If you're confused about back pain, sprains or discs
Nov 10, 2024
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There are numerous ligaments and muscles in the spine, which are composed of elastic fibers and muscle fibers to protect and balance the spine. Often, a sudden change in posture or when lifting a heavy object, the waist is twistedThe expression ' is used, which is likely to be an acute lumbar sprain. However, if you have radiating pain that spreads to your toes or back pain that lasts for more than two weeks, you should suspect a herniated disc (intervertebral disc exodus).
First of all, lumbar sprain is the most common disease among back pain diseases, and it refers to a condition in which pain occurs as the ligament, the fibrous tissue that connects the lumbar bone, is damaged. Pain usually occurs suddenly while lifting heavy objects, and it can also be caused by maintaining an abnormal posture for a long time or by a mild external shock. Bad posture and overweight are also major causes of lumbar sprain
In general, lumbar sprain is accompanied by extreme pain when moving. Pain intensifies when taking a deep breath or sneezing, and in the case of an acute sprain, muscle stiffness may appear and the posture may tilt toward stiffness. When you press the area where the pain occurred, severe pain appears, and the intensity of the pain changes every time the posture is changed.
Lumbar sprain is diagnosed through an interview, neurological examination, and X-ray examination. However, since X-rays mainly check the shape of bones, abnormalities in muscles or ligaments may not be seen. Therefore, if there is no abnormality in X-rays and there is only back pain without neurological abnormalities or pain, it is diagnosed as a simple sprain.
Most acute lumbar sprain recovers within 2 weeks with adequate rest and bed rest. However, if the bed rest is prolonged for a long time, it is not good to lie down for too long because the amount of activity may decrease and the whole body muscles may weaken. If the pain lasts for more than a month or the frequency of pain increases, a detailed examination is needed in consideration of its association with other diseases such as intervertebral disc herniation and spinal stenosis.
On the other hand, the lumbar disc is a disease in which the disc between the vertebrae escapes and compresses the nerves, accompanied by back pain and numbness in the legs and sore radiating pain. Pain in the legs or pulling, muscle weakness, and sensory abnormalities are the main symptoms.
Unlike acute lumbar sprain recovery within 2 weeks, the lumbar disc has a slow improvement rate. 80–90% of patients with lumbar disc improve within 2 months with non-surgical therapy. Unlike lumbar sprain, there is no severe pain when the pain area is pressed, and the pain goes down from the waist to the hips, calves, and toes.
Choi Soo-yong, director of the Vertebral Endoscopy Center at Seran Hospital, said "If acute pain occurs, it is helpful to get enough rest and receive medication or physical therapy."Even if a lumbar sprain has repeated damage, it can lead to chronic pain, and the pain that was considered a sprain is often diagnosed as a lumbar disc in practice."
Then "In the early stages of the lower back disc, only stiff pain like muscle pain can be felt, making it easy to miss the timing of treatment. In this case, nerve damage can lead to urination disorders or paralysis"If back pain and numbness in the legs continue for more than two weeks after a sufficient rest, it is important to see a specialist for a diagnosis."
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bellho@sportschosun.com
