Sciatic Nerve and Back Problems
Ever since human beings stood upright they have been having trouble with their backs. This is why people gain such relief from getting down on all fours. We were just not designed to stand on two feet with our backs straight.
The natural position exaggerates the curvature of the spine at the waist, and this reduces pressure on the back. Standing, especially for long periods of time, provides little relief, and when combined with poor posture and uncoordinated or erratic movements, a considerable strain can be imposed on the back area and the main structure that supports it, the spine
Types of back pain and their causes
Sciatica and Slipped Discs
Backache is a complaint that most people can live with; a slipped disc is not. Each of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are cushioned against friction by a disc,a tough outer layer that contains a soft jelly-like centre. They allow for easy, comfortable movement, the discs expand¬ing and contracting as the spine moves. If the ligaments are in a relaxed position when the vertebrae to which they are attached suffers a sudden jolt, one or more of the discs can be forced out of place.
This places pressure on the ligaments and the sciatic nerve, and pain results. Contact with the covering of the spinal column can also cause acute discomfort, aggra¬vated further by coughing, sneezing or straining. An entire disc can slip out of place, but in being partly displaced, it can get pinched between the vertebrae on either side and rupture.
The nerves connected to the lower end of the spines make up the largest nerve in the body the Sciatic nerve.This is one set of five nerve roots in the lower back When this is compressed or aggravated by a slipped disc pain results.
Sciatica, otherwise known as pirformis syndrome or spinal stenosis is characterized with back pain followed by leg pain around the calf and hamstring. This can then lead to numbness of the toes.
The pain can vary from extreme electric shock to infrequently irritating.
Symtoms can be
- Shooting pain ,
- Difficulty standing up (after bowel movements)
- Constant pain in one buttock
In ninety percent of all cases of sciatica, removing compression is enough to allow the disc to recover itself
It has been shown that gentle exercise ( no weights) instead of bed rest can heal the back faster. Your back muscles and spinal structure become weakened without exercise The goal is to loosen and build the muscles in your core while lessening the inflammation.
Causes
Accidents (car, falling, etc.); excessive physical activity
The most common form of backache is lumbago. It can occur quite suddenly or develop over hours, even days, and is caused by lifting or twisting, following injury or over-use, The result is a tearing of the ligaments and inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae.
Causes
Repetitive bending and lifting; bad posture, standing or sitting; twisting of spine while lifting or moving; obesity; fatigue; lack of fitness; history of injury
Wear and tear
It rarely happens to anyone under 50, and is usually due to the general ageing process. Women tend to be the main sufferers, and the problem is caused by childbearing and housework, but men in physically arduous jobs are also potential victims.
The discs become progressively thin¬ner, with those in the lumbar region being affected first. The condition places an increasing strain on the vertebrae and their supporting ligaments which often develop bony growths called osteophytes. These can cause a great deal of pain, and when the patient undergoes manipula¬tion, he or she will often hear sharp cracking sounds as they break up.
Causes
Ageing; childbearing; housework; heavy physical work over a long period of time
Backache and pregnancy
Back pain in early pregnancy is usually due to the womb being tipped back and it should stop at around three months.
Backache is a problem in late pregnancy and is caused by the weight of the foetus pulling the lumbar region forward, so causing the natural curve of the spine in to the waist to become exaggerated. The uterus can sometimes sit on the sciatic nerve This puts a strain on the sacrum bones in the back which causes the pain you feel.. Ease it by being more conscious of your posture and rest every afternoon in bed.
Treatment
The main form of treatment for all types of moderate to severe back pain is bed rest in combination with painkilling drugs
If the patient is not immobilized, the natural healing process will be slowed: what the back needs at this stage is total relief, with a consequent easing of strain on torn muscles and strained ligaments or discs. The sufferer should lie and sleep on as firm a surface as possible. A board can be placed over a mattress; an alternative is to lie on the floor. In some cases, such as lumbago, relief can be gained by bending the knees or lying on the side, with a cushion in the small of the back. Make the body comfortable and then keep still.
Strained muscles will improve within one or two days; torn muscles and ligaments take up to a week and a slipped disc at least two to get better. The only exception is the mild to intermittent pain of degenerative disease. In this case, shorter periods of rest are most helpful, with activity helping to maintain muscle tone and keep bones healthy.
If a slipped disc is suspected, a myelogram will be performed. A dye is injected into the spinal column under a local anaesthetic as a contrast medium and then the back is X-rayed to reveal the damage so the doctor can decide whether surgery is necessary.
Prevention
If you have to bend repeatedly, bend your knees to reduce strain on the spine. Then ‘think tall’. Avoid slouching; en¬sure that all working surfaces are at a comfortable height; and only sit on chairs that have a good supporting back. A firm bed is best.
If you have to twist while lifting even if it is your own body weight, make each movement in two separate stages. If you have to shovel sand, lift some onto the spade, then turn and deposit it elsewhere: and in getting out of a low car, first twist your body and place your feet on the curb, then stand up.
Always eat at a table; never slouch in a chair. Climb stairs with a straight back and avoid lifting or bend¬ing. Drive only short distances if possible.
It is not a good idea to embark on a heavy keep-fit programme; follow a series of exercises recommended by an expert. Walking will do you good, as will swimming.
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