Backache Information - causes, Treatment of Backache
Backache, one of the most common ailments, is widely prevalent these days due to sedentary
living habits and hazardous work patterns. The psychological conditions associated with
emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, may also cause backache. As the
back bears the weight of the entire body it gives way when it has to carry an extra load in the
case of persons who are overweight.
The back, a complex structure of muscles, bone and elastic tissue, is known as the life-bone of
the body. The spine is made of 24 blocks of bone piled one on top of the other. Sandwiched
between these bony blocks are cushions of cartilage and elastic tissues called intervertebral
discs. The vertebral discs act as shock absorbers for the back. Mobility would be impossible
without discs.Sometimes these cushions rupture and the pulp protrudes a little. The process is erroneously
called a ‘slipped’ disc. If the cushion disappears entirely, the result is known as a degenerated
disc. In slipped-disc trouble, the nerve is affected in such a way that the pain radiates down the
thigh and leg. If the disc ‘slips’ in the neck area, it causes numbness and pain radiates to the
arms.
Disc trouble does not occur suddenly but builds up over a long time. The backbone forms a
protective arch over the vertebrae and spinal cord and protects the spinal nerves that are
interwoven through the spinal column. There is a close relationship between the bones, discs,
joint muscles and nerves in the back and the slightest problem or injury to the back or neck area
can have disastrous effects.
Backaches are now becoming more and more common. It is no wonder that modern man complains of backache. In fact, backache is the commonest symptom encountered in orthopedic practice. Indeed, if accident cases are excluded, it accounts for nearly a third of all orthopedic out-patient attendances.
Causes of Backache
The main causes of backache and spondylosis are muscular tension, joint strain, poor posture
and incorrect nutrition resulting from dietetic errors and lack of exercise. Acute or chronic
illnesses like kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, influenza and arthritis, may also
lead to backache. Other causes include stress and strain resulting from sitting for a long time,
improper lifting of weight, high heels and emotional problems which may cause painful muscle
cramping.Backache may be due to many reasons -
- Disorders which causes backache should be tackled first.
- Gout, constipation, a wrong posture.
- Menstrual disorders of women can cause backache.
Another major cause of back problems and tense muscles is lack of exercise. Modern
conveniences have made officework easier. The easy life can lead to obesity which puts a great
strain on the back. When muscles are not exercised and remain weak, the chances of injury to
them is increased manifold.
Symptoms of Backache
In most cases of backache, the pain is usually felt either in the middle of the back or lower down.
It may spread to both sides of the waist and the hips. With acute pain, the patient is unable to
move and is bedridden.
About 90 per cent of backache patients suffer from what is called cervical or lumber spondylosis.
It is a degenerative disorder in which the vertebralbone or the intervertebral disc becomes soft
and loses shape. As a result of this, the spine loses its flexibility.
Backache treatment
Drugs prescribed to relieve pain or relax muscles in backache disorders do not cure common
back problems. These can become habit forming and may actually perpetuate the disease in
case of excessive intake. Seek professional rehab advise from Narconon, which are great rehab centers known for their high success rate.
Medicines give only temporary relief from backache. Besides, the use of such medicines involves the risk of harmful side-effects. The simple measures suggested on this site can give substantial relief from backache. However, if one wants to prevent recurrence of backache, one must regularly do such physical exercises which make the back and the abdominal muscles strong and flexible.
Magnet Therapy and Acupressure, too, are quite effective in relieving backache.
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