LOW BACK PAIN

A Modern Epidemic

Back pain, which has reached epidemic proportions with our modern life-style, is usually a result of a combination of factors. By understanding the

causes of low back pain, we can take a more active role in treating it.

Increased Stress And Decreased Exercise

 Our spines were designed to be strong and flexible. A natural, healthy spine can bend two-thirds of the way into a circle, and support over 100 pounds of weight. It is also designed to move often, and to relax completely when it is not moving.  It is easy to see how we have departed from the spine's natural design functions. Our modern lifestyle itself is a precondition for many of the common causes of back pain. Most of us do not exercise our spine's full range of motion on a daily basis, and few of us fully relax our spine, even when we are not moving. We may be sitting at a desk or in a car, but the stress within us keeps our muscles in a state of tension.  When we do exercise it is too often without proper muscle preparation or moderation. We go out with great enthusiasm and often literally "break our back" playing weekend athlete or gardener, or trying to "keep up" in an exercise class. We expect a lot of our spine without giving it the daily attention it needs to remain strong and flexible.

 Common Reasons For Low Back Pain

 The most common causes for low back pain are related to conditions that we can do something about.

* Posture and poor alignment.*  We often hold ourselves in postures which make movement difficult and unnatural, and predispose us to lower back pain. Any posture which compromises the natural curvature and muscular balance of the spine places strain and tension on the supporting muscles and ligaments, weakening them. Without proper support, the joints of the vertebrae are forced to carry weight which they are not meant to carry. This leads to premature spinal degeneration and pain.

* Overexertion.*  We tend to ignore the subtle signals our back gives us to let up on our activity, or change our position. In spite of a twinge here or a little spasm there, we continue to move furniture around or sit at the computer for another three hours until we strain a muscle or squeeze a disc.  Then the pain puts us flat on our back.

* Emotional stress and muscular tension.*  Stress causes muscles to contract. Chronically contracted muscles stop the circulation of blood and oxygen. Pain and atrophy in the muscle, and misalignment of the joints can be the result of muscle tension.

* Degenerative wear and tear.*  Although the spine undergoes a natural aging process, inappropriate alignment and use of the spine can speed up that process. Arthritis, osteophytes (bony growths around the vertebral bodies and facet joints), osteoporosis, disc aging and facet joint damage are some of the effects of aging which can cause low back pain.

* A bulging or herniated disc.*  A herniated or protruding disc can cause severe back pain, but only a small percentage of back pain can be attributed to this condition. Pain usually accompanies a herniated disc only if the escaped disc material is bothering a nerve.

* Structural abnormalities.*  Occasionally low back pain is caused by a predisposing condition such as scoliosis, spina bifida or spondylolisthesis.  These abnormalities can be diagnosed by X-ray.

* Traumatic back injuries.*  Automobiles, industrial accidents and active sports cause most traumatic back injuries.  Whatever the cause, low back pain can be debilitating. Taking good care of our spine and seeking proper treatment when pain does occur will keep low back pain at bay.

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