Pain is the most
common symptom of back problems and if you suffer from back problems the
most important one. It is important to distinguish between acute and prolonged
pain, because they reflect different types of problems and different medical
treatment needs.
 |
Acute back pain is a warning
sign of injury such as a sprained ligament, bone fracture, or disc herniation.
During the first days after an injury, the pain tells the body to avoid
movement that would aggravate the injury and slow or prevent healing. This
is why the neck becomes stiff a short time after a whiplash injury and
why certain movements cause or increase pain at the site of a disc or muscle
injury. Prolonged or chronic pain is different. It is usually the result
of minor misuse, injury, or strain over a period of time and many factors
may contribute to the type or severity of pain that is experienced.
For example, excess body
weight may place too much strain on the muscles that support normal alignment
of the vertebral column as well as on the cushioning discs between vertebrae.
An old injury may “flare up” occasionally. Or repetitive misuse such as
improper lifting technique that is used daily on the job or at home may
cause a weakening of supporting ligaments and muscles and a “nagging” lower
back pain. |
Lower back pain, in fact,
is the most common type of chronic back pain, and may be attributed to
such seemingly benign causes as poor posture over many years, lack of exercise,
improper lifting techniques, and excess body weight.
Select from the topics
below to get more information on problems associated with the spine.
