and abdomen that can press on the intercostal muscles

 

Symptoms

The main symptom of intercostal neuralgia is pain in the chest area; this is often described as a stab, sting, spasm, or sensitive area. Furthermore, the pain may be located along the chest or may radiate from the back to the front of the chest along the ribs.

Moreover, the disease can occur as sporadic episodes of acute pain or can be boring and constant. Additionally, pain caused by intercostal neuralgia may intensify with exertion, such as lifting heavy objects, twisting or bending the torso, coughing, sneezing, or shaving. Notably, intercostal neuralgia may involve other manifestations, including:

• abdominal pain
• fever
• itching
• numbness
• pain in the arm, shoulder or back
• reduced mobility of the shoulders or back
• tingling.

 

Treatment

Treatments for the disease are similar to those for sciatica. The most common treatments include analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and weight loss. Additionally, informing the patient about the prevention of intercostal neuralgia is crucial.

Additionally, only the doctor will administer the local injection of an anesthetic. In some cases, it may be necessary to destroy the nerve causing the pain. Furthermore, if scar tissue is involved, surgeons must excise it to release the nerve and relieve the pressure on it.

Invasive procedures and strong medications are part of the standard treatment for treating intercostal neuralgia pain. However, many patients have also explored alternative therapies and natural ways to alleviate symptoms.

Ice, acupuncture and acupressure applications have had promising results. However, there have been no long-term studies to show that they can help relieve the pain associated with intercostal neuralgia.

Localized pain in the leg includes any type of pain or discomfort from the hips to the heels. Most people suffer from foot pain quite often.

A person’s legs are made up of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. In any case, injuries, infections, or other conditions may occur that may cause leg pain.

Lower limb pain can be short-lived or constant and can affect the entire leg or just a certain area. The sensation of pain is most often described as a sting, numbness or burning sensation – paresthesia. Foot pain can be simply irritating and uncomfortable or can restrict a person’s ability to move (it will be difficult to let the weight of the body rest on the affected foot).

 

CONTENT:

1. Causes of pain in the leg
2. Symptoms of pain in the leg
3. Complications

 

Causes of pain in the leg

The causes of lower limb pain can range from accidental trauma to nerve damage. In the absence of injury or other symptoms, leg pain may be the result of muscle cramps, and when accompanied by other symptoms, such as back pain, may be the result of spinal disorders.

Leg pain can also be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis, which is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Blood clots can come off and trigger a pulmonary embolism, a heart attack or even a stroke.

Consult a doctor urgently if you experience leg pain after exercise or low intensity exercise, if there are swelling, redness and a feeling of warmth in the calf.

The pain in the leg that comes from the lumbar area and goes down to the buttocks, accompanied by loss of control over the bladder or the act of defecation, are characteristic manifestations of nerve damage.

This rather serious situation should be evaluated as soon as possible by a specialist. Regardless of the situation, if your foot pain persists or worries you, you should contact your doctor.

Infectious diseases, circulatory problems and various neurological diseases can affect the foot. However, most of the time, the foot hurts due to excessive stress, various types of damage and aging. Usually, most ailments are not serious and can be prevented, as long as self-care and lifestyle changes are taken.

For example, there will be breaks between periods of effort and no extreme sports without proper protection.

 

Symptoms of pain in the leg

The symptoms that can accompany foot pain differ, depending on the type of disease or condition that triggers it. If a person has a fever, foot pain could be the cause of an infection or inflammation. If the foot pain is caused by arthritis, stiffness may occur and a person’s ability to make certain movements will be quite low.

Pain in the lower limbs may be associated with other symptoms, including:

• fatigue;
• fever;
• joint pain;
• restricting fairly simple movements;
• swelling of the skin;
• Varicose veins.

In some cases, foot pain may indicate a serious illness. An emergency medical consultation will be requested in any of the following situations:

• cold and pale skin of the foot;
• difficulty breathing;
• high fever (over 39 degrees Celsius);
• inability to walk or lose body weight;
• pain on exertion or easy walking;
• pale or blue skin (cyanosis);
• cracking at the moment of the foot injury;
• progressive state of weakness and numbness of the foot accompanied by loss of control of the bladder and defecation;
• red stripes;
• the legs are warm, red and inflamed;
• Inflammation and pain when touching the feet and toes, and local injuries are difficult to heal.

