What is back pain?
Back pain is very common and a major cause of
disability and people having days off work.
The majority of back pain problems are not serious and only last
a few days or weeks and will usually sort themselves out.
Back pain might also be referred to as lumbago. Pain in the back
usually comes from the muscles, ligaments and joints not moving as they should.
The back.
The
back is a very complex delicate system, so it will probably be helpful if we tell you a little about the
back and how it is made up.
The spine has 2 main functions, to support
the body (helping you to sit and stand upright) and to protect the
spinal cord. The spinal cord is composed of millions of nerves that
help transmit information from the brain to the rest of the body.
The spine is made up of 33 small bones, which are called vertebrae
and each one is shaped like a ring. There are five types of vertebrae
in the spine, all with different jobs:
- The first vertebrae are called the cervical
vertebrae, there are seven of them and they can be found in the
back of your neck.
- The next vertebrae are called the thoracic
vertebrae, there are twelve of them and they help support the
rib cage.
- The next vertebrae are called the lumbar
vertebrae, there are five of them and they make up the lower back.
These are the largest vertebrae and they bear the majority of
the upper body's weight.
- Following on from the lumbar vertebrae are
the sacrum vertebrae, there are five of them that are all fused
together.
- Lastly, at the bottom of your spine is the
coccyx or tail bone, which is made up of four vertebrae. As we
grow older the sacrum vertebrae and the coccyx fuse together so
in some places you may read that the spine is only made up of
24 vertebrae (bones).
In between each vertebra are small soft discs
made of cartilage, which cushion the vertebrae and prevent them
from rubbing against one another.
What causes back pain?
In the majority of cases it can be difficult to identify
the exact cause of backache. However, the way you use your back
is a common cause, for example, pain that comes on suddenly is usually
caused by a physical injury, such as a strained muscle from lifting
something heavy, a fall or from a sudden, awkward movement. Persistent
back pain may be caused by poor posture, joint problems or from
a disease, such as or osteoporosis.
The area of the back where you are most likely to
experience pain is the lower back (the lumbar region). This is
because it is the part of the back which is used the most frequently
and it is under constant stress from bending and twisting. You are
more at risk of back pain if:
- You are overweight.
- You are a smoker.
- You are pregnant.
- Your job involves repeated heavy lifting.
You may also experience back pain because of a prolapsed
disc or 'slipped disc' as it is more commonly known. A slipped disc
occurs when the outer casing of the disc (which protects the vertebrae) is damaged in some way, causing the centre of the disc to pop out of position, this will
often put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves in the area. When this occurs you may experience muscle spasms, pain and limited movement. Slip discs can be caused
by injury from an accident or from heavy lifting.
What are the symptoms of back
pain?
The symptoms you experience could be anything from
a nagging backache to a crippling pain in any area of the back or
buttocks. This pain may be accompanied by stiffness or numbness.
The pain may be worse when bending or sitting down, especially in
an easy chair.
If you feel pain that starts in the lower back, which
then travels down through the leg, this is sciatica and is caused
by the sciatic nerve being pinched as it leaves the spine.
If your back pain lasts for longer than 48 hours or
is getting worse you should consult your doctor. You should also
consult your doctor if you start to have trouble passing urine or
if you feel numbness in the back passage or genitals.
Can I do anything to prevent
getting back pain and avoid it returning?
Yes, follow these tips to help your posture
and prevent problems with your back:
- When lifting heavy weights, let the legs to
do the work, make sure you bend your knees and not your back.
- Try not to slump when sitting.
- When sitting at a keyboard try to alter your position
after long periods of time.
- Walk straight, not with your shoulders hunched
up.
- Avoid wearing high heel shoes for long periods.
- If you are overweight, try to lose those
extra pounds so you are not putting extra strain on your back.
- Get regular exercise to strengthen the back
muscles. Swimming is the best form of exercise as the water supports
your body.
- You should also quit smoking, smoking affects the blood supply to your back, reducing the nutrients
getting to your muscles.
- When carrying shopping, try to carry similar loads
on both sides. If there is a shopping trolley available you should
use it.
- On long car journeys, stop regularly and
walk around. You should also avoid being the driver.
- Make sure you have a firm bed.
Will I need to have any tests?
If you keep suffering
with your back, your doctor may give you a physical examination and
take some blood tests to check for any forms of arthritis.
If a prolapsed disc is suspected you may need to have an x-ray or
a scan, though this isn't usually helpful.
How is back pain
treated?
Fortunately most people who suffer
with back pain will get better on their own, within days or weeks.
If you can manage the pain at home with paracetamol and hot pads
(or hot water bottles) then there is no need to see your doctor.
However, do not to lie in bed all day, this is not a cure and might even make
you worse, instead try to carry on with normal activities. You should
only lie down during the day if the pain is unbearable.
If the pain is severe your doctor will
be able to prescribe stronger painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
He/she may also suggest exercises that you should try or refer you
to a physiotherapist.
Related topics
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
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