In addition to being the first cause of absence from work in Western countries, low back pain is also a disease with a thousand causes and facets. In fact, it has been calculated that back pain can originate from the injury of even one of the more than eight hundred microstructures that contract with the vertebral column. These injuries can affect the intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves, joints or bony structures.However, it may happen that an injury is completely asymptomatic and that despite the trauma suffered, the subject does not feel any pain.
Generally speaking of back pain as a multifactorial pathology to underline that the origin of pain is linked to numerous interdependent factors affecting the physical, psychological and social spheres.
These last two points, often underestimated, actually play a very important role in the appearance of the characteristic painful symptomatology. Stress, anxiety and other psychological problems, thanks to a reflex nervous mechanism, can in fact increase normal muscle tone. This excess of tension, reducing the vascularization and elasticity of the paravertebral muscles, contributes to the onset of low back pain. The numerous and intricate mechanisms that give rise to low back pain must therefore be carefully evaluated by a specialized doctor. Starting from the symptoms and causes of the pain. pain, it will thus be possible to establish a multidisciplinary therapeutic path in which various professional figures will collaborate such as the doctor, the therapist and the graduate in motor science.
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it is a very difficult undertaking even for a particularly skilled doctor who makes use of sophisticated diagnostic techniques.Usually, at the root of the problem there are no major injuries but simple alterations of the structures that make up the spinal column. For this reason, about 9 out of 10 cases of lower back pain resolve positively within a month.
By observing the various patients, their life and work habits, it can be seen that back pain is more frequent in particular categories of subjects. Thanks to this observation and to the aid of anatomical and physiological knowledge, it is possible to establish a series of elements that predispose the individual to back pain.
Most of the main risk factors are linked to the life habits of the subject, while genetic predispositions are quite rare. We could then define back pain as an acquired pathology that arises when the extent of the trauma exceeds the ability to bear and regenerate the structures adjacent to the spine. For this reason, the strategies for treating and preventing back pain must be based on a on the one hand on the reduction of stresses to the spinal column and on the other on the strengthening of the structures that support it.
To reduce the loads on the lower back it is recommended to:
- Learn the correct lifting technique (legs bent, pelvis set back, torso erect and load as close as possible to the body);
- Avoid incorrect positions maintained for a long time;
- Don't wear high-heeled shoes;
- Choose suitable footwear to wear during physical activity.
To improve the degree of efficiency of the structures that keep the back aligned, protecting it from trauma and allowing movement at the same time, it is advisable to:
- Regularly engage in physical activity (toning and stretching exercises associated with moderate aerobic activity);
- Maintain normal body weight;
- Avoid smoking and alcohol;
- Take relaxing breaks, avoiding stress as much as possible;
- In case of back pain avoid excessive rest, trying to make movements appropriate to the extent of the trauma.
From these advice it is clear that movement has a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of low back pain. Not surprisingly, a considerable number of medical visits ends with the indication to regularly practice a motor activity aimed at reducing body weight and improving muscle tone and elasticity. Among the numerous benefits that physical activity brings to the back it is also necessary to remember the positive effect on the reduction of stress and on the improvement of the vascularity of the tissues.
For further information: Gymnastics for back pain For further information: Stretching exercises for back pain For further information: Exercises for back pain
