Back Pain

Back pain is a medical condition that typically originates from the nerves, muscles, bones, joints or other parts of the spine.

Also known as “dorsalgia”, the condition may make itself known suddenly or it can be a long lasting pain that can be felt either constantly or occasionally. It can also remain in one place throughout the duration of the condition, or it may radiate or transfer to other parts of the back or legs. Back pain may be characterized by any number of sensations ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, piercing or burning feeling. Pain may also be located in the neck, and from there spread out into the arm and the hand; it may be centered on the upper, middle or in the lower back, where it may spread out into the leg or foot, and the condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, tingling or a general feeling of weakness.

One of the most common complaints among patients today, acute low back pain, or lumbago as it is also called, ranks number five out of all the reasons for doctor consultation in the United States. As many as 90% of all adults experience back pain at one time or another, and 50% of all working adults experience the condition every year.

The spine is actually comprised of a number of muscles, joints, nerves, ligaments and tendons that are all joined together in a complex interconnected network. Furthermore, all of them can be a potential source of pain. The main pathway for pain radiating to the extremities such as the legs and arms are the numerous large nerves that originate in the spine.

While backpain in itself is often a symptom of a serious medical condition, it is not typically the actual cause. Back pain can signify a potentially critical problem that requires immediate medical attention, particularly if it is accompanied by bowel and bladder incontinence, or progressive weakness in the legs.

If the back-pain causes enough pain that it interferes with normal sleeping patterns and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or unexplained weight loss, this could also indicate a more serious medical problem that requires immediate attention.

If the back pain occurs as a direct result of any type of trauma, as is typical with a car accident or fall, the patient should be checked at the soonest possible time for the presence of fractures or other more serious injury.

People with conditions such as osteoporosis or multiple myeloma are particularly vulnerable to spinal fractures, and they should seek prompt medical attention at the first sign of serious back pain.

Aside from these instances however, back pain is usually a self-limiting and non-progressive condition that does not really necessitate immediate medical intervention. Most cases are typically due to temporary inflammation, in the acute phase, and normally lasts for only two weeks to three months before clearing up.

Interestingly enough, some studies show that lumbar disc herniation and degenerative disc disease, which are two causes often attributed to back pain, may not be more common in back pain patients than in people who do not claim to suffer from any kind of back pain at all. In fact, in as many as 85% of back pain cases, there is no clear physiological cause for the symptoms that has been identified.

Other studies show that factors such as work related stress and strained family relationships may have more to do with back pain than was previously thought. In fact, they may even provide a clearer picture as to the reasons behind this condition than any abnormalities revealed in x-rays and image scans.

Underlying causes

One of the first symptoms of influenza is a momentary back pain. Some other commonly identified causes of back pain are muscle strains caused by pulled muscles and muscle imbalances. In cases such as these, the muscle imbalances cause mechanical problems with the spine, resulting in pressure points that cause back pain. The pain from such injuries will typically remain until the condition is corrected.

Another common cause of lower back pain is a Meniscoid Occlusion. In this situation, the synovial membranes, which are equipped with blood and nerves, become pinched or trapped between the moveable parts of the spine, causing sudden severe pain. The pressure on these membranes causes inflammation, which further causes more pressure and therefore more pain in an ongoing cycle. Some signs that a patient has this condition are severe lower back pain that is accompanied by muscle spasms, and considerable pain experienced while walking. The pain is also often concentrated to one side of the back, and does not typically radiate down into the buttocks or the legs. Some relief from the pain can usually be felt when bending forward, and conversely the pain increases when bending backward.

A more accurate diagnosis can usually be made with back pain episodes that last for more than three months, or if the patient experiences pain that radiates down into the leg. Cases like these typically have several common causes: spinal disc herniation, sciatica, degenerative disc disease or isthmic spondylolisthesis is usually suspected for adults under age 50, and cancer, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, trauma, spinal stenosis, infection and inflammatory disease fractures are suspected for those above 50.

Stress, depression and repressed anger are some other factors that can contribute to and even cause back pain. These non-anatomical causes for back pain have to be addressed even if they occur simultaneously with physical problems.

Recently more and more attention has been given to non-disc related back pain, particularly in patients who show no sign of physical abnormalities in either MRI or CT scans. The dorsal ramus has been specifically targeted in such cases.

Treatment

Some of the primary goals of treating backpain are: to reduce the intensity of the pain as soon as possible, to allow the patient to carry out normal everyday routines, to help the patient deal with any remaining pain, and finally, to help the patient deal with any legal and socioeconomic obstacles that stand in the way of recovery. Many people strive to lower the pains sufficiently so that they can undergo the rehabilitation process and thereby bring about a longer-term solution. Some people also use non-surgical techniques both as a way to counteract the painful symptoms and to avoid having to undergo major surgery, while others opt for the quick pain relief that surgical procedures may offer. Studies show that as few as 1% to 10% of all back pain patients actually require surgical procedures.

