Few things are quite as debilitating as back pain. For those who have never experienced a serious back ache, the concept is incomprehensible. We use our backs constantly for everything, from walking to standing; every aspect of our daily lives requires our backs to function properly and painlessly. When back pain strikes, the only thought in our heads is how to get rid of it. A better understanding of the mechanics of back pain may help you prevent the problem.
Common causes of low back pain include strains, disc herniation, osteoarthritis, spondyloysis or spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Barring mild strains, you will need to consult a doctor for any of these conditions. Spinal stenosis describes a condition where the spinal canal narrows, usually with age. This narrowing places pressure upon nerves in the spinal cord and the nerve roots emerging from the spine itself.
Spondyloysis and spondylolisthesis are conditions where the vertebra moves out of position due to a defect in the vertebra. Osteoarthritis is a normal condition of aging, but in some instances, if the disease affects the hip spinal joints, back pain results.
Flexible discs sit between each pair of vertebrae. These discs have two layers; the inner layer is gelatinous and is called the nucleus pulposa. The outer coating is tough and membranous; it is called the annulus fibrosus. With age, the outer layer gets less flexible, suffers water loss and becomes less resistant to strain and trauma. This can result in a bulge of inner material outward, or even a break or herniation in the disc itself. That break will allow some of the inner pulposa to leak out. That material can press upon nerves and cause back pain.
Strains are caused by repetitive motion, excessive lifting or sudden jerking movements. The muscle fibers are unusually stretched or in some occasions torn. Swelling, pain, heat and restricted mobility are the result. Ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medication will help treat minor strains. More serious strains need to be examined by a doctor. To prevent undamaged muscles from weakening it is recommended that you keep moving, although carefully, while your injury heals.
In sprain injuries there are common factors that make one more susceptible. Being overweight, lifting improperly, smoking and having poor muscle tone are all factors that increase your odds of developing a muscle strain. Your best chance at preventing such injuries is to lift properly, stay in shape and avoid sudden twisting movements.
Low back pain is particularly nasty because once you have developed the condition once; you are much more likely to experience it again. Long term back pain can cause people to make postural changes that only lead to more problems down the road. No matter how you hurt your back, excluding structural abnormalities, most back pain goes away within three months. Chronic pain, though, can trigger chemical changes in the body that lead to a syndrome that keeps the pain going, and needs to be treated separately.
All forms of back pain can be treated to some degree; the less severe the injury, the better your odds of a complete recovery. If you are experiencing regular low back pain, speak to your doctor about your options.
