Back pain is one of the most common ailments people endure
and is one of the most frequent reasons for visits to the
chiropractor or orthopedic
doctor. There are many factors that can contribute to back
pain. Among
the most frequent today are obesity and lack of exercise,
each of which
can be reversed.
Most commonly, back pain occurs in the lower back. However,
there are
many structures and tissue in the back that can become damaged
for a
number of reasons. Pain can be present in localized, specific
areas,
however depending on the condition it may radiate elsewhere
throughout
the back or lower body.
The spinal column consists of four different sections;
the cervical
spine (neck), thoracic spine (directly behind the chest),
lumbar spine
(lower back), and the sacral spine (which connects to the
pelvis). These
areas are composed of bones called vertebrae. Vertebrae
protect the
spinal cord and nerve roots which are composed of extremely
sensitive
tissue. Separating these bones are discs of cartilage which
serve as
shock absorbers during movement. Surrounding the spinal
column is other tissue including muscles, tendons, and ligaments,
each aiding the back during movement and providing support.
Sometimes, back pain is the result of damage to nerve tissue
along the
spinal column. This is usually caused neuopathically or
nociceptively.
Neuropathic pain is caused when a nerve becomes directly
pinched, most
commonly as a result of a herniated disc. This type of pain
can become
severe and it also can radiate to other parts of the body
as well, even
affecting the lower extremities. Nociceptive pain results
from a type of
trauma or blow to the back as well as from disease which
does not
directly damage nerve tissue. This type of condition often
results from
back sprains. These types of pain do not have to occur independently
of
each other, and can occur simultaneously.
Whatever condition affects the back, the pain is often
categorized as either chronic or acute. An occurrence of
chronic back pain causes constant or aching pain. This type
of pain tends to last for long periods of time, and may
or may not be localized to a specific area of the back.
This type of long-term, serious pain can significantly impact
your lifestyle since working, standing for long periods
of time, and even sitting can generate pain.
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Pain that is referred to as acute is generally less severe
than instances of chronic pain. This type of pain can be
sharp and severe, but it is usually localized to a specific
spot on the back. In most cases of acute back pain, the
aching or throbbing is not constant and occurs intermittently.
Unlike causes of chronic back pain, acute pain can almost
always be relieved through conservative treatment methods.
Diagnosis of back pain can consist of several methods.
First, a physician can use x-ray imaging to determine problems
that have developed in the back. Although many causes of
back pain may not show up on an x-ray, it may still be used
in order to rule out other possible sources of pain. CAT
and MRI scans are also commonly used. MRI scans are among
the most commonly used devices to take images of the back
and spine. A myelogram is a procedure in which a dye is
injected into the dura, or sacs, within the spinal column
which will enable nerves to show up in x-rays. Additionally,
bone scans may also be used to determine the presence of
tumors, fractures, or other abnormalities within the bones
which may be responsible for back pain. This method of diagnosis
consists of injecting a radiographic material into the bones,
allowing abnormalities to become apparent.
Most cases of back pain are nonspecific. This means that
they do not
occur from specific injuries. Among nonspecific causes of
back pain are
obesity, poor posture, repetitive heavy lifting, or lack
of exercise. This type of back pain is most commonly found
in the lower back. A physician can perform a physical exam
as well as other tests to help determine the actual source
of pain. Muscle strain is most often the cause of this type
of discomfort which can be treated with conservative methods.
Muscle strains and sprains are among the most common reasons
for back
pain. With strains, muscles become over stretched or stretched
in an
abnormal way, causing tears in the fibrous muscle tissue.
Sprains can
develop in a similar way and also produce similar symptoms.
However,
sprains develop when the ligaments become injured rather
than muscle
tissue. Although it may be difficult to differentiate these
conditions,
treatment is usually the same and only requires conservative
treatment.
It’s important to become aware of the risk factors
involved with back
pain. Wear and tear from repetitive lifting, such as from
work or other
activities, may often contribute to strain and pain in the
back. Sitting
or standing for long periods of time can also lead to back
pain. One of
the most common risk factors is lethargy and not getting
the proper
amount of exercise. Regular exercise can help the muscles
and tissues of
the back remain strong and flexible, thereby helping to
prevent fatigue
and damage. Simply walking is one of the easiest ways to
prevent pain.
Poor posture can also add wear and tear on the back, as
can poorly
fitting or unsupportive shoes. Over time, these factors
can cause
serious degeneration of tissue in the back and yield significant
pain.
The majority of back pain can be treated without surgery.
Rest and over
the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
can often
help with pain, particularly in the short-term. Maintaining
proper posture, regular exercise, as well as the proper
body weight can also significantly prevent problems in the
back. Seeing a chiropractor, osteopathic physician, or physical
therapist can also yield beneficial results through spinal
manipulations or through the use of exercises designed to
address your specific cause of back pain. In some cases,
acupuncture can also be helpful, although it is still a
controversial form of back pain treatment. One of the most
common ways to treatment various back pain ailments is also
through the use of back braces and supports which can reduce
tension on the back and facilitate proper posture.
Again, the occurrence of back pain is a very common complaint
since there are many factors that can add pain. Luckily,
the majority of back pain cases require only conservative
treatment, but prevention is also important. Through the
use of back braces while lifting, supportive shoes, proper
posture, maintaining correct body weight, and easing into
new or more difficult exercise routines, you can significantly
improve the chances of avoiding back problems, while also
help to maintain the strength and flexibility of the back.
To avoid further damage, it is also important to seek treatment
at the earliest onset of pain. Back pain does not have to
be a recurring problem. With helpful information and good
habits, the discomfort of back pain can be easily relieved.
>>
Click here for Jesse Cannone's Lose The Back Pain Video
and eliminate your back pain!
About Lose the Back Pain video:
- The four "physical dysfunctions"
that are responsible for over 90% of all back pain
- Simple "self assessments"
you can perform in just minutes, anywhere to help you
pinpoint which dysfunctions you have
- 4 Step-by-Step "Corrective Action
Plans" that show you exactly what you need to do
to balance your body and eliminate your back pain
- the facts about back pain and other
conditions like sciatic nerve pain and arthritis
- how to strengthen your lower back and
abs to prevent injuries
>>
Click here for Jesse Cannone's Lose The Back Pain Video
and eliminate your back pain! |
