Causes of back pain and self-help methods: neurosurgeon’s tips for staying healthy

Neurosurgeon Igor Kurilets discussed in the program “Healthy Choice” on the TV channel “Dim” which approaches are really effective in combating back pain, and which can be harmful.

Causes of back pain: when panic is not justified

Back pain is a fairly common phenomenon, most often it is musculoskeletal pain, which does not indicate serious diseases or dangerous changes in the spine. According to the doctor, in 90% of cases such pain can be eliminated on its own within 3-4 weeks, without special treatment.

However, even experiencing discomfort for a month, it is important to find ways to alleviate the condition by correctly determining the type of pain and using several simple but effective methods.

Recommendations of a neurosurgeon for relieving back pain

1. Avoid prolonged lying
   The doctor emphasizes: a lot of time in a horizontal position only worsens the condition. If possible, you should carefully get up and perform light movements, stretching or bending, which contributes to a faster recovery.
2. Pain relief – within reasonable limits
   To reduce pain, you can use over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. It is important to remember that painkillers do not treat the causes of pain, but only dull its sensation.
3. Blockades – a temporary solution
   In certain situations, your doctor may recommend doing blockades – injections of medication directly into the painful areas. This method is not a permanent solution and is used under X-ray control, especially for herniated discs.

When to be careful: manual therapy and its risks

The use of manual therapy can be useful, but without a prior MRI, you should not resort to it. As Kurilets notes, even for a surgical procedure, patients sign a document about the risks, while for manual therapy – they do not. Therefore, any intervention in the spine without a thorough diagnosis can be dangerous.

Similar techniques, such as spinal traction or acupuncture, can also reduce symptoms, but do not eliminate the underlying problem.

Three basic rules for maintaining a healthy back

Igor Kurilets recommends following a few simple rules to avoid chronic problems:

Move regularly. Even if your job involves sitting, try to get up at least once every 20–30 minutes.
Do not abuse painkillers. Although pills may provide instant relief, they do not solve the root of the problem.
Visit a doctor for an MRI scan for persistent pain. This is a safe and necessary procedure to identify the cause and select the appropriate treatment.
Back pain does not always mean that there is a serious problem. It is important to act correctly: move more, do not abuse painkillers and always consult a specialist. This approach will help keep your back healthy for many years.

This information is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor before starting treatment!