No area presents more of a problem to doctors than the back. Second
only to head pain, disabling low back pain strikes 80 per cent of us
during our lifetimes, causes millions of lost work days and accounts
for a steady stream of presentations to general practitioners.
In spite of endless research into its diagnosis, causes and
treatment, doctors seem no nearer to understanding back pain than they
ever were. Today, misdiagnosis or unproven and aggressive treatment
with drugs and surgery contributes more to the problems of back pain
sufferers than they do to the solutions.
There are many possible causes of back pain, and low back pain in
particular, ranging from posture, stress, damage from exercise or
lifting, pharmaceutical drugs, and being overweight. Although a large
proportion of back pain appears to come on spontaneously, often it's
the result of insults and traumas to the body over a period of months
or years. Occasionally, the pain is caused by functional problems:
slipped, ruptured or herniated discs, pinched or otherwise compromised
nerve roots, or fused or deteriorating vertebrae. For a significant
number, the cause of back pain is never found.
Here is a comprehensive list of the most recognised causes:
- Previous history of low back pain
- Radiating leg pain
- Signs of nerve root involvement
- Vascular problems
- Reduced straight leg raising
- Reduced trunk muscle strength and endurance
- Poor physical fitness
- Heavy smoking
- Low job satisfaction
- Psychological distress, especially depressive symptoms
- Heavy physical work at home or in job
- Birth (or surgical procedure) under epidural anaesthesia
Back to How You Beat Back Pain
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