The spinal column, or backbone, stretches from the base of the skull to the buttocks. It consists of more than 30 separate bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are linked by strong ligaments, and flexible, flattened discs lie between them. Each disc is constructed of a tough, fibrous outer covering wrapped around a jelly-like inner substance; this construction provides enough elasticity to permit some movement over the entire spinal column. It is partly the restrictions imposed by this limited flexibility that are responsible for most back troubles. If you twist the wrong way or overstrain any part of the spinal column, it can have a painful effect on the vertebrae and on the muscles, and ligaments that connect the vertebrae.

Most of us suffer from back pains at some time or other. Usually it is an unpleasant and awkward, but not desperately serious. The problem may be caused by some kind of mechanical stress or damage within the back, which gets better fairly quickly. Poor posture, excessive stresses, and the wear and tear problems may be at least partly responsible.

Backache is not an illness in itself, but a symptom. Its development means something has gone wrong somewhere, although it may not always be clear exactly what.

Non-specific backaches:

The vast majority of backaches are often called nonspecific because they have no obvious cause. There are also no obvious, easy cures. Many different factors, including psychological factors, are involved in the type of backache, and the cause or causes may vary somewhat from person to person. Most non-specific backaches may be caused by muscle strain and injury to the surrounding ligaments or joints. In addition, some people may develop back pain when they are under stress, just as other people develop tension headaches.

Specific backaches:

When there is a firm diagnosis made, so there back pain is called “Specific backaches.”

Types of back pains:

1.) Prolapsed disc (Herniated disc) – the term “slipped disc” is often used very loosely. A slipped disc, more correctly called prolapsed or herniated disc, is a specific disorder.

Between each vertebrae and its neighbors there is a disc made up of a fibrous outer layer surrounding a jelly-like inner substance. If the disc begins to degenerate and become less supple, because you have been overstraining your back, the disc may prolapse. The pressure squeezes some of the softer central material out through a weak point in the harder outer layer. The result is a loss of the cushioning effect of the disc, and painful pressure on the nerve at the squeezed-out portion of the disc. Any disc may prolapse, but those in the lower back are especially susceptible. This can also occur in the neck, where pressure on a nerve root may cause pain and tingling down the arm.

2.) Sciatica – As the greatest weight and bending forces are experienced in the lower part of the lumbar spine, the nerves most often damaged are the fifth lumbar nerve root (which leaves the spine between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae) and the first sacral root (which leaves the spine between the fifth lumbar vertebrae and the first part of the sacrum). These two nerves join together to form the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg to the foot. Pain arising because of the damage to this nerve is known as “sciatica”

3.) Lumbar spondylosis –“spondylosis,” or wear and tear of the spine, is very common. Indeed, these changes start at the age of about 25 and are present in almost all of us by the time we are middle-aged. This is one of the main reasons why athletes are at the peak of their performance their early twenties.

4.) Lumbago – recurrent spells of sudden pain that may spread to the buttocks or to one or both thighs. While the attack lasts, your back may also feel stiff and tender. The pain can last for a day or two or up to a couple of weeks. Sometimes it then disappears completely or it may persist or recur. The symptoms are made worse by poor posture and heavy lifting.

5.) Nerve problems – nerves easily get squashed, within the vertebral canal and as they emerge from the sides of the vertebral column, by damaged discs, facet joints or vertebrae. When the nerve is compressed, you may experience pain or a sensation of numbness or tingling in the area supplied by the nerve, and the muscles that it controls in your leg or foot may become weak.

6.) Coccydynia – pain in the tail of the spine, or the coccyx. It can be continuous pain that is worse when you sit. It may be caused by falling on your buttocks or an injury from being hit. Women occasionally experience temporary pain in this area after childbirth. Some relief from the pain can be obtained by sitting on a soft cushion specifically designed for this purpose.

7.) Neck problems:

* Cervical spondylosis – may cause no problems at all, or lead to neck pain with headache and/or arm pain. Neck movements are reduced, and some patients have a tender spot in the trapezius muscle, which lies between the neck and shoulders. The arms may become weak and lose their reflexes.
* Acute Stiff Neck Syndrome – waking up with a stiff and painful neck with no apparent reason. Movement may only be possible in one direction, and the muscles of the lower neck may be tender. The pain is associated with muscle spasm and will settle with a neck collar and painkillers in three to four days.
* Whiplash – is common after a car accident, when the sudden impact gives no time for the muscles to brace, and the head moves no time like a pendulum on the neck. In simple cases, only the ligaments in the neck are sprained, and the pain and the stiffness that result are caused by the neck muscles going into spasm as a protective mechanism. In some cases pain persists for longer than six weeks, and it may be more serious causing damage to the discs or other structures, and may led to nerves being damaged or compressed which may require surgical intervention. When the pain remains severe for several months, it becomes more likely there will be continuing disability
* Prolapsed disc – disc cam also prolapsed in the neck, although this is less common than in the lower back.

Symptoms of backache:

Pain, usually with stiffness, may develop slowly or suddenly. It may begin after you lift a heavy object, fall, stay in an awkward or cramped position for some time, do some unusual exercise, or for no apparent reason. Pain may be continuous or it may occur only when you are in a certain position or at certain times of the day. Coughing, sneezing, or bending, and twisting the back may aggravate the pain.

What should be done?

Always protect your back. If you are suffering from non-specific backaches, first try the self-help treatment, which include application of heat to the painful area to ease the pain. You can use an electric heating pad or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, lie flat on your back for as long as you can on a bad with a firm mattress, or on an ordinary mattress with a stiff board under it. It may help to put a pillow under your ankles and calves. If your backache persists for more than 3 or 4 days despite these measures, consult your physician.

Recommendations:

* When pain hits, immediately drink two large glasses of quality water. This often gives relief within minutes. Muscle aches and back pain is frequently connected to dehydration. The body needs a minimum of eight 8-ounces glasses of water daily to keep acidic wastes from building up in the muscles and other tissues.
* If pain follows an injury or sudden movement, apply ice for the first 48 hours, and then apply heat. Rest on a firm bed.
* To relieve back pain, soak in a very warm bath or apply a heating pad directly to your back.
* Once the acute pain subsided, do some exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and these may support your back.
* When sitting, keep your knees a little higher than your hips and keep your feet flat on the floor.
* When carrying things on your shoulder, switch the weight to the other side from time to time.
* Learn to recognize and reduce stress.
*  Always push large objects; never pull them.
* Wear comfortable, well-made shoes. The higher the heels of your shoes, the greater the risk of backache.
* Move around. Do not sit in the same position for long periods of time.
* Maintain a healthy weight and get regular moderate exercises.
* Avoid the following activities: Baseball; basketball; football; bowling; golf; tennis, and weightlifting.
* Never lean forward without bending your knees.
*  If you must work close to the ground, squat down so that you avoid bending at the waist.

For more details visit our e-mail address:  lifeextension_drgarysy@yahoo .com