If you suffer from back pain,
you should know that you are not alone. You are one of the millions of people
around the world, who at some point in their lives, suffer from back pain, most
often in the lower back. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for
hospitalizations.
Causes
of Back Pain
Back
pain can be a result of a simple muscle strain or sprain of ligaments
due to sudden or improper movement or overuse of the body.
An
injury to one or more of the following structures: the bones or
vertebrae of the spine, its joints, the discs separating the vertebrae
can cause back pain.
Any disorders or problems in
muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones or underlying organs, such as
kidneys, may cause back pain.
The
stretching of the uterus and the additional weight that your spine has
to support during pregnancy may affect your posture and can result in
back pain.
Some
cases of back pain may have a psychological component, usually a
deep-seated emotional or stress-related problem.
Other factors that can cause back
pain include poor
posture, improper body mechanics, improper footwear and walking habits,
sleeping on a soft mattress, and calcium deficiency.
Problems of the kidneys, bladder and prostate, female pelvic disorders
and constipation may cause back pain.
Chronic
conditions that can cause back pain include
fibromyalgia, rheumatism,
arthritis, bone disease, and abnormality of spine.
Although the cause of most back pain cannot be explained and is not the
result of any disorder or illness, it is highly recommended to take your
problem seriously and have it checked.
Acute and Chronic Back Pain
Acute or short-term lower back pain generally starts suddenly and can
last from a few days to a few weeks.
Symptoms can vary from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited
flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight.
Chronic back pain on the other hand, can last for more than 3 months,
can keep recurring, and can be the effect of almost any movement,
without any specific reasons.
It
is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine. This
is one of the frequent reasons for hospitalization.
Most
patients with lower back pain recover without residual functional
loss, but individuals should contact their doctor if severe pain and
inflammation persist after 72 hours of home-treatment.
Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics or other
non-traumatic causes is often preventable.
The
most effective way to prevent lower back pain is to regularly exercise
your back. Most health care providers recommend incorporating
stretching and strengthening exercises with your daily activities.
Engaging in
exercises that strengthen the back, abdominal hip, and thigh
muscles, maintaining proper posture, and applying correct body
mechanics when lifting or moving objects can help prevent back pain
and injuries.
Employing
ergonomic principles such as designing furniture and using tools to
protect the body from many injuries that are caused by stressors such
as repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and awkward posture
in
the at home and in the workplace can greatly reduce the risk of
injuries.
