Back pain is the most common complaint among adults under
45. Back
pain brings their activities to a complete
halt and
intervenes in
the progress of their career. Researchers say that it is
really a
challenge to a physician to find out the true cause of back
pain.
Here is a quick take on the anatomy of the human back. Our
body
depends on the spinal column for structural stability and
mobility.
We twist, bend and flex with the help of spinal column. The
spinal
column is made up of 24
vertebrae, 7 in the neck (the
cervical
vertebrae), 12 in the thorax (the thoracic vertebrae), and 5
in the
lower back (the lumbar vertebrae). The sacrum, located just
below
the lumbar vertebrae, consists of 5 fused vertebrae. The
tailbone,
or coccyx, with its 3 to 5 fused vertebrae, lies just
beneath the
sacrum. These vertebrae are placed one on another from skull
to
pelvis. Spongy discs are present in between vertebrae .The
spinal
column is tightly wrapped by muscles and ligaments.
The spinal cord is enclosed within vertebral canal which is
formed
by alignment of vertebrae.
Acharya sushruta describes anatomy of spinal column as
follows.
Prushte trimshat - The number of back bones are 30
(Cervical-7 ,
Thoracic – 12, Lumbar- 5, vertebrae fused in sacrum -5 ,
coccyx -
1 ). While describing the joints in spinal column it has
been said
as " Chaturvimshatihi prishta vamshe ". This means there are
24
joints in spinal column.
Maamsaanyatra nibaddhani siraabhihi snaayubhistatha. |
Asthinyaalambanam kritwaa ||
The ligaments and tendons hold the bones and muscles
together.
Causes for back ache
Bones and thighs are mainly occupied by Vata . Vata controls
and
directs the body movements.Back pain occurs when vata in
this region
gets aggravated due to unwise physical activities (mithya
yoga of
karma), exaggerated physical activities (Ati yoga of karma )
or less
physical activities (hina yoga of karma).
1. Back ache usually arises from spasm of muscles that
support
our spine. The muscles supporting spine go into spasm when
we lift
things unwisely, bending over too sharply, sitting in a
unsuitable
chair, etc.
These type of movements are called as "Mithyaa yoga of karma
or
action " in ayurveda.
2. Back pain can be triggered when we sneeze, climb into a
car,
or bend down to pick up the newspaper.
3. Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, viral infection, bladder or
kidney infection, gynecological problems in women, tumors
and trauma
may also cause back pain.
4. Lack of motion or hina yoga of karma and bad posture may
affect us when we sit or stand for long periods of time. On
the
other hand repetitive motion or Ati yoga of karma like too
much of
bending, lifting or twisting also affects our back.
5. Other potential causes for back ache are:
• Overweight
• Wearing high heeled shoes
• Carrying heavy weight
The vitiated vata causes stiffness of joints, pain and
limits the
movements of back.
Solutions for back pain
1. Stay calm.
2. A complete bed rest for 24 - 48 hrs relieves back pain in
most of the instances. Walk a little every few hours to keep
the
blood flowing and the muscles toned.
3. Applying vata balancing oil like ksheerabala oil on
affected
region and Naadi sweda (mild steam bath on affected area )
of
affected region relives the pain quickly.
See your doctor immediately if you have any of the following
symptoms:
1. If you are above 50 and sudden onset of severe pain or
pain
localized to spine .
2. Pain due to recent fall or trauma.
3. Pain in hip and leg.
4. Back pain unrelated to posture.
5. Bowel or bladder control problems.
6. Numbness in the groin or rectal area.
7. Extreme weakness in legs.
8. Unsteadiness while walking
9. Fever or weight loss accompanying the pain.
10. Pain that does not lessen over time even after rest
Prevention of back pain
1. Keep the muscles well conditioned by improving sitting,
standing, stretching postures. Well-conditioned muscles are
less
susceptible to injury.
2. Never bend at the waist or stoop to pick up an object.
Instead, lower the body to the level of the object by
bending the
knees. Grasp the item, hold it close to the body, and raise
yourself
with your legs while keeping your back straight.
3. Do not lift very heavy objects.
4. Whenever possible, prop yourself up.
5. Lean against a wall or pillar while waiting for a bus or
standing in line at the bank.
6. Keep footstools around the house. Alternatively prop up
one
leg on stool while doing standing chores.
7. Sleep on a firm mattress and find a comfortable position.
8. Wear low-heeled shoes.
9. Standing straight will do wonders for your back.
10. Sit on a comfortable chair that supports the curve of
lower
back.
11. While sitting for long hours rest feet on a low stool so
that knees are above hips.
12. Do not sit or stand in one position for a very long
time.
Get up periodically and walk for a while.
13. Avoid activities which hurt back.
14. Do not sit in same position for long hours. It may prove
hazardous to back. Take break in between and move around.
15. Avoid becoming overweight. Overweight increases the risk
of
back pain.