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Why do you get back pain? Causes, Prevention

  • Writer: shashwath
    shashwath
  • Nov 7, 2022
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 3, 2023

Back pain is not a disease, it is a symptom and about 80% of the world's population suffers from it. It is very difficult to cure back pain, one of the main reasons for this being the fact that in most of the cases, it is not possible to find the exact cause for it.


Back pain is a frequent condition that causes discomfort or pain in the back, most commonly in the lower back, upper back, or neck. It can be very painful.

A girl holding her back while suffering from back pain.

The framework and shape of the body are formed by the bones. The skeletal system of the body is made up of 206 bones. Babies have more than 300 bones. Bones are responsible for the production of red blood cells as well as the storage of calcium. They are five times stronger and five times lighter than a steel bar of the same weight.

Backbone is an important bone in the human skeleton. It is also referred to as the vertebral column. It is formed by a 26 small piece of bones interconnected each other. Our backbone supports our body as we move, bend and stand. It is also critical to maintain the health of our backbone. The most typical backbone symptom is backaches. Back pain affects a large number of people for a variety of causes.

Backaches can come in a variety of forms. There are several areas on our backs where we may experience back pain, including bone, muscles, ligaments, and abnormalities with the intervertebral disc. The degenerative disorder known as "spondylosys," which is characterised by a narrowing of disc gaps, is a prevalent cause of back discomfort.



The following are common causes of back pain:

  • A sudden injury to the back due to an accident may cause back aches.

  • Muscle strain or sprain is a common cause of back discomfort. This might develop as a result of bad posture, inappropriately carrying heavy objects, unexpected awkward motions, or overexertion during physical activity.

  • Muscle wasting around the spine is caused by inactivity and lack of exercise.

  • Smoking weakens the spine and prevents calcium from being absorbed, among other negative effects.

  • Obesity

  • Certain medical conditions, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and gynecological issues, can result in referred pain to the back.

  • Pregnancy and menstrual cramps are examples of gynecological conditions.

  • keeping a bad posture while spending a lot of time at a desk

  • Mental stress

  • Back pain can be caused by the extra weight and changes in posture that occur during pregnancy.

  • Sitting on a chair that is not designed ergonomically for your back.

  • Standing for long periods of time, putting too much weight on one leg


Why do older individuals have back pain more often?


After the age of 60, the majority of the elderly may experience back pain. Old spinal cord injuries, backbone wear and tear, and a lack of calcium are all factors that contribute to this condition.

Calcium is essential for bone strength, but it is also used in the body to improve the efficiency of nerves and muscles, as well as to aid in blood clotting. Elders typically pay less attention to their diet, resulting in a decrease in calcium intake. While vitamin-D is normally made in the body by exposure to sunlight, older people who spend most of their time indoors begin to lack it. Vitamin-D is crucial for the body's ability to absorb calcium. Because of this, the body requires calcium from the bones to maintain health. As a result, as we become older, our bones get less dense.

Muscle mass and strength can gradually decrease with age, particularly if a person does not actively engage in exercise or physical activity. Muscle imbalances and weakness can lead to poor posture and greater tension on the back muscles, potentially resulting in pain.



Prevention and Control


Prevention is unquestionably preferable to treatment in the case of back pain. Preventative measures include:

A girl getting massage treatment on her back from therapist.
  • Reach out to a massage therapist if you are experiencing increased back pain because a good back massage can ease your pain.

  • Applying hot water to the area of your back that hurts helps to relieve back pain at home.

  • Every day, go for a walk or jog early in the morning. It keeps you physically fit and prevents back pain and other bone issues.

  • Avoiding your back from experiencing abrupt strain

  • Maintaining proper posture. Do not sag while sitting.

  • High heels, which put strain on the spine and back muscles, should be avoided.

  • Learning how to lift. When lifting heavy objects, get close to them, slowly bend your knees, keeping your back straight. Do not bend over and try to lift, as this puts a lot of strain on the backbone.

  • Provide enough back support while driving or sitting down for extended periods of time.

  • Incorporate stretching exercises into your everyday routine to increase flexibility and relieve back muscular stress.

  • Avoiding back twisting that happens suddenly.

  • Using the appropriate mattress. Always allow the mattress to conform to the shape of your back. When lying down, the mattress should have a small depression left by the body's imprint.

Back pain can be greatly decreased by maintaining a healthy weight. An effective weight-loss methods should also include regular exercise and a nutritious diet.


 
 
 

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