Back pain can indicate internal illness

Back pain There are many causes. In addition to wear and tear or injuries to the spine, internal diseases can also be a cause.

Whether it is lumbago, a slipped disc or even a broken vertebra – back pain can be caused by numerous factors. Back pain is one of the most common diseases today, its Diagnosis However, a detailed investigation is required, as no specific cause can be identified in around 70 percent of those affected.

“Then it is usually a case of muscle tension in the arms, shoulders and back, which can be very painful but can be remedied with simple measures,” says the internist Dr. Reinhold Lunow, medical director of practice clinic Bornheim between Cologne and Bonn. "Due to the pain, many patients adopt a protective posture in order to relieve the affected area of ​​the body. Painkillers are then indicated at the beginning of the therapy in order to enable natural movement, which in turn relieves the cramped muscle."

In addition to muscle tension, traumatic and degenerative processes are primarily responsible for back pain: for example, an acute herniated disc or osteoporosis, which makes the bone porous over time and thus susceptible to fractures.

Back pain caused by inflammation

Inflammations also occur as trigger Ankylosing spondylitis, for example: if left untreated, this inflammation leads to chronic curvature and stiffening of the spine. Those affected can no longer walk upright, but only bent over. Here, too, the risk of bone fractures and further inflammations increases, especially in the intestinal area. An undetected Tumor that cause back pain.

“In general, you should also consider an internal cause when you have back pain,” says Dr. Lunow. “Gastritis, a pulmonary embolism or even a Heart attack can radiate into the back and cause severe pain. The same applies to inflammation of the pancreas, a shingles, Lyme disease or biliary colic. Kidney or ureter stones can also cause severe pain in the lumbar spine area. Even a gynecological disease is a possibility."

But psychological stress can also affect the back and lead to pain. “Chronic Stress for example, it increases the sensitivity of the nerves that control the back muscles. If the muscles remain tense for a longer period of time, tension is the result, leading to pain in the neck, shoulders and back," explains Dr. Lunow.

If back pain is accompanied by numbness, sensory disturbances or muscle weakness, you should immediately Doctor The same applies if the pain subsides but paralysis occurs instead. This can be an indication of damaged nerves, for example after a slipped disc or a vertebral fracture. A medical examination is also recommended if the pain increases when lying down and is particularly severe at night.

General symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite or rapid fatigue that occur without any apparent reason should also be investigated by visiting a doctor. "The variety of possible causes shows that you can only be on the safe side with back pain after a medical examination," says Dr. Lunow. "With a thorough Check-up you quickly have certainty and can initiate the appropriate therapy for the individual.”

Treating back pain with conventional medicine and general medicine

The Praxisklinik Bornheim connect the specialists for diagnostics and prevention In this regard, conventional medicine and general medicine are particularly important in the treatment of back pain. “In addition to internal remedies, Medicine A variety of measures or breathing and relaxation exercises such as yoga are particularly suitable for the treatment of back pain," says Dr. Lunow. The experts also give tips and instructions for a healthy Nutrition and the right one Sports.

Especially if you have problems with your spine, you should make sure you get more exercise and do endurance sports. At the same time, you should be careful: movements that cause compression of the spine (horse riding, jogging) should be avoided, as should those that overstretch the spine or place strain on the torso with twisting movements (golf, tennis, squash).

When it comes to back pain, the right movement is important

"In any case, you should first consult with your doctor about which type of sport makes sense and actually helps. Otherwise, you run the risk of making the symptoms worse, especially if you have back pain," warns Dr. Lunow. A combination of physical activity and relaxation techniques is often enough to warm up and loosen the muscles.

The easiest way to have a healthy back is to get more exercise in your everyday life. Dr. Lunow says: "If you spend a lot of time sitting at work, you should change your sitting position and posture more often. And even simple exercises in the shoulders and arms can stimulate blood flow to these muscles and prevent tension."

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