Backache
Back pain is pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. Backache is a common problem and responsible for major absenteeism at work.
CAUSES
Causes range from injury, disc prolapse, vertebral fracture, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, vertebral abnormalities. Also pregnancy, hormonal changes and weight gain leads to backache.
Back pain can be divided anatomically: neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pai or tailbone pain. By its duration: acute (less than 4 weeks), sub acute (4 – 12 weeks), and chronic (greater than 12 weeks). By its cause: musculoskeletal (MSK), infectious, cancer, etc.
SYMPTOMS
Backache may accompany other symptoms including:
- Buttock or hip pain
- Curvature of the spine
- “Foot drop” (feeling of the foot slapping the ground; caused by leg weakness)
- Heel pain
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle weakness
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Stiffness in the spine
- Swelling in the shoulder, knee, or ankle joints
- Balance problems
- Headache, particularly in the back of the head
- Nerve problems that cause pain, numbness or tingling in an arm, buttock, shoulder or leg.
DO'S AND DON'TS
- Sleep on a firm mattress.
- Improve your posture. Stand and sit straight. Keep your back straight when working at a bench, table, ironing board etc.
- Keep a cushion at the small of the back when sitting in a chair or while driving.
- Avoid sudden jerky movements and over activity.
To lift objects from floor, kneel do not bend. Or bend at the knees and not at the waist. Regular exercise for back muscles keeps spasms at bay.Relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation help.A diet rich in calcium and multivitamins is recommended.Massage your back once a week.
In case of an attack of backache, go to bed immediately on a firm mattress and stay there for at least 24 hours, getting up only to go to the toilet.