Things You Need to Know about Low Back Pain

JC Sanasam *

Different regions (curvatures) of the vertebral column :: Pix - Wikipedia/Jpratama

Almost all individuals experience backache at least once in their lifetime. Backache is commonly noticed in individuals who are in the range of 35 to 70 years of age. The worldwide prevalence of this disorder is estimated to be about 10 to 40 percent of population. This disorder is one of the commonest reasons of taking leave by office workers and persons on jobs, and most people take leave for a period of one week or so with this condition.

The pain and muscular stiffness experienced in the back region below the rib cage and above the buttocks is the usual kind when we generally call it back pain. The pain may or may not be associated with pain in the thighs or legs. Orthopedists define low back pain with two types of its character: Acute (short term) which is of within duration of about 12 weeks at a stretch and Chronic (long term) when it has persisted for more than 12 weeks.

Causes of back pain

In most cases (almost in 85 percent) the cause is not known and is designated as nonspecific back pain.

Very commonly similar type of low back pain may be experienced by young girls and women who have menstrual disorders or reproductive system conditions. Abdominal pain caused by urinary stone or colon loaded with un-evacuated fecal matter may be referred to the low back area; and this also may be confused with low back pain.

Among the specific causes, fracture of a vertebra of the lower spine or prolapse of the intervertebral disc (the cartilaginous circular thick sheet of tissue between each two adjacent vertebral bones to absorb friction and support the spine) may be the cause. It is reported that patients and doctors equally blame the prolapsed disc too often as the cause of many back pain cases whereas it is uncalled for.

It is not a very common cause. About 1% may be due to the presence of a tumor in that region. In some instances backache may be due to disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis (disease of the bone), fibromyalgia (inflamed condition of muscle and fibrous tissue), and infection related to the spinal cord (the column of nerve tissue enclosed within the spine).

Signs and symptoms of back pain

Stiffness of muscles of the back, and severe pain in movements like bending or stretching, disabling the individual to perform any task may be the presenting symptom. The pain may persist even without movements.

The pain may at times be felt in the buttock or leg region. Other features associated with the specific cause may also be present to the notice of the individuals.

Diagnosis of back pain

The doctor will likely ask the individual to perform some simple tests like lifting the leg, crossing the legs, walking on the toes, stretching the toes or feet and verify their reflex movements. Radiographs, MRI or CT scan (all to do with plain and special diagnostic X-ray investigations) may be required. General blood picture, blood chemistry and others may be advised to rule out disorders that could be a remote possibility.

Risk factors for back pain

Some of the risk factors for nonspecific back pain are: heavy physical work, jobs that involve repeated bending, twisting or lifting, being at one position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods, improper posture while standing or sitting, incorrect posture during prolonged computer works or driving. Individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression or mental stress at work also tend to develop back pain.

Treatment of back pain

Administration of pain killers, non-steroid-anti-inflammatory-drugs (NSAIDS) can resolve most of nonspecific back pain. These drugs should not be consumed for prolonged periods; they may harm the kidney and gastrointestinal organs with their toxicity. One should consult a doctor if the pain killers should or should not be continued. In certain cases opioids and muscle relaxants are also medicated.

Bed rest very often worsens some acute nonspecific back pain. If required bed rest for 2 or 3 days can be tried.

Other possible underlying causes should be sought for and necessary procedure of diagnosis and treatment be administered.

Alternative therapy for nonspecific back pain

Some other alternative therapies which are found or reported to be effective in varying proportions in the treatment for nonspecific back pain are: exercise, massage therapy, acupuncture, heat pack application, physiotherapy.

Prevention of Back pain

Steps that can be helpful in preventing back pain are: do not try to lift heavy objects alone, get a proper posture like spreading your legs to a comfortable position while lifting or lugging or hauling, be as close to the object being lifted as possible, always bend at the knees and not at the waist while bending, do not bend forward when you lift an object and do not twist your waist while lifting or lugging or hauling.

At work places: avoid high heels, make sure the chair you sit on has a straight back and, if possible, its height and arm rests can be adjusted to a comfortable position, when sitting for prolonged time keep the knees at the level of the hips or slightly higher (if the chair does not have a straight back a small pillow behind the lower back may be helpful), avoid sitting continuously for long periods; get up from the seat, walk a few steps and stretch the back a little, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.