In the back region, we can encounter various forms of pain that manifest themselves in the lumbar, dorsal and cervical areas. Here's an overview of the main pain conditions in each region:
1. Low back pain :
Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, is located in the lower region of the back, at the level of the lumbar vertebrae. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle damage, intervertebral disc problems (herniated discs), degeneration of the lumbar joints (osteoarthritis), postural problems or structural disorders. Low-back pain is one of the main causes of disability, and can be acute or chronic.
2. Back pain :
Back pain occurs in the middle region of the back, at the level of the thoracic vertebrae. Conditions that can cause back pain include muscular disorders, trauma (such as fractures), arthritis, intervertebral disc problems and spinal disorders such as kyphosis (excessive curvature) or scoliosis (abnormal lateral curvature).
3. Cervical pain :
Neck pain affects the area around the neck and cervical vertebrae. Common causes of neck pain include muscle strain, injury (such as whiplash), osteoarthritis, herniated cervical discs, postural disorders and nerve compression. Neck pain can also lead to symptoms such as headaches, radiating arm pain and numbness.
It's important to note that each case of back pain can vary in terms of severity, duration and specific causes. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Here are the main causes of pain in the spinal region:
1. Low back pain :
- Muscle and ligament injuries: Straining, overstretching or tearing muscles or ligaments in the lumbar region can cause pain.
- Intervertebral disc problems: A herniated disc, which occurs when the gelatinous nucleus of the disc moves out of its normal position, can exert pressure on the nerves and cause pain.
- Osteoarthritis: Age-related degeneration of the lumbar joints can lead to back pain, particularly in cases of inflammation or bone spur formation.
- Poor posture: Adopting poor posture for long periods can lead to back pain.
- Psychosocial factors: Stress, anxiety and depression can aggravate or contribute to low-back pain.
2. Back pain :
- Muscle problems: Muscle tension, spasm or injury can cause back pain.
- Vertebral problems: Vertebral fractures, kyphosis (excessive curvature) or scoliosis (abnormal lateral curvature) can lead to back pain.
- Arthritis: Arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can affect the joints of the thoracic spine and cause pain.
- Intervertebral disc problems: Herniated or protruding discs can compress nerves and cause back pain.
3. Cervical pain :
- Muscle tension: Tense neck muscles caused by stress, poor posture or sudden movements can lead to neck pain.
- Injuries: Cervical sprains, such as whiplash caused by a car accident, can cause neck pain.
- Intervertebral disc problems: Cervical disc herniations or protrusions can compress nerves and cause neck pain.
- Osteoarthritis: degeneration of the cervical joints due to aging can cause neck pain.
- Nerve compression: Cervical nerve compression due to structural abnormalities, such as bone spurs or spinal stenosis, can lead to neck pain.
It's important to note that these causes can vary from person to person, and a precise diagnosis often requires a thorough medical evaluation. If back pain persists, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an examination and appropriate advice.
Treatments for back pain vary according to the specific cause and severity of the pain. Here's an overview of possible treatments:
1. Non-pharmacological approaches :
- Physical therapy: Muscle strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises can help relieve pain and improve back function.
- Spinal manipulation: Manual spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or osteopath can be beneficial in certain cases of acute low-back pain.
- Relaxation techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, deep breathing and other stress management techniques can help reduce back pain.
- Physiotherapy: The use of physical modalities such as heat, cold, electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy can relieve pain and promote healing.
2. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories :
- Over-the-counter drugs: Painkillers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can provide temporary relief.
- Prescription drugs: In cases of more severe pain, opioid analgesics or other specific drugs may be prescribed by a physician.
3. Complementary therapies :
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain by stimulating specific points on the body.
- Massage therapy: Therapeutic massages can help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.
- Psychological approaches: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be useful in dealing with the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic pain.
