Back Pain is a Common Problem
Thursday, December 13th, 2007Introduction
Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headache is more common. “A costly problem Lower back pain is a condition that eight out of 10 Americans will experience at some point. And the cost is measured in more than just pain: Medical treatment of back pain is estimated to cost $25 billion annually, according to Duke University researchers.
Back pain is a common phenomenon seen in many women during pregnancy and back pain is sometimes caused by a problem with the kidneys. Pregnancy Back pain is not a curse; itis a normal side effect of this stage of a womans life. Most acute back pain is mechanical in nature — the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Chronic back pain is measured by duration — pain that persists for more than 3 months is considered chronic. The lumbar region of the back, where most back pain is felt, supports the weight of the upper body. Causes Of Back Pain
In many cases the cause of back pain is hard to pin down. Recurring back pain is frequently the result of inadequate muscle strength, shortened muscles; poor posture, being overweight, poor bending and lifting techniques. Lowback pain is either acute or chronic. And back pain is responsible for more loss of work time and increased medical expenses related to treatment than any other ailment, says Robert Shields, M. Some causes of back pain, including disc disease, may have a genetic component
Signs and symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of back problems are pain that radiates down your legs (sciatica) or arms numbness, weakness or tingling in your arms or legs loss of bladder or bowel control. When you see this symptoms the causes can be compressed disks and pinched nerves.
Muscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain. Other mechanical causes of back pain include spasms, muscle tension, and ruptured discs, which are also called herniated discs. Infections and tumors: Although they are not common causes of back pain, infections can cause pain when they involve the vertebrae, a condition called osteomyelitis, or when they involve the discs that cushion the vertebrae, which is called discitis.
Reilef
When conservative treatments don’t help, back surgery may offer relief. and Doctors often prescribe the use of drugs to maks the pain. This can startyou on the road to dependancy on drugs.
Exercise and Back Pain
Exercises that increase balance and strength can decrease your risk of falling and injuring your back or breaking bones. For any kind of back pain, exercises are the best remedy and its not only the alternative practitioners who will advice you to do back pain exercises, but the regular doctors too prefer exercise to medicines for relief of pain and injury. A routine of back-healthy activities may include stretching exercises, swimming, walking, and movement therapy to improve coordination and develop proper posture and muscle balance.
Any mild discomfort felt at the start of these exercises should disappear as muscles become stronger. A combination of exercises that don’t jolt or strain the back, maintaining correct posture, and lifting objects properly can help prevent injuries. Following any period of prolonged inactivity, begin a program of regular low-impact exercises. A physical therapist can help you determine when to begin stretching and strengthening exercises and how to do so.
Conclusion
While back pain is a common problem affecting as many as eight out of 10 Americans, there is hope there are some great exercise regimens that if followed can abolish back pain forever!
