CAUSES AND REMEDIES FOR BACK PAIN

CAUSES AND REMEDIES FOR BACK PAIN

With the schools reopening for the fresh academic year, mothers once again plunge into hyperactive mode to ensure their kids reach school in time. Irrespective of having been awake till late in the night, they are on their toes early in the morning lest the kids might miss the school bus or auto. In the commitment she pledges to her children, it is but common that her health goes for a toss.The job is more taxing if the woman has to juggle between home and office but with the increasing needs sprouting up in every area, many women are being forced to play the dual role of a homemaker and an employee.

Having to live up to the expectations both at home and at the workplace, back pain is the most common issue women complain of.

 

It is basically of two types – lower back pain and upper back pain

 

Lower back pain: It can be due to an injury, activity or some medical conditions. The chance of developing lower back pack pain increases with age, due to factors like previous occupation and degenerative disk disease.

 

Lower back pain can be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves; lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs and the skin around the lumbar area.As the human back is a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, disks and bones which work together, any problem in one of the components could cause back pain. In some case, identifying the cause for the back pain could remain unclear.

 

CAUSES: Commonly, back pain occurs due to strain, tension or injury. Strained muscles, muscle spasm, damaged disks or injuries and fractures can also lead to back pain. Similarly, lifting something too heavy, or a sudden movement could also end in back pain.

 

Ruptured or bulging disks, sciatica, osteoporosis, abnormal curvature of the spine and obesity, can also manifest as back pain.

Poor posture like straining the neck forward when driving or while using the computer, sitting in a hunched position at the workplace, sleeping on a mattress that does not support the spine straight, aggravates back pain.

 

At times, some medical conditions could also lead to back pain like cancer of the spine, infection of the spine, sleep disorder or Cauda EquinaSyndrome.

The Cauda Equina is a bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the lower end of the spinal cord. Symptoms include a dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks, and at times, numbness in the buttocks and thighs.

 

TREATMENT

 

Usually, there can be relief from back pain with adequate rest and home remedies. However, if the pain persists and also causes fever, weight loss, pain down the legs and difficulty in urinating, you should consult a doctor and seek medical help. Initially, doctors will also suggest rest and prescribe mild drugs. You might also be asked to go for physiotherapy if rest and drugs fail to provide relief.

Yoga and meditation can also strengthen the back muscles and alleviate the pain.If there is no improvement in the case, doctors will suggest advanced treatment or even surgery.