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Nearly 80% of all adults experience back pain at some time in their lives, making backache one of the most common ailments suffered today. The pain is most often felt in the lower back or lumbosacral region, but it can also be found between the shoulder blades, along the spine or anywhere else in the back area. Most low back pain can be attributed to overuse, muscle strain or injury, but some backaches are the result of illness or spinal deformity. Back pain can be acute (lasting less than three months) or chronic (lasting longer than three months) and is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization. .
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Most back pain is caused by injury or over use, often by attempting to lift or move a heavy object. Pain is also experienced when pressure is applied to the nerve root in the spine, as with a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and compression fractures. Other causes of backache include: deep emotional stress, poor posture, improper footwear or walking habits, slouching, improper lifting, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft, long periods of standing or sitting, kidney/bladder problems, female pelvic disorders, rheumatism, bone disease, slipped disc, sciatica and abnormal curvature of the spine.
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The type of symptoms of back pain depends on the underlying cause of the problem. In the event of back strain or injury, stiffness, muscle cramps and spasms are common. The pain, which occurs in the lower back and buttocks, can come on suddenly or creep up slowly, depending on the type and severity of the injury. It usually returns when aggravated by movement or action and can last 48 to 72 hours, with the pain gradually decreasing in intensity over days or weeks. Symptoms of nerve root pressure include sciatica, a condition that sends shooting pains down the buttocks, leg and foot. The pain can come on suddenly or slowly and usually affects only one leg or foot. This sharp, burning pain can be worsened by sudden movements, like coughing or sneezing. Tingling, numbness and weakness in one or both legs are other symptoms of backache.
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Back pain can be avoided or lessened by learning proper lifting techniques, wearing low-heeled shoes, adjusting work surfaces to an adequate height, using chairs with good back support and supporting the back with a pillow during long drives. Regular exercise can also help strengthen the back and prevent future problems. Therapeutic exercise is very helpful for those recovering from an existing ailment. Smoking is a major contributor to low back problems, especially for those with smaller statures, because smoking causes malnutrition in spinal discs, which makes them more susceptible to stress and strain. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to speed up recovery after disc surgery; however, some medical professionals do not encourage alcohol consumption because heavy use is tied to alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and cancer.
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Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Enzymes combining trypsin and chymotrypsin have been shown to alleve the pain of sciatica.
D-phenylalaline reduces pain by decreasing the enzymes that break down endorphins.
Combination of Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can be useful in preventing a recurrence of a common back ailment.
Conchicine is an herb can be helpful to those suffering chronic pain due to a herniated disc.
Willow Bark is an herb used to control pain and inflammation. can be helpful to those suffering chronic pain due to a herniated disc.
Cayenne Pepper, in a topical form, is used to control localized pain.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.
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