An estimated 8 of every 10 Americans will suffer a back injury sometime during their lives. It is the most common symptomatic complaint for both genders in the 25- to 60-year-old age group when visiting a physician’s office. The estimated annual cost of medical care for low back pain is approximately $13 billion.The high incidence of low back pain may be primarily attributed to mechanical factors,s including excess weight, poor posture, and lack of physical fitness. Most low back pain involves muscle and ligament strain and inflamed joints along the vertebral column. Some injuries involve disks that herniated or tear, resulting in the gel like inner substance escaping and exerting pressure on the spinal nerves. Back pain also occurs as a result of injuries sustained from accidents, falls, lifting objects incorrectly, participation in sports, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Approximately 90% of all back problems occur in the lumbar region of the spine. The spinal column consists of bones (the vertebrae) and represents the only bony connection between the upper and lower halves of the body. Located between the bones of the spine are rings of tough fibrous tissue, the disks, which act as shock absorbers and keep the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. The spinal column is shaped and consists of three naturally occurring curves. When these three curves are balanced, the body weight is evenly distributed and movement occurs fluidly. Misalignment in this region applies substantial stress to the concave, or inner, side of the curve. The more pronounced the curve, the greater the stress because of the uneven distribution of weight on the bones and disks.
Being overweight stresses the low back through excess weight that pulls the spinal column forward, accentuating the lumbar curve and putting pressure on the disks. Research indicates that weak abdominal muscles and lack of flexibility in the lower back and hamstring muscles promote fatigue and poor posture. Fatigue also causes the pelvis to tilt forward, increasing stress on the spinal column and its supporting structures. Wearing high heeled shoes tilts the pelvis forward, causing discomfort or pain in the low back.
Stress may be a factor in inducing or prolonging low back pain. Muscles that are under constant tension result in tightness and fatigue in the low back. Exercises that develop and strengthen the abdominal muscles and those that stretch the low back and hamstrings are invaluable in preventing low back pain. Exercise also contributes to weight control, is an excellent stress reducer generally and specifically for the muscles exercised, and develops the antigravity muscles the calves, front and back of the thighs, hips, back, and abdominal’s, thereby contributing to correct posture.
If a back problem occurs, you should consult a physician for treatment. If surgery is suggested, you should seek a second opinion and explore alternative treatments. Many back problems can be treated with williams flexion exercises and mckenzie’s extension exercises. The selection depends on the type of problem being experienced and should be made by a health care professional.
Tags:excess weight, Exercise, hamstring muscles, inflamed joints, ligament strain, low back pain, lumbar curve, spinal column spinal nerves