Backache is the pain caused in any region of the back. Human back can be divided into four regions: Cervical segment, Thoracic cavity, lumbar and tailbone (sacral spine). The pain in any of these four regions is called backache. The most sensitive part of the back, which is prone to back pain is lumbar, as it supports most of our body weight. Back pain can originate from muscles, joints, nerves or bones in the spine. Also internal organs like gall bladder, pancreas or kidneys may also cause ‘referred pain’ in the back. It may be acute or chronic pain and can easily radiate into upper or lower parts of the body.
Causes of Backache:
Causes of backache include Strains (Muscles or ligaments or muscular spasm), Structural problems (Disc problems, Arthritis, etc.), infections and autoimmune diseases, obesity, etc. Muscle weakness is fast becoming one of the major causes for backache. It is also called reduced muscle strength or weak muscles and occurs when the full effort does not produce a normal muscle contraction or movement. It is generally a symptom of a variety of skeletal muscle diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome, muscular dystrophies, hypnotia, polio, rheumatic fever, etc. It can be both, short term and long term.
Prolonged Sitting Linked to Serious Health Risks:
Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be a major cause of muscle weakness which further results in back pain or worsen an existing back problem. It causes increased stress of the back, neck, arms and legs and can add a tremendous amount of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs. Additionally, sitting in a slouched position can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the spinal discs leading to damaged spinal structure in the long run.
Role of Physiotherapy:
If the above condition persists, it is advisable to visit a physiotherapist, who after determining the cause and intensity of the problem, may recommend the patient to undergo physiotherapy treatment. Dr. Aneeta Verma, a renowned physiotherapist in Noida, in her entire career so far, has found that most the backache problems are caused due to muscles weakness and tightness.
Under physiotherapy, a lot of techniques are followed to help relieve the pain. Application of heat/ice pads and electrical simulations may help alleviate the initial pain. Massage therapy, a part of the physical therapy also gives short term relief. As the pain subsides, the therapist introduces some flexibility and stretching exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. These exercises are performed gently first, thereby increasing the intensity to improve the muscle strength. Evaphysiocare, one of the best physiotherapy clinics in Noida, has recorded that patients suffering from backache problems, mostly belong to IT sector, who work tirelessly in their offices. The prolonged sitting in the office leads to muscles weakness and tightness, resulting in the problem of backache.
Then techniques on improving posture are focused upon. Wrong posture is one of the major culprits behind backaches, and correcting the posture will go a long way in avoiding and reducing the misery. Regular physical activity and exercise are the only ways through which long term outcomes can be achieved, so that even after the pain is gone, it should not reoccur
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