01/11/2021
Back pain from working long hours? Uncomfortable work-from-home posture? Know more about your back pain and let us help you.
đź’ˇWhat is back pain?
Back pain which can affect people of any age may be caused by certain activities, injury, and existing medical conditions. The older people get, the higher the risk of developing lower back pain.
•Lower back pain may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.
•Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest, and spine inflammation.
đź’ˇCauses
•problems with the spine such as osteoporosis
•strained muscles or ligaments
•a muscle spasm
•muscle tension
•damaged disks
•injuries, fractures, or falls
•bad posture
đź’ˇActivities that can lead to strains or spasms include:
•lifting something improperly
•lifting something that is too heavy
•making an abrupt and awkward movement
•Structural problems
đź’ˇA number of structural problems may also result in back pain.
•Ruptured disks
•Bulging disks
•Sciatica
•Arthritis
•Abnormal curvature of the spine such as scoliosis
•Osteoporosis
• Kidney problems
đź’ˇMovement and posture
Adopting a very hunched sitting position when using computers can result in increased back and shoulder problems over time.
Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture.
•twisting
•coughing or sneezing
•muscle tension
•over-stretching
•bending awkwardly or for long periods
•pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying something
•standing or sitting for long periods
•straining the neck forward, such as when driving or using a computer
•long driving sessions without a break, even when not hunched
•sleeping on a mattress that does not support the body and keep the spine straight
đź’ˇOther causes
•Cauda equina syndrome
•Cancer of the spine
•Infection of the spine
•Other infections
đź’ˇWhat factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain?
•occupational activities
•pregnancy
•a sedentary lifestyle
•poor physical fitness
•older age
•obesity and excess weight
•smoking
•strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
•genetic factors
•medical conditions
Source: Medical News Today