The lower back where most back pain occurs includes the five vertebrae (referred to as L1-L5) in the lumbar region, which supports much of the weight of the upper body. The spaces between the vertebrae are maintained by round, rubbery pads called inter-vertebral discs that act like shock absorbs throughout the spinal column to cushion the bones as the body moves. Bands of tissue known as ligaments hold the vertebrae in place, and tendons attach the muscles to the spinal column. Thirty-one pairs of nerves are rooted to the spinal cord and they control body movements and transmit signals from it.
If you have lower back pain, you are not alone. About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days. In a large survey, more than a quarter of adults reported experiencing low back pain during the past. Men and women are equally affected by low back pain, which can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation that leaves the person incapacitated. Pain can begin abruptly as a result of an accident or by lifting something heavy, or it can develop over time due to age-related changes of the spine. Sedentary lifestyles also can set the stage for low back pain, especially when a weekday routine of getting too little exercise is punctuated by strenuous weekend workout. Most low back pain is acute, or short term, and lasts a few days to a few weeks. It tends to resolve on its own with self-care and there is no residual loss of function. The majority of acute low back pain is mechanical in nature, meaning that there is a disruption in the way the components of the back (spine, muscles, intervertebral discs, and nerves) fit together and move.
Low back pain unrelated to injury or other known cause is unusual in pre-teen children. However, a backpack overloaded with school books and supplies can strain the back and cause muscle fatigue. We at Sarvotham’s recommends that a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 15 to 20 percent of the child’s body weight.
At sarvotham its observed, first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and back pain becomes more common with advancing age. As people grow older, loss of bone strength, and at the same time, muscle elasticity and tone decrease. The inter-vertebral discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility with age, which decreases their ability to cushion the vertebrae. The risk of spine problems also increases with age.
Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. Weak back and abdominal muscles may not properly support the spine. “Weekend Warriors” people who go out and exercise a lot after being inactive all week are more likely to suffer painful back injuries than people who make moderate physical activity a daily habit. At Sarvotham we have observed that basic cardio, low-impact aerobic exercise is beneficial for maintaining the integrity of intervertebral discs and overall well being.
The neck, also called the cervical spine, is a well-engineered structure of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The cervical spine is delicate housing the spinal cord that sends messages from the brain to control all aspects of the body while also remarkably strong and flexible, allowing the neck to move in all directions. The neck is connected to the upper back through a series of seven vertebral segments. The cervical spine has 7 stacked bones called vertebrae, labelled C1 through C7. The top of the cervical spine connects to the skull, and the bottom connects to the upper back at about shoulder level.
Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that involves fusion of the spinal joints, leading to some immobility of the spine, have a genetic component. An appropriate evaluation is important, At Sarvotham we believe diagnosis is the first step forward.
