Health Issues Linked to Back Pain
Description:
Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is one of the only
conditions that are considered significant even though it is not life
threatening. It is the second most common reason for missing work and
affects four out of five people at some time in their lives.
Because the nerves connect along the spine, it is easy to compress
the nerve roots when the spine is injured. The lower back, where the
chest connects to the pelvis and legs to provide mobility and strength
for the body, is involved in most daily activities. So not only is it
understandable why so many people injure their back with so much use,
but it is also understandable why so many people are affected by this
injury because it affects so many common daily activities.
Lifting, exercising, or moving abnormally (or just unexpectedly) is
one of the most common causes of an injury to the back. It is easier to
experience strains and sprains with poor physical condition and weak
back muscles. Other contributors to back injuries include poor posture,
improper lifting, being overweight, and fatigue.
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability for people age 19 to 45, and affects half of those 60 years and older.
-- Causes of Back Pain --
Back pain is one of the most common conditions treated by orthopedic
surgeons. Eighty percent of adults experience back pain at some time.
Following colds and flu, it is the most common cause of lost work days
in adults under the age of 45. Back pain can be caused by a number of
factors. The most common causes of back pain include strains, sprains,
arthritis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, scoliosis and
osteoporosis. Less common causes include cancers and tumors of the
spine and spinal cord. Factors that contribute to the instability of
the back include smoking, increased body weight, and poor nutritional
habits.
It is important to review options for conservative, non-surgical
treatment since many people with chronic back pain are poor candidates
for surgery or fail to benefit from surgery. Many of the surgical
procedures are ineffective, with patients reporting no improvement or
increased pain after healing from the procedures.
Also see Cancer.
Also see Arthritis.
-- The Nutritional Approach --
Foods that have been proven to help with back pain:
Fish containing high amounts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Deficiencies in
essential fats promote tissue inflammation. Increase consumption of
foods that reduce inflammation including fruits, vegetables, fish,
ginger, and whole grains, focusing on foods rich in antioxidants.
Nutrients that have been proven to help with back pain:
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) has many therapeutic benefits in
reducing pain in arthritis, muscle soreness, and back pain from
herniated disc. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate help to reduce pain
associated with osteoarthritis. Preteolytic enzymes reduce inflammation
and show a tremendous benefit over NSAIDS because they don't create
more damage. A special form of manganese was used in an animal study
with phenomenal results with discs.
There are many nutrients that reduce soft tissue inflammation, such
as bromelain. Pre-surgical administration increases the healing of pain
and inflammation. Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and
Cayenne pepper reduce pain.
Exercises that have been proven to help with back pain:
You can minimize problems with back pain with exercises that make
the muscles in your back, stomach, hips and thighs strong and flexible.
Some people keep in good physical condition by being active in
recreational activities like running, walking, bike riding, and
swimming. In addition to these conditioning activities, there are
specific exercises that are directed toward strengthening and
stretching your back, stomach, hip and thigh muscles. Focus on
stretching hamstrings and tightening abdominals daily.
-- Basic Plan for Back Pain --
- Maintain proper posture.
- Stretch before and after exercising.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid eating red meats, peanuts, foods with caffeine, fried foods, and alcohol.
- Wear low-healed comfortable shoes.
- Chiropractic
care. Chiropractic care for patients with low back pain is superior to
medical care in terms of scientific evidence of effectiveness, cost,
safety, and patient satisfaction. Manipulation is the most effective
form of treatment for cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine dysfunction.
- Avoid
smoking. Smoking has been associated in causing malnutrition of spinal
discs creating mechanical stress. It also reduces blood flow to the
lower spine and causes the discs to degenerate.
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