 

Complications

Complications depend on the type of disease or condition underlying the foot pain. In case of excessive use, it is necessary to rest, apply ice and inflammatory drugs released without a prescription.

Untreated pain due to more serious conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease, can lead to permanent damage and can have secondary complications that could endanger a person’s life.

One of the most serious consequences of leg pain due to deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease and spinal stenosis include:

• loss of part of the leg (amputation);
• permanent damage to some nerves;
• pulmonary embolism;
• stroke.

Cervical cancer is characterized by the appearance of atypical cells, which multiply uncontrollably in the cervix (cervix, the first part of the uterus that opens into the vagina).

Fortunately, if it is discovered at an early stage, cervical cancer is curable in most cases. The most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to have a regular Pap test, which can detect abnormal cervical cells before tumor cells appear, the stage at which treatment is most effective.

There are two types of cervical cancer:

• cervical cancer with foam cells (epidermoid)
• cervical adenocarcinoma

 

CONTENT:

1. Symptoms
2. Causes
3. Treatment

 

Symptoms

 

Cellular changes in the cervix are usually asymptomatic, at this early stage the diagnosis is made based on the results of the Pap test. With the development of the cancer process, symptoms appear, which include:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding or significant changes in the menstrual cycle (menometrorrhagia);
• bleeding of the cervix during sexual intercourse or at the time of insertion of the diaphragm;
• pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia);
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, present in large quantities and sometimes mixed with fine strands of blood.

 

Advanced (complicated) cervical cancer has the following symptoms:

• anemia due to abnormal blood loss;
• pelvic pain (lower abdomen), lower limb pain or low back pain (back);
• vaginal fistula (abnormal communication between vagina and rectum, respectively bladder, so that feces and urine are eliminated through the vagina). Fistula occurs due to the extension of the cancerous process to the surrounding tissues).
• weight loss (several kilograms in a few weeks, months).

 

Causes

Cervical cancer is caused by cellular abnormalities in the cervix. Most precancerous cells occur in the cervix, an area that constantly undergoes cyclical changes (depending on the menstrual cycle).

During this physiological process, the cervical cells may undergo various mutations, favoring the appearance of abnormal cells, especially in the case of infection with human papilloma virus (sexually transmitted virus that causes lesions in the cervix and thus is an increased risk for cervical cancer).

Other risk factors for cervical cancer are:

• smoking, especially women with a long history of cigarette use;
• compromised immune system, especially women with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS);
• use of oral contraceptives for more than 5 years, probably in connection with HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.

 

Regular Pap smears are the safest method to identify early cellular changes before the actual cancerous process occurs.

 

Treatment

Cervical cancer diagnosed at an early stage can be completely treated. The types of treatment used in cervical cancer are:

• surgical therapy, which removes the tumor
• radiotherapy, used in the treatment of other organs affected by the tumor
• chemotherapy, used in the treatment of metastases

 

The choice of treatment has a major impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is important for the patient to discuss with the treating physician all treatment options and treatment recommendations.

The prognosis of cervical cancer depends on its type and stage. In order to choose the right treatment, the age, the general state of health, the quality of life, as well as the desire to have children in the future are also taken into account.

Cervical cancer treatment may be unique or it may be a combination of several methods, such as:

• therapeutic condition, for tumor removal (in case of small tumors)
• simple, partial hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix
• total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and appendages), as well as removal of the lymph nodes affected by the tumor process
• radiotherapy, which uses fractional doses of high-intensity X-rays, or the introduction of intravaginal implants (radioisotopes) capable of destroying malignant cells
• chemotherapy, which uses certain substances capable of destroying tumor cells
• chemotherapy can be given at the same time as radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), this method improving the survival rate in stages IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IVA, without significant side effects.

 

Chemoradiation may also improve the survival rate in stages IB and IIA in patients with large tumors.

Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (stage IA 1), with minimal invasion of the deep layers of the cervix, is the tumor type with the highest success rate. At this stage, treatment with the technique of conization or resection with diathermic loop is recommended and subtotal (partial) hysterectomy can also be performed. The 5-year survival rate in this case is 100%.

Most treatments for cervical cancer have different side effects. These differ from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment used, age and general health. The doctor can provide the patient with all the necessary information about possible side effects.