4. Surgical procedures :
In some cases, when other treatments have failed to relieve pain, or in the presence of specific conditions requiring surgical intervention, a surgical procedure may be recommended. This may include herniated disc repair, spinal fusion or other interventions to treat the underlying cause of the pain.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations. Treatment options may vary depending on the individual situation, and it is essential to take into account factors specific to each patient.
Fascia mobilization is a therapeutic approach aimed at treating back pain and dysfunction by acting on the connective tissues known as fascia. Fascias are fibrous structures that surround muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels. They play an important role in the body's stability, mobility and transmission of forces.
The benefits of fascia mobilization in the treatment of back pain are based on several principles:
1. Improving tissue mobility and elasticity: Fascia can become stiff, tight or adherent due to injury, trauma, incorrect posture or repetitive stress. This can lead to restricted movement and pain. Fascia mobilization aims to release these restrictions and restore normal tissue mobility.
2. Promoting circulation and tissue nutrition: Fascia mobilization can help stimulate blood and lymph circulation, promoting the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues. This can help heal damaged tissue and reduce inflammation.
3. Pain reduction: By releasing tension and restrictions in the fascias, mobilization can relieve pressure on nerves, thus reducing associated pain. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
It should be noted that fascia mobilization is a relatively new approach, and further research is needed to better understand its specific efficacy in the treatment of back pain. Although preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence have suggested potential benefits, it is important to consider the current scientific evidence supporting the use of this technique.
In conclusion, fascia mobilization can be considered as a complement to traditional approaches to the treatment of back pain. It is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist specializing in fascia mobilization techniques, for an assessment and treatment tailored to each individual case.
Tendon reinforcement, also known as strengthening of tendon structures, can play a beneficial role in the treatment of back pain. It aims to strengthen tendons and related structures to improve back stability, function and strength. Here are some of the benefits and common approaches to tendon strengthening:
• Spinal stabilization: Tendon structures play an essential role in spinal stability. By strengthening the tendons and surrounding muscles, we can improve spinal stability and reduce the risk of excessive movements or misalignments that can lead to pain.
• Improved posture: Targeted tendon reinforcement can help correct incorrect posture, which is often associated with back pain. By strengthening the muscles and tendons responsible for maintaining proper posture, we can reduce excessive strain on back structures and prevent pain.
• Injury prevention: proper tendon reinforcement can help prevent back injuries by strengthening tendons, improving flexibility and increasing resistance to stress. This can be particularly beneficial for people who take part in physical activities or sports involving repetitive movements or heavy strain on the back.
Tendon strengthening approaches can vary according to individual needs and the specific nature of back pain. Here are a few commonly used methods:
• Muscle-strengthening exercises: Specific exercises to strengthen back muscles and tendons may be prescribed. This may include exercises such as trunk extensions, sheathing exercises, moderate weight lifting, resistance exercises or other exercises targeting the back muscles.
• Physical therapy: A physiotherapist can design a personalized rehabilitation program including tendon strengthening exercises, stabilization techniques and stretching for the back. The therapist may also use physical modalities, such as ultrasound therapy or electrotherapy, to facilitate healing and tissue strengthening.
• Functional training: In some cases, functional training programs may be recommended to improve back strength, coordination and stability in specific movements related to activities of daily living or sporting requirements.
It's important to stress that tendon strengthening should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or sports medicine physician. They will be able to assess the individual situation, determine the specific needs in terms of tendon reinforcement and draw up a program.
Treating localized pain in the spinal region requires the use of a number of common treatments, in order to provide the best possible care for this pain and make it disappear over the long term. DPA Med centralizes many of these practices and treatments. DPA Med mobilizes the lower limbs and trunk to reproduce the amplitude of walking at pelvic level. The device's passive reproduction of the walking movement and active sheathing exercises enable treatment to be focused on the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvifemoral complexes. These uses combine physical therapy focused on the dorsal region, mobilization of fascias, muscular strengthening of tendons and muscular and joint relaxation, making the DPA Med a relevant ally to back problems, including pain, which is often chronic for a large proportion of the population.