adminMoses Temba
CHRONIC back pain is defined by pain lasting more than two weeks which affects the back, usually restricting movement and quality of life of an individual. Research shows that adults between the age groups of 35 to 65 years are affected by this condition, females being more affected than males. Pain in the lower back area can relate to problems with the lumber spine, the muscles that support the back, the discs between the vertebra, the ligaments around the spine and discs.
The main cause of chronic lower back pain is poor posture, which results in the straining of muscles and ligaments of the back. A prolapsed intervertebral disc can be a cause of severe back pain, which might radiate down the leg (sciatica) following the course of the nerve or accompanied by weakness. The prolapsed disc might be compressing on a nerve resulting in an electric type of pain. Osteoarthritis (degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone) that develop in facet joints can also result in chronic back pain. Other causes of lower back pain include spinal fractures, cancer, osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), osteoporosis (bone softening) and ankylosing spondylitis (type of arthritis). Depression and anxiety might also dispose one to lower back pain.
Some occupations predispose people to lower back especially those involving long periods of sedentary work, lifting, bending, prolonged stooped posture are good examples. Prevention of low back pain entails assuming a correct posture, that is maintaining the normal curvature of the spine, a pillow can be used to support the lower back thereby maintaining the muscles’ in a relaxed state.
Good lifting techniques can go a long way in preventing back pain. The following are few examples of good lifting techniques:
Get close to the object to be lifted
Put the feet in a wide stable position for balance
Get a good firm hold on the object
Bend the knees at the start of the lift
Use your own body weight to assist in the lift
Lift slowly and smoothly
Back pain due to muscular and ligamentous injuries are usually relieved with heat therapy, massage, analgesics, etc. Supporting structures, like lumber corsets can be prescribed to give additional support to relieve stress on the spine. Sometimes back pain is caused or worsened by muscle spasms, which may call for the use of antispasmodic drugs. Heat therapy results in relief of pain and muscle spasm and increase in blood flow which hastens the healing, however precautionary measures should be taken when using this type of treatment. Therapeutic massage improves circulation, promote relaxation of muscles, helps loosen scar tissue, and stretch tight muscles and fasciae, which results in the reduction of pain and improve the rate of tissue repair.
Pain caused by compression of a prolapsed intervertebral on a nerve can be relieved by resting on a firm bed or board, massage for muscle relaxation and exercises that can be prescribed by a physiotherapist. The patient may need a surgical operation to remove the disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
The writer is a Physiotherapist and can be contacted on +263 778 797 844, +263 776 353 854
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