Back Conditions

Back pain is a common problem that will affect most people at some stage during their life.

The back is prone to a range of conditions such as soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains, disc problems, postural stress, sciatica, structural defects, fracture and disease such as arthritis, cancer and osteoporosis.

The back is faced with such a range of conditions because of its intricate interlocking structure. Vertebrae are the bones that stack on top of each other to make up the spinal column and protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebrae are discs that act as a shock absorber and assist in giving the spine flexibility. Holding the vertebrae together are facet joints and ligaments, while the muscles help to produce and control the movements of the back.

Conditions 

1. Soft tissue injuries - Sprains and strains

A sprain to the back is an injury to a joint that involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments. A strain occurs when muscles or tendons are damaged. Stretching a ligament or muscle too far too quickly could result in a tear of the tissue and excessive force and repetitive use of a muscle may cause damage over time.

2. Disc problems

As we age the discs in our back dry out and harden making them more prone to injury. Many disc conditions arise due to prolonged stress, injury or straining of the back. When discs are damaged they may bulge, herniate or even rupture.

3. Postural stress

Stress is placed on the spine as a result of poor posture for an extended period of time. When ligaments and joints are over stretched and muscles are overworked they may also cause spasms of the back.

4. Sciatica

This is a condition arising from nerve pain. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine into the buttock and down the back of the leg. A disc bulge or prolapse pressing on the spinal nerve in many cases is the cause of sciatica.

5. Structual defects

Structural problems of the back can cause pain simply by putting extra stress on the structures of the spinal column. Scoliosis, which is commonly a birth defect is an excessive sideways curve that can affect the upper or lower regions of the spine. Diseases such as osteoporosis can also lead to structural problems as the integrity of the bones are compromised.

6. Fracture

A fracture occurs when a force exerted against the bone is stronger than the bone itself. In the case of the back, diseases such as cancer or osteoporosis can make fractures more likely as bones become more fragile.

7. Disease

While lifestyle factors such as inactivity are most likely to cause back problems, some diseases affect the spine. Arthritis occurs as a result of the cartilage that usually cushions a joint breaks down. Cancer such as bone cancer occurs as a result of the spread of cancer cells from the cancer affected area to the bone and osteoporosis is a disease that involves the thinning of the bones as one ages.