Back pain is a common ailment. It may be a slight problem that lasts only a few days, or a serious one that lead to long term disability.
The Causes
Back pain is caused by a weakness in the back or an injury. It happens when you :
carry heavy objects and over-strain your back,
exercise without due care,
use a poor lifting technique,
twist or turn awkwardly
have bad posture,
lack exercise,
sit in one position for long periods,
are pregnancy and
are overweight
I also surprised that stress can also cause back pain. i.e. The way we cope with stress will affect the health condition of our back.
In medical term, back pain is often due to a combination of factors, such as:
Strained muscles or ligaments.
Damage to a facet joint in the spine.
Muscle spasm, which occurs as a protective measure to immobilise the spine following injury, strain or stress. When the muscles surrounding the damaged area go into spasm, they become tense and painfully stiff, often preventing all movement of the spine.
Herniation of an intervertebral disc ('slipped disc'). This is a less frequent cause of back pain than was once thought. The pain results from the soft centre of a disc bulging out and pressing on a nerve or irritating nearby tissues. Discs tend to dry out in later life, making them more vulnerable to injury. Inactivity also increases the risk of disc problems.
Sciatica, a sharp, severe pain in the buttock that shoots down the back of the leg. The two most common causes of sciatica are a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common causes of back pain among those over 50. oporosis, which can weaken the vertebrae so that they are easily crushed or fractured.
Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves joining it.
How to prevent back pain?
So how do you prevent back pain? Take note of the following:
Maintain your back's strength and flexibility with daily exercise.
avoid excessive or awkward movements that can cause stress and strain.
Never carry a heavy bag in one hand or on one shoulder. Instead, divide the contents between two bags, held one on each side. Better still, carry a backpack (use both straps), or sling a long-handled bag over the opposite shoulder.
To lift a heavy object, get as close to the object as possible, bend your knees, then lift by straightening your knees while keeping your back as straight as you can.
Don't twist your back while holding something heavy; move your feet to turn your whole body instead.
Sit with your back straight, making sure that your lower back is well supported. When driving, recline the seat to increase the thigh-to-trunk angle.
Wear comfortable shoes with good support that will not lead to an abnormal gait. Placing orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist in the shoes can often reduce back strain.
If you work for long hours at a computer, make certain that you sit correctly. Use a footrest if you can't place your feet flat on the floor.
Never stoop to do a ground-level job, such as weeding in the garden.
Your mattress should be firm enough to support your back, but not overly hard. If it is too soft, place a board between mattress and base.
The Causes
Back pain is caused by a weakness in the back or an injury. It happens when you :
carry heavy objects and over-strain your back,
exercise without due care,
use a poor lifting technique,
twist or turn awkwardly
have bad posture,
lack exercise,
sit in one position for long periods,
are pregnancy and
are overweight
I also surprised that stress can also cause back pain. i.e. The way we cope with stress will affect the health condition of our back.
In medical term, back pain is often due to a combination of factors, such as:
Strained muscles or ligaments.
Damage to a facet joint in the spine.
Muscle spasm, which occurs as a protective measure to immobilise the spine following injury, strain or stress. When the muscles surrounding the damaged area go into spasm, they become tense and painfully stiff, often preventing all movement of the spine.
Herniation of an intervertebral disc ('slipped disc'). This is a less frequent cause of back pain than was once thought. The pain results from the soft centre of a disc bulging out and pressing on a nerve or irritating nearby tissues. Discs tend to dry out in later life, making them more vulnerable to injury. Inactivity also increases the risk of disc problems.
Sciatica, a sharp, severe pain in the buttock that shoots down the back of the leg. The two most common causes of sciatica are a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common causes of back pain among those over 50. oporosis, which can weaken the vertebrae so that they are easily crushed or fractured.
Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves joining it.
How to prevent back pain?
So how do you prevent back pain? Take note of the following:
Maintain your back's strength and flexibility with daily exercise.
avoid excessive or awkward movements that can cause stress and strain.
Never carry a heavy bag in one hand or on one shoulder. Instead, divide the contents between two bags, held one on each side. Better still, carry a backpack (use both straps), or sling a long-handled bag over the opposite shoulder.
To lift a heavy object, get as close to the object as possible, bend your knees, then lift by straightening your knees while keeping your back as straight as you can.
Don't twist your back while holding something heavy; move your feet to turn your whole body instead.
Sit with your back straight, making sure that your lower back is well supported. When driving, recline the seat to increase the thigh-to-trunk angle.
Wear comfortable shoes with good support that will not lead to an abnormal gait. Placing orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist in the shoes can often reduce back strain.
If you work for long hours at a computer, make certain that you sit correctly. Use a footrest if you can't place your feet flat on the floor.
Never stoop to do a ground-level job, such as weeding in the garden.
Your mattress should be firm enough to support your back, but not overly hard. If it is too soft, place a board between mattress and base.
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