What Everybody Should Know… About How To Cure Back Pain

by The Doc

Back pain (also known "dorsalgia") is pain felt in the back that may originate from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. Back pain in individuals with medical conditions that put them at high risk for a spinal fracture, such as osteoporosis or multiple myeloma, warrants prompt medical attention. Back pain from osteoporosis is most commonly related to compression fractures of the vertebra.

Your Spine:

The spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are capable of producing pain. The various muscles that are attached to the spine enable the spine to bend and move in various ways. Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities. At the lowest end of the spine, some patients may have tailbone pain (also called coccyx pain or coccydynia). Others may have pain from their sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the lumbar spine, called sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Weight:

If you are overweight, exercise will help you to lose weight, which will reduce the strain on your back. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can hinder the healing process. The weight gain often associated with smoking cessation can often contribute to back pain. In a recent review of medical literature published by the Department of Veteran Affairs Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, a relationship between increases in body weight and low back pain, along with osteoarthritis and other painful conditions was found.

Problems During Pregnancy:

During pregnancy your center of gravity will gradually move forward as your uterus and baby grow, which causes your posture to change. Your developing pregnancy and baby create additional weight that your back must support. Stress usually finds the weak spot in the body, and because of the changes in your pelvic area, you may experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.

Pain Relief:

Pain relief is obtained by interfering with pain signals to the brain and by causing the release of natural painkillers (called endorphins). Pharmacological interventions for the relief of LBP include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical analgesics, muscle relaxants, opioids, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. A German team found almost half the patients treated with acupuncture felt pain relief. Hot or cold packs may bring temporary relief but don't fix the cause.

Treatment:

Treatment options range from basic rest, ice or heat and gradually resuming activity to medication, exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture and surgery. Not all treatments work for all conditions or for all individuals with the same condition, and many find that they need to try several treatment options to determine what works best for them.

Therapy:

Massage Therapy, especially from an experienced therapist, may help. Body Awareness Therapy such as the Feldenkrais Method has been studied in relation to Fibromyalgia and chronic pain and studies have indicated positive effects. In one study, chiropractic manipulation was found to relieve back pain better than a sham therapy in which therapists only imitated chiropractic manipulation.

Exercise:

Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. Continue with normal activities as far as possible. In almost all cases, physical therapy and/or a regular exercise program that includes stretching, strengthening and low impact cardio conditioning will be part of the treatment and rehabilitation program.

About the Author:

Another in the 'By The Doc' series - an authoritative guide to the causes and remedies of Back Pain. Find out how to escape from Back Pain, what causes it and the available remedies. Always seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner.

 

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