Conservative treatment

Both heat therapy and cold therapy has been proven useful for back spasms and other related conditions. Studies by the Cochrane Collaboration show that symptoms of acute and sub-acute low-back pain can be reduced by heat therapy, particularly through the use of “moist heat” methods such as hot bath or whirlpools. Low-level heat applied for long periods of time have also been proven to be beneficial. With cold therapy, the most common method is the use of ice packs or cold packs.
Muscle relaxants, narcotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol (acetaminophen) has also been used to some effect. Surprisingly, random controlled trials conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration failed to confirm the effectiveness of corticosteroids injections, whether through a facet joint, epidural or local injection. There were also no perceived benefits to using intramuscular corticosteroids, although herbal analgesics have been shown to be of some use.
When done under careful supervision of a physical therapist, exercises can be an effective method for easing back pain. Stretching and exercises is particularly useful in cases of chronic back pain, and is therefore a regular part of many back treatment programs. The various muscles that support the spine are typically targeted in this treatment method.
Massage therapy–particularly if done by an experienced therapist–has also been known to help in some cases. Acupressure or pressure point massage is usually more beneficial than what is normally called the classic or Swedish type of massage.
Manipulation can also be beneficial–again if performed by a suitably qualified osteopath, chiropractor, physiatrist, physical therapist or other specialist. Manipulation is an approach that has been shown to provide benefits similar to other treatment methods, and is far better than placebos.
Acupuncture has been shown to provide some benefit in the alleviation of the symptoms of chronic back pain. Although no more and no less effective than other conventional and alternative treatment methods, the Cochrane Collaboration has determined that acupuncture is definitely better than no treatment at all.
Chronic pain can also be reduced considerably by education, focusing on the psychological or emotional causes of the condition, respondent-cognitive therapy and progressive relaxation therapy.
For many people, simply improving or correcting the way that they perform many common activities such as lifting, standing, sitting and lying down will be enough to greatly improve their back condition.

Surgery

In certain cases the only appropriate method for treatment would be surgery. Such is the case for patients with:

Degenerative disc diseases or herniation of Lumbar discs
Spinal stenosis resulting from lumbar disc herniation, degenerative joint disease, or spondylolisthesis
Scoliosis
Compression fracture

Newer forms of Treatments

A new form of treatment has been introduced that involves the injection of surgical cement into vertebrae that have collapsed due to compression. Called vertebroplasty, this procedure is less invasive than surgery, but certain complications may arise wherein the cement finds its way into Batson’s plexus and from there make its way into the lungs or the spinal cavity. This procedure has been known to result in quick pain relief.
Another rapid relief treatment of disc-related back pain involves the use of biologic inhibitors of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Treatments that produce little to no benefit

Except in very rare cases, procedures such as facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections or prolotherapy have very little benefit, if any at all.
Traditionally, cold compresses have been recommended for strained back or chronic back pain, particularly in cases resulting from strenuous and stressful activities such as gardening, playing golf or lifting heavy objects. This treatment method supposedly reduces pain and inflammation. However, recent random trials conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration has shown that cold treatment has limited effect on lower back pain, and that there is insufficient data to formulate a conclusion about such a treatment’s effectiveness.
Surprisingly, doctors do not normally recommend bed rest as it can actually make symptoms worse. If it is absolutely necessary, bed rest is usually limited to only one or two days at most. Inactivity can actually cause more harm than good and could in fact lead to stiffness that in turn leads to more pain.
Electrotherapy–of which Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator or TENS is a popular form–has been used in some cases of back pain. However, conflicting results have been found in two different random controlled trials. The Cochrane Collaboration has concluded therefore that the evidence as to the effectively of TENS is inconsistent. In relation to this treatment, the use of spinal cord stimulation–wherein an electrical device is used to block pain signals to the brain–has been explored to address the causes of back pain.
Another method that has resulted in some degree of success is inversion therapy. This method helps bring about temporary backs relief with the use of traction or spreading out of the vertebras with the use of gravity. This involves hanging the patient upside down from the ankles or the knees until the separation occurs. Even angles as low as 10 to 45 degrees can be enough to achieve noticeable benefits.

More Back Pain Resources Worth Checking Out

StretchSmart Ergonomic Software
Using stretch breaks to help computer users reduce headaches, neck/back pain, Rsi and fatigue.

