Backache
Backache, one of the most common ailments, is widely
prevalent these days due to sedentary living habits and hazardous work
patterns. The psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which
bring about spasm of the muscles, may also cause backache. As the back bears
the weight of the entire body it gives way when it has to carry an extra load
in the case of persons who are overweight. The back, a complex structure of muscles,
bone and elastic tissue, is known as the life-bone of the body. The spine is
made of 24 blocks of bone piled one on top of the other. Sandwiched between
these bony blocks are cushions of cartilage and elastic tissues called
intervertebral discs. The vertebral discs act as shock absorbers for the back.
Mobility would be impossible without discs. Sometimes these cushions rupture
and the pulp protrudes a little. The process is erroneously called a ‘slipped’
disc. If the cushion disappears entirely, the result is known as a degenerated disc.
In slipped-disc trouble, the nerve is affected in such a way that the pain
radiates down the thigh and leg. If the disc ‘slips’ in the neck area, it
causes numbness and pain radiates to the arms. Disc trouble does not occur suddenly but builds up
over a long time. The backbone forms a protective arch over the vertebrae and
spinal cord and protects the spinal nerves that are interwoven through the
spinal column. There is a close relationship between the bones, discs, joint
muscles and nerves in the back and the slightest problem or injury to the back
or neck area can have disastrous effects.
Symptoms
In most cases of backache, the pain is usually felt
either in the middle of the back or lower down. It may spread to both sides of
the waist and the hips. With acute pain, the patient is unable to move and is
bedridden. About 90 per cent of backache patients suffer from what is called
cervical or lumber spondylosis. It is a degenerative disorder in which the
vertebral bone or the inter-vertebral disc becomes soft and loses shape. As a
result of this, the spine loses its flexibility.
Causes
The main causes of backache and spondylosis are
muscular tension, joint strain, poor posture and incorrect nutrition resulting
from dietetic errors and lack of exercise. Acute or chronic illnesses like
kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, influenza and arthritis, may
also lead to backache. Other causes include stress and strain resulting from
sitting for a long time, improper lifting of weight, high heels and emotional
problems which may cause painful muscle cramping. Poor posture results from
soft chairs and coaches, which facilitates slouching and sitting incorrectly.
Shoes with high heels place a tremendous strain on the back and other muscles
of the body. Sleeping on too soft a mattress which results in an improper back
and neck posture, can cause tension, headaches and pain in the upper and lower
back. Another major cause of back problems and tense muscles is lack of
exercise. Modern conveniences have made office work easier. The easy life can
lead to obesity which puts a great strain on the back. When muscles are not
exercised and remain weak, the chances of injury to them is increased manifold.
Treatment
Drugs prescribed to relieve pain or relax muscles in
backache disorders do not cure common back problems. These can become habit
forming and may actually perpetuate the disease in case of excessive intake. Certain
safety measures, especially, for people in sedentary occupation, are necessary
to relieve and prevent backache. The most important of these is exercise which
improves the supply of nutrients to spinal discs, thereby delaying the process
of deterioration that comes with age and eventually affects everybody. Safe
exercises include walking, swimming and bicycling. The latter should be done
keeping the back upright. Controlling one’s weight is another important step
towards relieving backache as excess weight greatly increases the stress on
soft back tissues.
Those with sedentary occupations should take a break
to stand up every hour. Soft cushioned seats should be avoided and position
should be changed as often as possible. Persons with back problems should sleep
on a firm mattress on their sides with knees bent at right angles to the torso.
They should take care never to bend from the waist down to lift any object but
instead should swat close to the object, bending the knees but keeping the back
straight, and then stand up slowly. Neck tension arising from long hours at the
desk or behind the wheel of the car can be relieved by certain neck exercises.
These include rotating the head clockwise and anticlockwise, allowing the head
to drop forward and backward as far as possible and turning the head to the
right and left as far as possible several times. These exercises help to loosen
up contracted neck muscles which may restrict the blood supply to the head. The
diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a salad of raw
vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce
and at least two steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower,
cabbage, carrot, spinach and plenty of fruits, all except bananas. The patients
should have four meals daily. They may take fruits and milk during breakfast, steamed vegetables and whole wheat chapatis during lunch, fresh fruits or fruit juice
in the evening and a bowl of raw salad and sprouts during dinner. The patients
should avoid fatty, spicy, and fried foods, curd, sweetmeats, sugar, condiments
as well as tea and coffee. Those who smoke and take tobacco in any form should
give them up completely.
Proteins and vitamin C are necessary for the development
of a healthy bone matrix. Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous and the essential
trace minerals are essential for healthy bones. Foods that have been processed
for storage to avoid spoiling have few nutrients and should be eliminated from
the diet. Vitamin C has proved helpful in relieving low-back pain and averting spinal
disc operations.
Hot fomentations, alternate sponging or application
of radiant heat to the back will also give immediate relief. Yogic asanas which
are beneficial in the treatment of backache are bhujangasana, shalabhasana,
halasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana. The back can be strengthened through
proper nutrition, exercise and relaxation and in the process general health
will also improve.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through
www.scribd.com
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