Back Pain

Back pain is the most common health problem in Australia.
People with desk jobs suffer as much as labourers who are lifting heavy weights.

Back pain is as frustrating for the therapist as it is for the patient. Pain exists for a reason. If all the joints of the spine run smoothly, then there is no pain. An active and well integrated spine provides the necessary support and the consequent fine adjustments for the frame.

The human spine offers three functions:

  • Support – to keep you upright
  • Mobility – carrying the load, swiveling while moving about
  • Encasing – the spine to protect the fragile spinal cord

The spine is a complex system of bones, nerves, ligaments, muscles and soft fibrous tissue held in balance. It comprises 33 vertebra: Seven vertebra make up the neck Twelve vertebra make up the thorax (chest) Five vertebra make up the lumbar (lower back) Nine vertebra make up the sacral (pelvic area).

The spinal cord carries nerves from the brain to the body. It runs along the centre of the spine and the nerves range out between the adjacent vertebra. In between the vertebra are discs, little cushions of elastic tissue consisting of a soft squashy centre called the nucleus, contained by a tough rim of concentric rings of fibrous tissue - the annulus. These discs change shape as the spine moves, bulging and compressing as the need arises. The inter vertebral discs are engineered to bear weight by dispensing the pressure of the weight of the body above. Ligaments hold the disc and vertebra in place. Sometimes things can go wrong!

How then do problems come about?

Some simple sprains or strains can arise from a single accident such as a fall, a sporting injury or a whiplash caused in a car accident. The resulting pain often comes from soft tissues rather than a broken vertebra.

 

Years of poor posture, incorrect lifting techniques can suddenly appear, manifesting themselves by excruciating pain making any movement difficult. Age too brings its problems - the discs can partially dry out and compress. The body makes new bones and destroys the older bones. With ongoing age this process may go out of balance so bones can become weaker, softer and more brittle.

A common complaint is - "My back is out!" - but this is not really the case - because your discs are firmly anchored to the vertebra above and below by ligaments, you cannot "slip a disc". A disc may tear, become thin and wear and age, but still provide sufficient support.

Looking for Problems

A short visual inspection will pick up a problem. Stand in front of a mirror and look at your shoulders.

  • Is one lower or higher?
  • Is your waistline symmetrical?
  • Does one shoulder blade stick out more than the other?
  • Do you have a hump on your back?

Bone and Spine Diseases

  • Inflammation of the Joints, known as arthritis, sometimes due to wear and tear degeneration.
  • Degeneration Arthritis – (osteoarthritis) is a localised illness.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – affects the body more than its bones.
  • Osteoporosis – a chemical disorder caused by loss of calcium in your bones - requires calcium supplements.
  • Sciatica – pain in your buttocks/legs caused by back trouble.

For any of the above problems... CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER. Back pain can slow you down, there are some recommendations:

  • Keep to your ideal weight
  • Exercise regularly. Improve your posture (take yoga lectures)
  • Have a firm bed (not a double ensemble)
  • Apply the correct lifting techniques
  • Do not wear high heeled shoes
  • Learn to deal with stress (relaxation techniques).

The quality of daily postural habits do play an important part in recovery. Whether you are 18 or 80, learn to move in a way that is beneficial to your back and learn to move with maximum ease and correct alignment.