What is back pain?
1. Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating. It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disk disease.
2. The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs. Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected. The pain often goes away without treatment, but if it occurs with any of the following people should see their doctor inflammation or swelling on the back persistent back pain, where lying down or resting does not help pain that reaches below the knees recent injury, blow or trauma to the back fecal incontinence, or loss of control over bowel movements numbness around the genitals numbness around the buttocks
3. What causes back pain?
Structural problems Ruptured disks: Each vertebra in the spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.
Bulging disks: In much the same way as ruptured disks, a bulging disk can result in more pressure on a nerve.
Sciatica: A sharp and shooting pain travels through the buttock and down the back of the leg, caused by a bulging or herniated disk pressing on a nerve.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can cause problems with the joints in the hips, lower back, and other places. In some cases, the space around the spinal cord narrows. This is known as spinal stenosis.
Abnormal curvature of the spine: If the spine curves in an unusual way, back pain can result. An example is scoliosis, in which the spine curves to the side.
Osteoporosis: Bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become brittle and porous, making compression fractures more likely.
Kidney problems: Kidney stones or kidney infection can cause back pain.
Poor posture: Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture. Examples include: Adopting a very hunched sitting position when using computers can result in increased back and shoulder problems over time. twisting coughing or sneezing muscle tension over-stretching bending awkwardly or for long periods pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying something standing or sitting for long periods straining the neck forward, such as when driving or using a computer long driving sessions without a break, even when not hunched sleeping on a mattress that does not support the body and keep the spine straight
Other causes: Cauda equina syndrome- The cauda equine is a bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the lower end of the spinal cord. Symptoms include a dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks, as well as numbness in the buttocks, genitalia, and thighs. There are sometimes bowel and bladder function disturbances. Cancer of the spine- A tumor on the spine may press against a nerve, resulting in back pain. Infection of the spine- A fever and a tender, warm area on the back could be due to an infection of the spine. Other infections- Pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder, or kidney infections may also lead to back pain. Sleep disorders- Individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience back pain, compared with others. Shingles- An infection that can affect the nerves may lead to back pain. This depends on which nerves are affected.
4. Who get back pain? The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain occupational activities pregnancy a sedentary lifestyle poor physical fitness older age obesity and excess weight smoking strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly genetic factors medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer Lower back pain also tends to be more common in women than in men, possibly due to hormonal factors. Stress, anxiety, and mood disorders have also been linked to back pain. Diagnosis back pain Back pain usually resolves with rest and home remedies, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary.
5. How is backpain treated? Home treatments Resting from strenuous activity can help, but moving around will ease stiffness, reduce pain, and prevent muscles from weakening.
Home treatments Applying a hot compress or an ice pack to the painful area may also reduce pain. Resting from strenuous activity can help, but moving around will ease stiffness, reduce pain, and prevent muscles from weakening.
Physical therapy Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation — as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues may help alleviate pain. As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Techniques for improving posture may also help. The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has gone, to prevent back pain recurrence.
Traction Pulleys and weights are used to stretch the back. This may result in a herniated disk moving back into position. It can also relieve pain, but only while traction is applied.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a popular therapy for patients with chronic back pain. The TENS machine delivers small electric pulses into the body through electrodes that are placed on the skin. Experts believe TENS encourages the body to produce endorphins and may block pain signals returning to the brain. Studies on TENS have provided mixed results. Some revealed no benefits, while others indicated that it could be helpful for some people. A TENS machine should be used under the direction of a doctor or health professional. It should not be used by someone who is: is pregnant has a history of epilepsy has a pacemaker has a history of heart disease TENS is considered "safe, noninvasive, inexpensive, and patient friendly," and it appears to reduce pain, but more evidence is needed to confirm its effectiveness in improving activity levels.
6. Can backpain prevented? Steps to lower the risk of developing back pain consist mainly of addressing some of the risk factors.
Exercise: Regular exercise helps build strength and control body weight. Guided, low-impact aerobic activities can boost heart health without straining or jerking the back. Before starting any exercise program, talk to a health care professional. There are two main types of exercise that people can do to reduce the risk of back pain , Core-strengthening exercises work the abdominal and back muscles, helping to strengthen muscles that protect the back. Flexibility training aims at improving core flexibility, including the spine, hips, and upper legs.
Diet: Make sure your diet includes enough calcium and vitamin D, as these are needed for bone health. A healthful diet also helps control body weight.
Smoking: A significantly higher percentage of smokers have back pain incidences compared to non-smokers of the same age, height, and weight.
Body weight: The weight people carry and where they carry it affects the risk of developing back pain. The difference in back pain risk between obese and normal-weight individuals is considerable. People who carry their weight in the abdominal area versus the buttocks and hip area are also at greater risk.
Posture when standing: Make sure you have a neutral pelvic position. Stand upright, head facing forward, back straight, and balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your legs straight and your head in line with your spine.
Posture when sitting: A good seat for working should have good back support, arm rests and a swivel base. When sitting, try to keep your knees and hips level and keep your feet flat on the floor, or use a footstool. You should ideally be able to sit upright with support in the small of your back. If you are using a keyboard, make sure your elbows are at right-angles and that your forearms are horizontal.
Lifting: When lifting things, use your legs to do the lifting, rather than your back. Keep your back as straight as you can, keeping your feet apart with one leg slightly forward so you can maintain balance. Bend only at the knees, hold the weight close to your body, and straighten the legs while changing the position of your back as little as possible. Bending your back initially is unavoidable, but when you bend your back try not to stoop, and be sure to tighten your stomach muscles so that your pelvis is pulled in. Most important, do not straighten your legs before lifting, or you will be using your back for most of the work. Do not lift and twist at the same time: If something is particularly heavy, see if you can lift it with someone else. While you are lifting keep looking straight ahead, not up or down, so that the back of your neck is like a continuous straight line from your spine.
Moving things: It is better for your back to push things across the floor, using your leg strength, rather than pulling them.
Shoes: Flat shoes place less of a strain on the back.
Driving: It is important to have proper support for your back. Make sure the wing mirrors are properly positioned so you do not need to twist. The pedals should be squarely in front of your feet. If you are on a long journey, have plenty of breaks. Get out of the car and walk around.
Bed: You should have a mattress that keeps your spine straight, while at the same time supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttocks. Use a pillow, but not one that forces your neck into a steep angle.