This article discusses a variety of points regarding pain in lower back. It covers statistics, types of lower back pain, symptoms, and exercise.
Published: September 21, 2008 11:10 pm
Most Americans suffer from back woes, injuries
By Judy Rupp, Commentary
As many as 90 percent of Americans suffer from lower back pain at one time or another. And while regular physical activity may reduce the risk considerably, athletes also come in for their share of back woes.
About 70 percent of athletic back injuries occur in adolescents — primarily because they are the ones engaged in vigorous activities. An older adult is more likely to suffer back pain related to muscle strain that can usually be traced to poor conditioning; inadequate stretching and strengthening routines; and/or biomechanical abnormalities.
A strain is by definition a tear — either partial or complete — of a muscle or tendon or the spot where the muscle and tendon join. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, often caused by forceful blows, twisting or unnatural straightening movements.
An older person who has lost bone density is rather easily felled by a fracture; in a younger person, this usually requires a rather substantial blow.
More common is injury to one of the discs that are located between the vertebrae to absorb shock. When a disc is injured, the jelly-like interior may bulge out and press against a nerve, sometimes causing excruciating pain.
Many people have weakened discs related to aging, excess weight, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. But a healthy disc can be injured by a traumatic twisting motion; or it may become weakened by chronic stress over a period of months or even years and then give way with a simple motion such as bending down to pick up a scrap of paper.
Signs of serious back injury requiring prompt medical attention include:
• Pain radiating down one or both legs;
• Inability to touch the toes without severe pain;
• An electrical shooting pain running down the legs; and
• Leg weakness making it difficult to run.
In the majority of cases the injury may be less disabling than it first appears. Minor injuries, including back spasms, can be treated with ice and “active” rest.
The back is supported and stabilized by two major sets of muscles, the lumbar maltifidi and the transversus abdominus. These muscles become dysfunctional following an injury. Physical therapy for back pain usually includes exercises aimed at strengthening both abdominal and back muscles. Variations on abdominal crunches and leg lifts are sometimes recommended. Proper form is essential to avoid doing more harm than good.
Back problems are often associated with tightness of the hamstring and gluteus maximus muscles. Stretching exercises should always aim to maintain flexibility of these muscles as well as those of the back.
Aerobic exercise (running, brisk walking, cycling or swimming) is necessary to keep healthy blood flow to tissues in the lower back. But it must be regular, and, at least during rehabilitation, it should be low impact.
Rupp is information and assistance case manager with the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging.
http://www.enidnews.com/features/local_story_265231059.html?keyword=secondarystory
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