Low Back Pain
LOW BACK PAIN
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| medicalnewstoday.com |
Lumbago popularly known as low back pain can affect an individual of any age, but is significantly more common among adults.
Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. It has also been a common reason for absence from work and doctor visits. Although back pain may be painful and uncomfortable, it is not usually serious.
Approximately 80% of all adults will at some time experience low back pain during their lifetime. The pain however can be felt anywhere along the spine, from lumbar down to the hips.
Back pain is associated with the way our bones, muscles and ligaments in our backs work and connect together. Therefore, pain in the lower back may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdomen and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.
CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAIN
Lower back pain is often caused by structural problems, poor posture, strains, stress , infections, sleep disorders and bad mattress.
- Structural problems
The following structural problems may cause back pain;
Abnormal curvature of the spine - if the spine curves in an unusual way the patient is more likely to experience back pain. An example is scoliosis , a condition in which the spine curves to the side.
Ruptured disks - each vertebra in our spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.
2. Poor posture
Some of your everyday activity can create a poor posture. Examples includes;
- Adopting a hunched sitting position when using computers.
- Bending awkwardly.
- Standing for long periods.
- Bending down for long periods.
- Bending the neck forward, especially when using mobile devices e.g phones.
3. Strains or sprains
A muscle strain or sprain could either occur suddenly or develop over time. Common causes includes;
- Lifting heavy objects
- High heel shoes - can cause a strain on your back
- Sport injuries etc
Sprains and strains don't sound too serious but can cause lasting pains.
4. Bad mattress
You should have a mattress that keeps you spine straight, while at the same time supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttock.
- Infections
- Osteomyelitis
- Tumor- cancer of the spine
5. Sleep disorders
Individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience back pain, compared to others.
6. Stress
If you hold stress in your body, it can affect your back . You may begin to tense your back muscles, which can trigger low back pain or make it worse.
See also: 10 effective tips in dealing with stress
See also: 10 effective tips in dealing with stress
OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR LOW BACK PAIN
AGE: Low Back Pain typically occurs to people between the ages of 30 and 50 and may become much more common as you age.
Weight Gain: Gaining significant amounts of weight or being overweight could put stress on your back and cause you discomfort at your back.
Fitness Level: People who lead a sedentary life are more likely to experience low back pain than people who lead an active life. This is due to the fact that their muscles may not properly support the spine.
Job Related Factors: Heavy lifting, pulling, twisting and sitting for prolong hours can injure your spine, especially if you do not have a good posture while sitting for performing any lifting at work.
Heavy Backpacks: Children who carry heavy backpacks are more likely to put a strain on their back muscles and develop a poor posture as they grow.
Smoking: Smoking reduces oxygen rich blood cells from reaching your spinal discs and this will cause the discs to degenerate faster.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
When you have back pain you just know it. As the name suggests, an ache or pain anywhere on 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. But in most cases, signs and symptoms clear up on their own within a short period.
Most people will experience back pain in their lifetime. It is thereby important to prevent its occurrence.
WAYS TO PREVENT LOW BACK PAIN
It is shocking to know that there isn’t a sure way to prevent low back pain but there are steps you can take to lower your risks of experiencing a sore back:
1. Getting a massage periodically
2. Eating Healthy
3. Exercising Regularly
4. Maintaining a healthy weight
5. Proper Posture
6. Lifting with your legs and not your back
Thanks for this article
ReplyDeleteProper posture is really important
ReplyDelete