Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 9

Back Pain

If you are suffering from back pain, you are not alone.

It is estimated that 25% of the people in United States suffers from back pain at any given time. Back pain can be acute, recurring or chronic. Back pain can be caused by Degenerative disk disease Lumbar spinal stenosis Fractures Herniated disc Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

Our spine is made of 33 vertebrae that are stacked up on top of

one another. There is a rubbery piece of cartilage between these vertebrae and is called the intervertebral disk. Imagine disk as a tire with gelatin kind of substance on the hole of the tire. The tire (outer part) is called the annulus and the gelatin type of substance is called the nucleus. As we age, or due to some injury, wear and tear occurs and we start to lose gelatin type of substance and hence the volume of the disk decreases. As a result, the space the vertebrae decreases and the disk becomes flatter and less flexible . When the rough surface of the vertebral joint rub together, inflammation occurs and may feel pain as the nerves get compressed or irritated. It may occur throughout the spine or may confine to one disk.

People who have degenerative disk in the neck usually feel pain in the arm, shoulder or neck region. A degenerative disk in the low back might cause pain in the back, buttocks or legs. Most often back pain gets aggravated by sitting, bending and reaching. The symptoms are at its peak in the morning or it worsens by continuous sitting or standing. In several cases, since the nerve gets compressed, it may lead to numbness, tingling and even weakness in arms and legs.

Spinal occurs when the spinal canal narrows, and as result,

the nerve roots/ the spinal cord get compressed. This will result in pinching of nerve root/spinal cord which leads to pain, numbness, weakness and cramping. Depending up on the area where the spinal stenosis occurs, the symptoms can be felt in the lower back and legs, neck, shoulder or arms. Typically, a person with spinal stenosis complains severe pain in legs calves or lowers back while standing or walking .Usually walking up or down a hill aggravates the pain. The pain is often relieved by sitting or leaning forward.

As mentioned in the degenerative disk

disease the disc becomes flatter and rigid as we age. This make is most susceptible injury. In some case the gelatin type of the substance (nucleus) can push through the rubbery part and can create crack on the rubbery part (annulus). Thus herniation or rupture occurs. When the disc bugle and come out its normal boundaries it may pinch the spinal nerves or spinalcord. Symptoms may include tingling, pain or numbness or combination of any at back, buttocks or legs. You may find standing comfortable than sitting. Certain activities such as bending and reaching can worsen the pain.

Herniated Disc

Herniated disc causes narrowing of the spine. This will put

strain on joints, cartilage and ligaments. The narrowing of the disc may result in the decreased space between the spinal joints(facet joints).Since the shape of the disc has change, it puts more weight bearing forces on the spinal joints. This may result in the wear and tear of the cartilages which covers the joints. Ultimately, the bone comes in to contact with one another which causes enlarged joints, stiffness, pain and inflammation. Our body tries to repair itself by growing new bones and is called bone spur. This results in narrowing of the spine and may result in the symptoms like pain, burning sensation, numbness or tingling.

Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become porous. As result, the bones density decreases, become weaker and deformity of the bones occurs. It is very important as bones become vulnerable to fractures. It can cause spinal compression fracture of upper back or thoracic spine

If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions,

physical therapy can help you. At Maya Physical Therapy, which serves Davie, Cooper city and Hollywood has the most experienced physical therapists that are specialized in treating back pain. Give it a try and see the difference!

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi