Oh My Aching Back

Oh My Aching Back

By Karen Benford Smith

The cause of lower back pain can range from mechanical problems, injuries, or acquired conditions or diseases according to WebMD. Understanding back pain will help a patient decide, which method of pain relief is necessary.

 Mechanical problems with back pain can be diagnosed by the physician and involves the failure of the discs located at the base of the spine deteriorate until they stop functioning.  This is usually a commonality with age.  The cushion between the vertebrae begins to deteriorate causing much pain because of bone on bone.  Other types of mechanical failure in the back are felt through spasms, muscle tension, and discs that become herniated.  Spasms and back tension may often result from overuse of the back or stress placed unnecessarily on back. 

Back injuries may either be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-term). Often time acute pain can transfer to chronic pain if the individual is not careful to provide ice upon first feeling the injury and rest.  Sprains and spasms in the spine can often occur from a simple twist of the spine.  Remembering to use good body mechanics when lifting items up from the floor by incorporating muscles in the legs versus the lower back will help alleviate back pain.  Many injuries are sustained in the workout areas because individual are not properly trained in how to perform exercises such as squats and leg baring weight exercises. This is especially true with individuals who garden and are lifting and carrying items from the car to the area of the yard.   Falls and accidents can also trigger lower back pain.  Physical pain resulting from stress placed on the back can also be generated from stress.  Stress is often the culprit in long term back pain and with relaxation methods can easily relieve the pain in the back.  Paying attention to how you lift and twist using the back may save many weeks of pain and therapy.

A trained massage therapist will help any individual who is feeling lower back pain.  A good licenses massage therapist will understand how the hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and lower back muscles  work together.  Receiving a massage for acute back pain may help an individual avoid major physical therapy down the road.  Receiving a massage once a month and can help deter back pain for anyone who suffers from acute or chronic back pain, back muscle spasms, or just discomfort in the lower back region.  As the picture indicates below, a pinched Piriformis can create major lower back pain.  If the onset of a pinched Piriformis happens ice immediately for the first 24 hours and then follow three minutes of heat and 30 seconds of ice for three consecutive times.  Massage may be advisable but if the pain continues for more than two weeks seek the knowledge of a healthcare professional.

	7/22/2013  | Bookmark This Page

Griffin, R. M. (2013, July 24). WEbMD. Retrieved from What's Making Your Back Hurt?: http:/www.webmd.com/back-pain/america-asks13/why-your-back-hurts