Back Pain

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The human back is the large posterior area of the human body, rising from the top of the buttocks is the Sacral Spine, Lumbar, and Thoracic to the back of the neck which is Cervical. It is the surface opposite to the chest, its height being defined by the vertebral column and is commonly referred to as the spine or backbone and its breadth being supported by the ribcage and shoulders. The spinal canal runs through the spine and provides nerves Spinal Column to the rest of the body.

KNOW THE FUNCTION OF YOUR BACK

The intricate anatomy of the back provides support for the head and trunk of the body, strength in the trunk of the body, as well as a great deal of flexibility and movement. The upper back has the most structural support, with the ribs attached firmly to each level of the thoracic spine and very limited movement. The lower back (lumbar vertebrae) allows for flexibility and movement in back bending (extension) and forward bending (flexion). It does not permit twisting.

The back comprises interconnecting nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all of which can be a source of pain. Back pain is the second most common type of pain in adults (the most common being headaches). Back pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. Back pain may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may radiate into the arms and hands as well as the legs or feet, and may include symptoms other than pain. These symptoms may include tingling, weakness or numbness.

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Most common cause of back pain is muscle strain (pulled muscles) muscle spasm, and muscle imbalances. The back muscles can usually heal themselves within a couple of weeks, but the pain can be intense and debilitating. Other common sources of back pain include disc problems, such as degenerative disc disease or a lumbar disc herniation, many types of fractures, such as spondylolisthesis or an osteoporotic fracture, or osteoarthritis.

Back pain does not usually require immediate medical intervention. The vast majority of episodes of back pain are self-limiting and non-progressive. Most back pain syndromes are due to inflammation, especially in the acute phase, which typically lasts from two weeks to three months.

FIRST AID FOR BACK PAIN

In cases in which the back pain has a persistent underlying cause, such as a specific disease or spinal abnormality, then it is necessary for the physician to differentiate the source of the pain and advise specific courses of treatment.

In the most common cases of low back pain, professional organizations recommend that physicians not immediately seek a diagnosis but instead begin First Aid Treatment to reduce pain. First Aid Courses will definitely let you learn a life saving skills.

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