Back pain is one of the most common conditions / symptoms of ill health. Up to 75% of adults suffer from backache or back pain at some time, but only 10% of that is actually caused by underlying illness. The symptoms vary, but there can be muscle spasm, with pain shooting down the legs. Lower back pain is common, as is knotting in the upper back and shoulders.
Causes.
Backache is usually caused by muscles in the back becoming overstrained or injured in some way. Back pain may be caused by a mechanical disorder affecting one of the structures in or around the spine. Pain may be caused by damage to the ligaments, muscles or one of the small vertebral joints or discs. These discs, located between each of the vertebrae in the back, contain a central gelatinous core surrounded by a fibrous ring. With age or injury, the discs can rupture, causing the contents to spill out and press on the nerves that radiate from the spinal cord. This can then lead to referred pain, as in sciatica, which is felt in the area of the back that is supplied by the nerve.
The most common causes of back pain are:
Bone structure abnormalities, even minor ones, can place slight but constant stress on the muscles and vertebral joints.
Poor muscle tone and posture, with general lack of fitness, poor seating, unaccustomed lifting or manual work all increase the chances of contracting acute back pain.
Obesity aggravates backache, even if it is not the cause.
Pregnancy. Hormones released in pregnancy may loosen the ligaments. The weight of the baby, carried in front may cause the spine to arch in order to balance, putting strain on the back muscles.
Stress or depression can make the back muscles tense up, causing aching or interference with sleep.
orthodox treatment includes:
In many cases acute back pain will generally resolve in a few days with rest and or with some pain killers. in more chronic cases NSAIDS and depending on the actual cause of back pain surgery may be offered.
Natural therapy treatment for back pain.
The most common therapies used for back pain are: acupuncture, osteopathy, massage and chiropractic. The most common supplements used are herbal supplements with a combination of anti inflammatory herbs in them, glucosamine and chondroitin, turmeric ( more widely known as ( Curcumin), and MSM.
At Acu-Care Naturopathics, I regularly treat back pain symptoms using a combination of MET, (muscle energy technique) Bowen therapy and acupuncture.
regardless of your medically diagnosed condition natural medicine has something to offer either as a stand alone treatment or as complementary treatment along side orthodox treatment.
The Acu-Care Naturopathic clinic is suitably located for many of Perth’s suburbs and is particularly handy for; Belmont, south Perth, Vic park, Lathlain, Carlisle, Kewdale, Rivervale, Redcliffe, Burswood, and Cloverdale.
To find out more about acupuncture and how it can help you call 9478-1415 or better still make an appointment today.
Best of health
Paul Neilson