Statistics
Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010, which can affect anyone at any age. During one year, up to half of the adult population (15%-49%) will have back pain. It is estimated that four out of every five adults (80%) will experience back pain at some stage in their life. Studies show higher rate in females than males. The number of people with back pain increases with advancing age, starting in school children and peaking in adults of 35 to 55 years of age. Back pain is just as common in adolescents as in adults. According to a survey published in 2000 almost half the adult population of the UK (49%) report low back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year. Back pain currently costs community care services more than £1 billion each year. Whereas, Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain.
Back pain may be associated with both occupational and nonwork-related factors such as, the aging process and sedentary life styles. A family history of back pain has been shown to increase one's risk. Several studies have shown an increase in back pain in obese patients, especially in women. The risk of experiencing low-back pain from disc disease or spinal degeneration increases with age. However, most of the time, the exact cause of the pain cannot be found. Low-back pain is also the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Data from a national insurer indicate that back claims account for 16% of all workers’ compensation claims and 33% of total claims costs (Snook 1982; Webster and Snook 1994b).
Anatomy of the intervertebral disc
The intervertebral discs lie betw...
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...ravity passes anterior to the spinal column (figure 5). As a result, the spine is under a constant, forward bending moment. As the trunk is progressively flexed, the line of gravity shifts farther away from the spine. The farther the line of gravity from the spine, the larger the moment arm for body weight and the greater the bending moment generated. To maintain body position, this moment must be counteracted by tension in the back muscle. To minimize the tension, lifting with the trunk being erect is required. A misaligned spine (faulty posture) causes stress to be redistributed throughout the body, so joints that were not intended to bear a significant amount of stress are now required to so do to compensate for poor posture. When joints bear stress beyond their capacity, the result is temporary or long term pain as well as degradation of the supportive tissue.
A. Chronic pain signifies a developing public health issue of huge magnitudes, mainly in view of aging populations in developed countries (Russo).
" Chronic Pain (CP) statistics astounding according to The Institute of medicine approximately 100 million adults suffer from chronic pain which is more than heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined."(IOM Relieving Pain in America 2011, p. 1)
The word “chiropractor” has two word origins, the Greek words cheir and praxis; meanwhile, cheir means “hand” and praxis means “practice.” Also, most of the work that chiropractors do is done by hand (Pike para. 5). In 2002, going to a chiropractor was found to be the most commonly used program for therapy. Seventy-four percent, about 4 million, of people that had back pain went to a chiropractor to get treated. Among that 74 percent of people, 66 percent of them stated that they got “a great benefit” (Pike para. 9). Many chiropractors work full time but 1 out of 3 chiropractors work part time. Chiropractors work whenever their patients need them, even on w...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 27 million Americans (LeMone, Burke, Bauldoff, 2011). It is caused when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing the bones of the joint to rub against one another. This causes pain, stiffness, and loss of motion in the joint. Osteoarthritis is most prevalent in those 65 and older, but can affect those of any age. In addition, African Americans and Hispanics report a higher incidence of arthritis than Caucasians (LeMone, Burke, Bauldoff, 2011). Although the cause is unknown, it is believed that the increasing age of the population, prevalence of obesity and injuries add to the progression of the condition. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body; however, those of the hand, hip, and knee are often the most common. This condition may be asymptomatic, or may present symptoms including soreness, stiffness and pain. The symptoms are more common in the older population, those with limited activity levels, and those who are obese. Joint cartilage thins over time, causing an increased risk for symptoms in the elderly, and obesity puts extra pressure on the joints during activity. Osteoarthritis is commonly diagnosed with the use of a physical assessment along with results of radiology testing such as X-Ray and MRI.
Currently, I am involved in a prospective cohort study with other colleagues from King Fahad Medical City that aims to study the effect of a low back care educational program on low back pain prevalence among health-care professionals.
Chronic lower back pain is a major health disorder in the world today (Mendelson, Selwood, Kranz, Loh, Kidson, Scott, 1983). It can cause many physical, mental, and emotional problems on the victim (Mendelson, Selwood, Kranz, Loh, Kidson, Scott, 1983). Many people find their work so unbearably painful that they often have to stay home. Others experience depression, inactivity, and social isolation (Kaplan, Sallis, Patterson). Treatments range from the conventional methods such as medication and surgery to the alternative or unconventional methods such as acupuncture. However, only a small percentage of low back pain patients have the type of condition for which surgery can be used so acupuncture is becoming more popular (Lehmann, Russell, Spratt, 1983).
Posture Correction – Poor posture is a major issue involved in back pain. Poor posture is also unattractive and unhealthy to the body. Good posture helps the body maintain balance and stay aligned. Inversion therapy helps to realign your spine so you can enjoy the health benefits of good
The vertebral column of the body remains stable due to the isometric co-contraction of the erector spinae, rectus abdominus and the e...
Tests after tests including MRI’s, X-rays, and experimental procedures were performed to show I had five ruptured disks in the lower lumbar section of my back. Tedious Examination done by a group of doctors concluded I had a crippling disease of the spinal column called spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that causes compression of the spinal cord. (Lohr,1) If this disease was ignored any longer, it would lead to many other problems affecting other areas of my back to help support this weakness. It was an extremely rare case for an athlete my age.
Understanding Sciatica: symptoms & diagnosis. What is a sciatica? Sciatica is the name given to any case of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down the back of each leg.
Negative straight leg raise bilaterally, good range of motion at her hips. She does have pain when flexing both hips while in a lying position.
Rectus, and External and Internal Obliques flex the spine. Transversus aids in respiration and helps to compress the abdominal cavity to help support the spine in neutral. 4. How does the breath relate to flexion and extension of the spine?
This is an overview of the spinal deformation called Scoliosis. What Scoliosis is as a whole, as well as a breif mention of other spinal deformations that are in a similar catagory as Scoliosis. The causes of scoliosis, and how it develops in people who suffer from the deformation. How Scoliosis is diagnosed and the symptoms it causes people to suffer in cases that are both mild and severe; are all topics that'll be covered.
By increasing muscle strength and endurance and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back pain.
Many people who have back pain spend a lot of time sitting at a computer or driving a car, because you are always sitting in the same position; a position that does not improve your posture or health. That can cause tightness and spinal compression, which you can slowly and gradually address with yoga.