When it comes to pain, most of us immediately think of the back, hips or knees. No wonder, since pain in these areas of the body statistically accounts for almost 79% of all cases. But do we really know where it comes from and why ignoring common pain can lead to very negative consequences? The article below will provide you with a dose of knowledge.
Pain is one of the most common health problems people have to deal with. Painful conditions, such as back, knee and hip pain, can have a variety of sources and lead to significant discomfort and restrictions on daily activities. Let us therefore explore the main causes of these complaints.
Pain, or what actually is?
Find out the comprehensive answer to this question.
Pain is the body’s complex and multifaceted response to potential or actual tissue damage. It is a subjective experience that can vary from person to person. The perception of pain is the result of complex neurophysiological and psychological processes, closely linked to the functioning of the nervous system.
The basis of pain is the transmission of pain stimuli through nerve receptors (nociceptors), which detect potential threats to tissues. These signals are then transmitted to the brain, where they are processed. The mechanisms of pain can vary depending on the type of stimulus and its intensity.
Various areas of the brain are involved in the pain process, including the cerebral cortex, limbic system and cerebral subcortical structures. In addition to the transmission of the physical stimulus, the experience of pain can also be linked to emotions, memory and even expectations of the stimulus. This explains why pain can be subjectively perceived and interpreted.
In addition, the pain system is also regulated by endogenous chemicals, such as endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. This includes regulatory mechanisms that affect the perception of pain, its intensity and the body’s response to it.
OK, this is as broad a concept as possible of the meaning of pain for each person. In a nutshell, however, it means that:
Pain is the body’s warning signal that indicates potential or actual tissue damage. Nociceptors (pain receptors) in the body transmit nerve signals to the spinal cord and from there to the brain. The brain interprets this signal as pain, which can be related to tissue damage, disease or nervous system dysfunction. We feel pain because the brain interprets these signals as unpleasant or unpleasant.
Now you know where pain comes from and what it actually is. Now it’s time to focus on what most commonly causes everyday discomfort. The following three paragraphs will deal with the most common cases of pain that you have probably ever encountered.
1. Back pain
Back pain is a common problem, resulting from a variety of factors. Incorrect body alignment, overexertion, physical inactivity, injuries, back problems or strains are just some of the factors that can lead to back pain. Diseases of the spine, such as discopathy or inflammation of the spinal joints, can also lead to back pain.
The computer screen and constant staring at the mobile phone… Yes these are the main reasons of recent years!
The increasing incidence of back pain among young people can be explained by several factors, with lifestyle changes being linked to these. First and foremost, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the main reasons Young people often spend long hours sitting in the wrong position in front of a computer or using a mobile phone. Prolonged poor posture, often as a result of an interest in computer games, working remotely or eating in front of a screen, can strain the spine and lead to back muscle strain. Ask yourself and answer how many minutes or hours a day do you spend scrolling Facebook, Instagram or videos on TikTok? If, if possible, the answer is honest, is the position in which you do it appropriate?
Changes in young people’s lifestyles are influencing them to not always take care of their posture and ergonomics, which can lead to one type of pain. In this case, it is the problem of back pain. It is therefore important to promote awareness of the need for good posture and to encourage physical activity to help maintain a healthy spine. Education and practising exercises to strengthen the back muscles and taking regular breaks from sitting can help prevent new outbreaks of pain at an early age.
2. Knee pain
Knee pain can result from a variety of causes, from sports injuries to arthritis to infections. Common problems include ligament injuries or cartilage damage. There are also cases of pain associated with rheumatic disorders such as arthritis. In the sporting environment, on the other hand, meniscus injuries or meniscus tears are an isolated case. However, the sporting aspect aside, knee pain can directly result from back pain! When, we try to alleviate pain with posture to reduce back pain there is a possibility of carrying too much weight forward. In this case, some of the unnatural weight is taken away by the knees, which begin to grow out over time. It really is a vicious circle!
What do the specialists say about this? We would like to quote a statement made by one of them on a forum regarding the relationship between knee pain and downplaying back pain.
“Downplaying back pain can affect knee pain because of the interdependence and interaction of different parts of the body. The way we treat back pain and, as a result, our posture and the way we walk, has an impact on the strain on the lower limbs, including the knee joints.
Back pain often leads to a change in the way we move. A person with back pain may unconsciously try to minimise discomfort by changing the way they walk, which can lead to inappropriate stress on the knee joints. Twisting the posture or changing the stride to avoid back pain can increase the pressure on the knee joints and other musculoskeletal structures, resulting in overload.
In addition, limiting physical activity due to back pain can lead to a weakening of the muscles in the leg area, including the muscles that support the knee joints. Weakening these muscles, which are important for the stability of the knee joints, can increase the risk of injury and discomfort in this area of the body.
It is therefore important not to underestimate back pain, as changes in posture and gait patterns can lead to inappropriate loading on the knee joints, increasing the risk of pain and injury in this area. Professional medical consultations and taking appropriate action on pain can help prevent associated problems in other parts of the body.”
wrote Adrian Schreiber, a personal trainer from Berlin
3. Hip pain
Hip pain can result from injury, overweight, arthritis, hip degeneration, as well as muscle and ligament problems. Hip degeneration, such as arthrosis, is a common cause of hip pain, especially in older people. Of course, advanced hip problems most often stem from a lack of responsiveness to the signals sent by the body. Most often, it all starts with the back or knees. More often than not, when the moment comes for the hips it may already be too late.
Emergency help? Check out some of the ways described on the internet for dealing with pain!
- Use of hot or cold compresses: Alternate between applying hot compresses (e.g. a warm towel) and cold compresses (e.g. a bag of ice wrapped in a towel) to the area of pain.
- Regular exercise and stretching: Do gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, hips and legs, as well as regular stretching.[1]
- Massage or acupressure: Applying massage, acupressure or using a massage roller to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation.[2]
- Healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight: Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce stress on joints and muscles.
- Magnicharm Bracelet: Wearing a Magnicharm Bracelet, which uses biomagnetic properties to aid the body’s natural recovery processes.[3]
- Large magnetic belt: Using a large magnetic belt at home which, like the Magnicharm Bracelet, uses magnets to relieve back, knee or hip pain.
- Regular aerobic exercise: Regular aerobic exercise, such as swimming or cycling, which strengthens muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Simple breathing and relaxation techniques: Using breathing and relaxation techniques to relieve muscle tension and reduce perceived pain.
- Using orthopaedic pillows: Using orthopaedic pillows or spinal supports when sitting or sleeping to support correct posture.
- Regular walking and exercise: Take daily walks and exercise to keep muscles and joints in good shape and improve overall body fitness.
Sources of information
[3] Magnetic bracelet – Magnicharm Bracelet (croatian version)