BE VIRTUALLY BACK PAIN FREE
– JUST 21-DAYS –
Back pain
usually originates from the spine – a complex interconnecting network
of bones, nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Back pain
(dorsopathy) is one of the most common ailments of human beings. The
pain can be sudden or chronic, constant or intermittent and dull or
sharp. It can stay in one place or radiate in other areas. The pain in
the upper zone like shoulder, neck etc is termed as upper back pain
whereas that in the lower part of the spinal cord is called lower back
pain (Lumbago).
Causes behind back pain
Muscle
pulls or muscle imbalances are common causes of back pain. Muscle
imbalances create a mechanical problem in the bone structure, building
up pressure at certain positions along the spine. Another cause leading
to low back pain is Meniscoid occlusion. The more movable areas of the
spine contain Sinovial membrane that helps the smooth movement of the
bones. This membrane, which is well endowed with nerves and blood, gets
pinched or trapped and causes serious pain.
For below 50
years of age, individuals suffer from back pain owing to spinal disc
herniation, degenerative disc disease or Isthmic spondylolisthesis. For
adults above fifty years, common causes include osteoarthritis, spinal
stenosis, etc. Non- anatomical factors like stress, repressed anger,
depression or tension myositis syndrome can also cause back pain.
Treatment of back pain
In
general backaches do not require instant medical interventions, as they
are self-limiting and non-progressive. However, it is not wise to
ignore it for long, as there may be underlying problems. There are
several treatment procedures and they often vary from one individual to
another.
Heat therapy, especially moist heat (hot bath or
whirlpool) is useful in curing acute or sub-acute low back pain. Cold
therapy, like ice or cold pack application, is also an effective mode
of cure. Your medical guide may administer oral medicines like muscle
relaxants, narcotics, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs,
paracetamol, etc. Exercises, especially if you do it under an expert’s
guidance is very helpful in relieving your backache. Certain studies
however reveal that exercise is more helpful in case of chronic back
pain than that in acute ache. Physical therapy (carried under
therapist’s guidance) inclusive of stretching and strengthening is also
good in curing backaches. Massage therapy, as in the case of
acupressure (pressure point message), reduces the pain in back, too.
Chronic pain is cured by body awareness therapy like Feldenkrais
method. Acupuncture also yields some benefit in curing chronic low back
pain.
Finally some unconventional methods dealing with
attitude, emotions, mental state and life style can come to your aid,
too. Some such therapies are respondent-cognitive therapy, progressive
relaxation therapy, etc. You should also change poor postures, if any,
to get rid of the backaches.
So if back pain is what is
bothering you, go for one of the curing therapies that suit you best.
After all, your spinal chord supports your entire frame.