Back Pain

Back Pain is one of the most debilitating afflictions going. If your back hurts, everything hurts. Back pain is an extremely common problem – four out of five  people will suffer from it at some point in their lives.

Pain can undermine

The spinal column is one of your body's main supports. It is made up of 33 small bones (vertebrae) that surround and protect the spinal cord. At the base of the spine, the 5 sacral vertebrae are fused to form the sacrum, and the 4 coccygeal vertebrae are fused into the coccyx (tailbone). In the upper part of the spine, the 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar vertebrae interlock in a series of sliding joints that give your backbone flexibility. These upper 24 vertebrae are separated from each other by pads of cartilage called intervertebral discs. These have a tough, flexible outer case with a soft, jelly-like centre and are designed to act as shock absorbers, cushioning the vertebrae from sudden jolts. Back pain most commonly affects the lower, lumbar region of the spine.

Constant physical pain

Most cases are due to excessive strain on muscles, ligaments and small joints. As well as discomfort from the damaged tissues, the surrounding muscles may go into spasm so back pain and tenderness spread over a larger area. More severe symptoms will occur if the soft, jelly-like centre of an intervertebral disc ruptures through the outer fibrous coating under pressure - a condition popularly known as a slipped disc. The prolapsed centre of the disc may press on the root of a spinal nerve to cause muscle weakness, pins and needles, spasm and pain in the back. If the sciatic nerve is irritated, pain will shoot down the leg. Pain relief will be required.

Flexibility and Mobility

The spinal column is one of your body's main supports and is designed to protect the spinal cord, as well as providing us with flexibility and mobility. Back pain is an extremely common problem, if your back hurts everything hurts. The neck contains the top end of the spinal column or spine, which supports the head and also protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the main nerve which runs from the brain, through the neck and down the back, and connects with nerves to the rest of the body. Many people get stiff or painful neck for no apparent reason. It may happen after sitting in a draught or after a minor twisting injury, for example while gardening. Strain (injury), an injury to a muscle in which the muscle fibers tear as a result of over stretching. You can put undue pressure on muscles during the course of normal day to day activities, with sudden, quick heavy lifting, during sports, or while performing work tasks, this can result in painful muscles and joints

Lumbar

Back pain most commonly affects the lower, lumbar region of the spine. Most cases are due to excessive strain on muscles, ligaments and small joints. As well as discomfort from the damaged tissues, the surrounding muscles may go into spasm so pain and tenderness spread over a larger area. Sciatica refers to pain that begins in the hip and buttocks and continues all the way down the leg. sciatica is often accompanied by lower back pain, which can be more or less severe than the leg pain. If the sciatic nerve is irritated, pain will shoot down the leg. Usually sciatica only affects one leg, but in more serious lower back injuries, it may be bilateral.

Pain Patches and Back Pain

Natural and herbal therapies are now most commonly being used to treat pain. This is when I discovered Acumed for my back.  More information for relieving back pain naturally can be found on www.acumed.co.uk