Back pain and “what to know” Information

Back pain is the most common pain among all people in the world.

Your neuro-muscular-skeletal system is delicately balanced and interconnected.

When a muscle is too weak or even too strong, it places abnormal stress on another muscle.

The muscle that is stressed will compensate for a while, but eventually it will begin to hurt.

Strengthening the abdominal muscles can help prevent lower back pain.

One of the chief causes of lower back pain is weak abdominal muscles.

The abdominals hold the lower torso and if they are weak, the back muscles will be forced into strenuous positions and efforts.

Back pain and posture

Posture plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy back.  Stand straight, with your stomach muscles firm and your buttocks tucked in.

Don’t way your back or let a curve develop in the lumbar region.  Also, try not to sink into one hip or the other.

Good posture will not only save your back, it will also make you look much more attractive and fit

Sitting is more stressful to the back than standing, so if you have a sedentary job, get up and move around often.

Make sure you have a chair that has adjustable height, so you can sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees slightly higher than your hips.

Your chair should be firm, but not totally hard, with armrests and tilt-and-swivel mechanisms.

Rest on a good firm mattress, and never sleep on your stomach.  Lying on our side with the hips and knees slightly flexed is the best position; lying face up is also okay.

Correct ways to move your body and back: “before lifting contract your stomach muscles”; “lift with your legs, not with your back”; “squat down and pick it up and stand up, as opposed to bending at the waist”.

“Don’t lift and twist at the same time”; “know your limits and get help when you’re lifting something that you know is too heavy”.

Common Types of Lower Back Pain (Lumbago)

Mechanical Back Pain: Poor posture, incorrect lifting techniques, or improper body mechanics. It is usually felt in the lower back and can be accompanied by muscle spasms, stiffness, and soreness.

Radicular Back Pain: This type of back pain is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back. It is usually felt as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg.

back pain spinal stenosisSpinal Stenosis: Back pain caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. It is usually felt as a deep ache in the lower back that may radiate down the legs.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis.

It is usually felt as a deep, dull ache in the lower back or buttocks.

sciatica nerve back painSciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve. It is usually felt as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg.

Discogenic Back Pain: This type of back pain is caused by a degenerative disc disease. It is usually felt as a deep, aching pain that radiates down the leg.

Acute Thoracic Back Pain: Usually lasts for a few days or weeks and is caused by a strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments in the thoracic area.

It can be very painful and may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and tenderness.

Chronic Thoracic Back Pain: This type of pain can last for months or even years and is usually caused by an underlying condition such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis.

It can be very debilitating and is often accompanied by fatigue, muscle weakness, and numbness.

Referred Thoracic Back Pain: This pain is felt in the thoracic area but is actually caused by an issue in another part of the body, such as the neck or abdomen.

Other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches may occur.

Radicular Thoracic Back Pain: Pain caused by a pinched nerve in the thoracic area and can be very painful. It is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area.

Thoracic Spine Fracture: A break or fracture in the bones of the thoracic spine. It is usually very painful and can be accompanied by swelling, bruising, and stiffness.