If you're suffering from low back pain, you may be tempted to only
seek out things to relieve the pain. Although those things may help you
in the short term, they may do more harm than good in the long term. If
you simply mask the pain, two things are likely to happen.
First, the painkillers can become less effective over time which can
lead to increased dosages and possibly to addiction. Second, the cause
of your low back pain will still be present and possibly getting worse.
If you notice pain in lower back, do not hesitate. Learn the inner
workings of your back, including your spinal column and cord, and then
investigate the potential causes of your backache. There are various
different causes, so what is behind your friend's back pain may not be
what's causing yours.
We don't often think about our backs until
there is a problem, but the back is actually a very important part of
your body. It consists of a very intricate system of muscles, bones and
other tissues. The centerpiece of this system is known as the spinal
column. The spinal column helps support the weight of your upper body,
but that's not all. The most important job your spinal column has is to
protect the delicate structure that carries signals to control your
body's movement and sensation-feeling ability - the spinal cord. The
spinal cord starts at the base of your brain and extends to the middle
back, just below your ribcage. The cord sends out small roots through
the small spaces between vertebrae to send its messages to the rest of
your body. Vertebrae (which are part of the spinal column) is often
referred to simply as the "spine." It consists of more than 30 bones
that help protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebra are soft,
cushiony discs that allow you to move flexibly. Ligaments and tendons
help the vertebrae stay in place. They also connect your muscles to the
spinal column. So, now that you know a little more about how your back
is designed, let's take a look at some lower back pain causes.
With
age, often comes a deterioration of muscle tone and bone strength.
Unfortunately, we see this throughout our bodies, but it also affects
our backs. The discs that cushion our vertebrae start losing fluid. This
lessens their ability to be flexible and results in a stiff back. When
the vertebrae aren't being properly cushioned, we can't bend or move as
easily.
Low back pain right side could be caused by heavy lifting
or overstretching that has caused a sprain or muscle spasm. If you're
noticing this type of pain, see a chiropractor immediately. If you
continue causing stress to this area without treatment, you can cause a
disc to rupture, which will cause much more serious back problems.
Anything that causes compression and puts pressure on your nerves will
not only cause pain, but it can also cause loss of sensation in your
lower extremities.
Lower back pain can also be caused by injury or
medical conditions. Do not ignore back pain that comes as a result of
injury or lasts more than one day. If your back is out of alignment,
waiting to consult a chiropractor can cause further damage.
Adelle Lawas is a writer for Peter Olsson. Peter Olsson is a wellness expert and specialist for pain in lower back offering to clients services wider in
scope which include the provision of non-invasive structural
rehabilitation of the spine, functional rehabilitation of the nerve
system and education in the latest science of nutrition, exercise,
emotional wellbeing and health care. For more information, please visit Atlas Wellness Centre website.
