Common Causes and Prevention of Back Ache

Summary:

Back ache is the most common condition affecting any age group in both men and women. Several factors attribute to the problem of backaches. With adequate measures the problem can be alleviated.

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Back pain is a symptom that indicates injury or damage to muscles, bones, nerves and soft
tissues of the spinal cord. Pregnancy and abdominal disorders can add to the reasons of
nefarious back problems. Here are a few known causes that may instigate a shooting or mild
ache in your back.

Nerve root syndrome is produced by the direct irritation to the nerve, often a bulging of the
disc in the lower back causes a sharp pain followed by numbness in the leg. Sciatica is an
instance of impingement of the nerve root.

Herniated disc occurs due the thinning of the spinal discs. The central part of the disc swells
up and hits against a nerve root. Herniated disc is found in 1/3rd of adults aged above 20
years.

Spondylosis occurs when the intervertebral discs begin to reduce volume and moisture with
the process of aging. The disc height is decreased and a minor trauma can cause nerve root
syndrome, without rupturing of the disc.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal duct due to spinal disc degeneration occurring
from diseases of lower back joints. Pain radiates down to the lowest segment of the spine
while standing for long hours or walking short distances.

Cauda equina syndrome occurs due to the compression of spinal cord and requires immediate
medical assistance. Under this condition the disc material expels into the spinal duct,
constricts the nerves. An individual suffering from it would experience excessive pain, loss of
sensation, and dysfunction of the bladder/ bowel.

Myofascial pain is a type of musculoskeletal pain that occurs at localized areas. Since the
muscles are stressed, therefore relief from pain can be derived by stretching the concerned
muscle group.

Fibromyalgia is yet another type of musculoskeletal pain which causes tenderness and pain
all over the body. Fatigue, muscle aches and generalized stiffness are its characteristics. A
body massage with medicated oils may help alleviate the ache.

Tumors can contribute to skeletal pain.

Osteomyelitis or the infection of the bones is a rare cause that may strike the spine.

Inflammation of nerves due to herpes zoster virus results into shingles that severely affects
the upper and lower spine.

Spondylitis is the non-infectious inflammation of the spine that results in stiffness and spinal
pain. It tends to get especially worse in the morning. Young adults and adolescents are
usually affected by it.

Prevention:

Depending on the cause of your back ache, your doctor will prescribe special exercises.
These may include:

Abdominal crunches strengthen abdominal muscles and reduce the tendency to create
backaches.

The pelvic tilt assuages tight back muscles.

Sometimes, stretching exercises can alleviate the stressed back muscles.

If you are required to stand for long hours, rest your foot on a small stool. Keep your head up
and pull in your stomach. Also do not wear high heels.

Working for long hours while seated, requires chairs of suitable height with adequate lumbar
support and an effective swivel system. Use pillows or small towel to support your lumbar
area if the seat fails to offer comfort.

Usually semi-hard bed mattresses are ideal for sleeping. As they are neither too soft nor too
hard to adjust the body contours, unlike soft or hard mattresses.

When lifting things off the floor, you should bend your knees, instead of bending your back.
Avoid objects that are heavy to lift as the stress will surely rupture your muscles. Also, keep
objects closer to avoid stooping over.

2011? Dr. Brendal Norris, Chiropracticbackpainrelief.org, Read other articles
about back pain and back pain relief at http://chiropracticbackpainrelief.org
for more answers to your questions about back pain, its causes, and cures.This article is from http://chiropracticbackpainrelief.org/causes-of-back-pain-and-how-to-prevent-it