Eight out of 10 people in the United States will have back pain in their lifetime. Ninety percent of these people recover spontaneously. But once you have a problem, recurrence is common.
Why are Back Problem Complaints on the Rise?
It is well recognized that Americans are less physically active now than in previous generations. Technology has reduced the need for physical strength and endurance to perform work. Leisure activities include television and video games rather than sandlot ballgames.
Back injuries most often occur gradually rather than related to a single incident. Serious back injuries increase in prevalence until age 40 and decline thereafter.
How Does the Back Work?
The back is a complex system of bones, discs, muscles and nerves.
- The muscles initiate the action of the back. A muscle that is strong and flexible allows for greater movement ranges.
- Discs cushion bending and turning of the back. A disc has a central nucleus that has a more fluid consistency when a person is young. This nucleus becomes less fluid as we age, decreasing the ability to cushion the bones.
- The bones of the spine stabilize the back. Strong bones, free of degeneration, offer greater protection during movement.
- When a bone, disc and/or muscle are compromised, a nerve may be compressed, causing pain.
What are the Common Causes of Back Problems?
The most frequent cause is poor posture. This can be an increased curve in the small of your back and often is combined with weak stomach muscles. The opposite also can be seen when there is not enough curve in the small of the back. A job that requires sitting the majority of the time often contributes to this decreased curve or flattening.
The way we lift, bend and work also contributes to back injuries. The person who twists and lifts, rather than turning towards the object to be lifted, increases their risk of injury. Another frequent mistake is to have the work surface too low. This requires the back to remain in a flexed position, putting increased pressure on the disc. When you hold an object too far away from the body, you place an undue load on your back. Sitting with your back unsupported also places additional stress on your back. And of course, accidents such as a car wreck can contribute to back injuries, too.
What Can I Do?
- Get in shape and stay in shape.
- Maintain flexibility and muscle strength in you back.
- When you have to lift something, keep the back slightly flexed and your knees bent.
- Correct any poor posture.
- Make sure your work habits are safe.
- Find time to relax and unwind.
- If you injure your back rest and relax, applying ice for pain relief.
- Seek medical attention if the pain does not subside within two to three days.
For more information, visit the Brain and Spine Institute.
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