Sometimes people wrongly think that certain physical ailments are only attributed to aging or only afflict older people. When it comes to back pain, they couldn’t be more wrong. While low back pain definitely afflicts the elderly and aging, it can also affect a healthy adult or even a teenager or child.
The back is made up of many parts. The centre piece structure that holds the back in place is the spinal column, which also has the task of protecting the spinal cord and the multitude of nerves and nervous pathways that go up and down the torso. The spine itself is made up of vertebrae, and each vertebrae is separated from its neighbours above and below by round pads of cartilage called discs. Ligaments and tendons hold the vertebrae in place and attach the muscles of the back to the spinal column. The vertebrae are divided up into parts called the cervical or neck vertebrae, the thoracic or upper torso vertebrae, the lumbar vertebra or lower back area, and the root of the spine where the tailbone is located. Low back pain occurs in the lumbar part of the spine.
There are many causes for low back pain and most are dependent on the type of pain a person is feeling in their back. The length of time the pain continues is what determines whether back pain is acute or chronic. However terrible it may sound, back pain that lasts less than three months is considered acute or temporary. Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months.
Given the tough job the spine and back have to do, it’s no wonder that posture alone can cause low back pain. Things like obesity, weight gain during pregnancy, and a poor physical condition in general make it hard for the back to do its job of keeping the spine straight. Weight loss and healthy living alone can often improve back pain tremendously.
Trauma to the lower back is a serious cause of low back pain that has to be examined as soon as it occurs. Car accidents that whip the body around can cause back pain, as well as people who overstretch when reaching or pick up something too heavy. These things can cause trauma to the back, causing the discs between the vertebrae to bulge. Nerve and muscle tissue can become irritated, bone lesions can occur, and left untreated, these things can become much more serious.
If low back goes untreated and is of a serious nature, it can become something else more serious such as sciatica. Sciatica is caused when herniated or ruptured discs press on the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs down the spinal column to the pelvis and if irritated, can cause shock like or burning back pain. This pain shoots through the buttocks and travels down a leg, going often as far as below the knee.
Low back pain in general can reduce a person’s flexibility, making it nearly impossible for them to bend. The muscles ache with shooting or stabbing pains, and often a person is not able to stand up straight. Men and women are equally afflicted by back pain. In a single year, Americans will spend approximately fifty billion dollars in total on treating back pain. It is the most common cause of job related disability and missed work. Even teenagers can be afflicted by back pain when they carry heavy backpacks full of school supplies. While aging of course brings such ailments as osteoporosis and its symptom of back pain, this type of pain can be caused by gardening, housework, lifting something improperly or simply poor sleeping habits and posture.
Any sort of back pain caused for whatever reason should be examined by a doctor if it doesn’t go away after a few days. Acute low back pain can easily turn into something more chronic. It might also be the sign of something more serious. Visit a doctor or back specialist to confirm any diagnosis.
Sometimes individuals wrongly think that certain physical ailments are only attributed to aging or only afflict older individuals. When it comes to back pain westchester, they couldn’t be more wrong. More info on the best Back pain doctor westchester, now a click away!
Related posts:
- Irving Back Pain Relief Done Naturally Through Chiropractic Therapy Solutions
- Main Ways For The Prevention For Lower Back Smarting
- Acute Lower Back Pain – What Are The Reasons?
- Low Back Pain Relief Is Closer Than You Think In Houston, TX
- Lower Back Pain Causes – The 5 Main Causes
- Massage Chair Therapy Can Elevate Chiropractic Manipulation
- Low Back Pain Sufferers And Chiropractic
- Spinal Misalignment: Whats It To You?
- How Frederick Community Is Relieved Of Back Pain With Spinal Decompression
- Winning Health The Natural Way Through Chiropractic Care
alternative health · Back Ache · Back Pain · back pain doctor · fitness · health · Low-Back Pain · medicine · wellness