BACK PAIN / BACKACHE

Back pain may relate to the bony spine (main support for our bodies which carries the spinal cord and the body's nervous system), discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, imbalance of the pelvic structure, internal organs and the skin covering the lumbar area.  It may radiate from the lower, mid or upper back.  The pain may be a tingling or burning sensation, a dull aching, or sharp pain.  Weakness may also be felt in the legs or feet.

Back pain is one of humanity's most frequent complaints.  According to several studies approximately 80% of adults will have lower back pain at some time in their lives.

Incorrect lifting and carrying, overuse or poor posture leading to restriction of the joints in the spine are the most common cause of back pain.

Lumbago

Lumbago is just another term indicating backache.

Sciatica

Sciatic nerve irritation pain, most commonly known as Sciatica, may radiate from the base of the spine, down the back of the leg to the foot.  This is usually caused by disrupted biomechanics in the joints and muscles of the lower spine.  It can also be caused by a ruptured or protruding disc in the spine pressing on a nerve, or by hypertonicity of the Piriformis muscle.

Disc problems / slipped disc

Slipped disc is a frequently used but inaccurate term to describe a damaged disc.  Discs are flexible structures in between our vertebrae which allow our spine to be flexible.  Also they act as shock absorption. When damage occurs they may rupture or protrude causing back or leg pain by pressing on to surrounding structures.  The disc has been blamed for being the cause of most back pain.  It appears that it may be a primary source of pain rather than just causing pain indirectly by pressing on the neighbouring structures such as a nerve.

Back pain due to pregnancy

Back pain is common in pregnancy.  Laxity of the ligaments to prepare the pelvis for childbirth and the enlarged abdomen put great strain on the low back area.  A difficult birth or the increased lifting that is inevitable with young children can also aggravate an existing condition.