$37.00 - Unconditional 8 week "Love it or your money back" Guarantee

Eliminate Even The Most Severe Lower Back Pain
You maybe causing your lower back pain by something you are doing right now… while reading this letter.
Learn how lifting even the smallest weight can further the damage and what you can do today to lessen the pain.
What do super models and kitchen counters have to do with your back pain?
You have probably noticed that your regular doctor is no help, I will let you know why.
Guess what, your lower back Pain is NOT the problem. You can find out what is.
The most common solution given by doctors is only masking the real source of your discomfort. What is the most common solution and are you being tricked?
How Chiropractor’s “solution” can lead you into “eternal treatments”.
How a simple exercise saved me the agony of painful back surgery.
Discover how your back pain developed and how to find a real solution to the agony.
Most people miss the first signs of back damage and only discover the trouble when it begins to get serious.
Learn the one exercise a physiologist taught me… that actually worked.
This one big secret of nature and how you can use it to not only eliminate your back pain, but to improve your entire life.

Only $14.95 - Full Money Back Guarantee.

Stop Sciatic Now!
Chapters one, two and three of Stop Sciatica Now:
Illustrate how the sciatic nerve network threads through your body so you can understand the consequences of your posture choices.
Demonstrate that minor changes in the way you position your body as you move throughout your day can make a huge difference in your comfort.
Explain why excessive tightening of your muscles to "protect your back” can actually exacerbate sciatica pain.
Teach gentle exercises you can do immediately to reduce sciatic nerve pain.

Chapters four, five, and six of Stop Sciatica Now:
Show you how easy it is to maintain healthful posture with skeletal awareness.
Explain how the position of your feet as you sit and stand can ward off sciatic nerve pain
Teach you techniques like “constructive fidgeting” to prevent future nudges of sciatic nerve pain from developing into a full blown attack.
Build your menu of very gentle, yet very effective, exercises

In chapters seven through ten of Stop Sciatica Now you'll learn:
Safer, more efficient ways to move from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing.
Ways to walk that help, not irritate, your back and legs.
What you can do to make yourself more comfortable while driving.
New insights into how you can help your back while bending over or picking up heavy objects.
Keys to how your rest and relaxation can be even more beneficial.

Buy the book in downloadable form for $36.
"We believe in the book so strongly, you have up to 60 days from date of purchase to request a refund".

Cure your back pain
What this e-book IS NOT;
It DOES NOT involve ingesting anything. No goo-goo plant roots to eat. No pills to pop. No herbal remedies. We’ll leave that to the alternative medicine con-artists and snake oil salesmen.
It does not involve buying thousands of dollars worth of exercising, bending, or stretching equipment. No equipment at all in fact. Not even a big red rubbery ball is involved! We’ll leave all that to the crazies who like a bit of torture in their lives.
It DOES NOT require you to buy any further books, tapes, programs, newsletters etc, or join any discussion groups or even have your contact details disclosed. We do not like the invasion of privacy that marketing programs seem to employ. Also, we have plenty friends, thank you. We don’t have a need to chat on and on to people we don’t know. Sorry if that sounds harsh. We’ll leave all that to the reality TV shows and their brain dead participants.

Only $16.99 - Full Money Back Guarantee.

He Was Shocked And Amazed When His Sciatica And Low Back Pain Went Away Forever
The Back Pain-Cure Secrets” Self Treatment System:
Here's just some of what you'll learn within the “The Back Pain-Cure Secrets” E-Manual :
The three "postural dysfunctions" that are so simple to identify once I teach you and is shockingly responsible for over 90% of all Back Pain.
4 Simple "self evaluation tests" you can perform in the comfort of your home to help you pinpoint which postural dysfunction you have and exactly what's causing your symptoms, pain and Back Pain.
A Detailed, Step-by-Step, Hold you by the hand "Self Treatment Plan" that show you exactly what YOU need to do today to restore normal muscle balance and posture to eliminate your Back Pain.
How to correctly strengthen your postural muscles to prevent future injuries and degeneration to your spine... and why most of the exercises you might be doing now could be just aggravating your Back Pain !
Why you MUST follow this simple self treatment program if you want to get rid of your pain and take charge of your health.
27 Practcal steps you can take today to avoid hurting yourself and injuring your back further.
The TRUTH about stretching correctly and why it is important not to stretch the wrong muscle groups to avoid long term damage to your spine.
The simple exercise routine that will re-juvenate your spine and give you more energy and instant vitality.

Only $39.97 - Full Money Back Guarantee.

You Can Beat Lower Back Pain Problems Forever!
Most people have something wrong with the muscles that surround and support the spine. The muscles are either too weak, too tight or don't get enough blood supply. Even people who have spinal mechanical problems can be greatly helped with this program.
Heal Your Back Pain Yourself.
It took 5 years of personal research and testing to develop this program.
By using it. I have relieved my back pain for over 20 years, and now I will share it with you. I can guarantee it because
I KNOW from personal experience that it works, and so do thousands other people.
My series of back healing, stretching & strengthening exercises will definitely help you.
The hardest thing in the series is starting it.
NO mega doses of pain-killers, surgery or untold thousands of dollars of doctors and hospital bills.