Nonsurgical Options for Chronic Lower Back Pain
By Venice Kichura
Published by
Venice Kichura on Smashwords
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Nonsurgical Options for Chronic Lower Back Pain
Cover art by Venice Kichura
Copyright 2012 Venice Kichura
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Smashwords Edition License Notes
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Nothing found anywhere in this book should ever be used as professional medical advice, and the author makes no representation that particular treatments are better than others or are appropriate for your situation. Always consult a licensed professional before attempting any treatments for a disease or condition, and do not self-diagnose. Chronic lower back pain can be serious, and seeing your physician is an important first step. The author accepts no liability for the information contained herein.
Introduction * Structures That Make Up the Back * Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain * Medical Tests for Diagnosing Lower Back Problems * The Importance of Staying Active * Lower Back Stretches * Cautions * The Importance of Walking * Developing Good Sleeping and Sitting Habits * Good Walking and Standing Habits * Good Driving Habits *, Reaching, Lifting and Turning * Foods Good for Your Back * Clean Out Your Purse * Pain Medications * Using Counter-irritants * Hot and Cold Compresses * Making Choices * Lower Back Pain and Depression * Severe Back Problems Requiring Surgery * Conclusion * Resources and Links * About the Author
Your spine is a workhorse. Besides supporting your body while you stand, sit, walk or lift, it’s made up the spinal cord, which is the nerve center for bodily movements from the neck down. Because of the huge amount of work your back does daily, it’s not surprising that so many people suffer from back pain. If you struggle with back pain you’re not all. According to the American Chiropractic Association, about 70 to 85 percent of all Americans have had some type of back pain during some point in their lives, with lower back pain being the fifth most common reason for doctor visits. Next to headaches, back problems rank second in neurological ailments. Each year Americans spend 50 billion dollars treating lower back problems, with back pain being a top cause for missed workdays.
Temporary or acute lower back pain typically goes away with proper minor treatment such as anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, rest and physical therapy. While acute lower back pain is temporary, chronic lower back pain last for more than three months. Chronic back pain can largely impact your lifestyle, affecting your home life, your work and relationships. Besides limiting activities this problem can trigger depression and anger, making you think your condition will never improve and that you’ll never enjoy life again.
This doesn’t have to be the case. I know from personal experience that you can enjoy an active and fulfilling life and even feel human again. With proper and consistent pain management you can make the right choices, leading to feeling better and doing more of those activities that you both want and need to do.
Usually surgery isn’t the answer to back problems. Because there isn’t a way to be sure that whatever problem is revealed on an imaging test is the reason for pain, surgery done to correct the problem may not be related to the pain. Surgery can actually worsen the pain if problems occur during the surgery. This isn’t to say that all back surgery is a bad choice. Just be sure that you’ve tried all the other options before deciding on surgery.
Structures That Make Up the Back
The human back is made up bones, muscles and other tissues forming the posterior portion of the trunk of the body, from the neck to the pelvis. The spinal column, which can be compared to an interstate highway, with its numerous connecting nerves, is the centerpiece of the back. It supports the weight of the upper body, as well as contains and protects the spinal cord. Roughly 18 inches long and less than .75 inches thick, the spinal column carries signals controlling bodily movements and conveying sensations.
The three segments of the spine include the cervical spine, the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine. The seven cervical vertebrae are on top; in the middle are the 12 thoracic vertebrae with the five lumbar vertebrae on the bottom. Most back pain is felt in the lumbar vertebrae section, which supports the weight of your upper body.
The vertebrae are the more than 30 bones, stacked on top of one another, forming the main portion of the spinal column or spine.
The sacrum, a bony plate, lying at the bottom of the spine, and composed of five fused vertebrae, forms the back of the pelvis.
The tailbone (coccyx) is made up of four partly fused vertebrae and lies at the base of the sacrum. When you add the fused partly fused sacrum bones and coccyx to the 24 vertebrae you get a total of 33 bones.
Discs, the small spaces between the vertebrae, are maintained by spongy, round cartilage pads known as intervertebral discs, which allows for flexibility of the lower back. They function as shock absorbers, cushioning bones as your body moves. Ligaments and tendons are the bands of tissue holding vertebrae in place and attaching muscles to the spinal column.
Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain
Often progressive, chronic lower back pain is due to many factors so the cause can be hard to determine.
Herniated disc -- Also known as protruding or ruptured disc, this back problem occurs when the intervertebral discs are under continual pressure. Discs weaken and deteriorate, causing cartilage to bulge or be pushed into the area that contains a nerve root of the spinal causes, producing pain. Most herniated discs happen in the lumbar part of the spinal column.