Backache afflicts an estimated 80% of the population. As the most common malady responsible for absentee days, Americans conservatively spend $50 billion yearly in efforts to gain a diagnosis and relief through treatment. The majority of sufferers fall into the category of acute exacerbations, while others must learn to manage life with the debilitating impact of chronic back pain.
Archaeological finds have scientifically proven that back disorders are not new. Our ancient ancestry shared the agony and defeat of this painful, debilitating affliction. Despite the fact that caveman’s survival correlated to physical strength and hard labor, their physiques did not escape the same spinal wear and tear that afflicts modern man’s relatively sedentary lifestyle.
The core of movement and sensation resides in the spinal cord. Bones and ligaments serve as the structural network comprising the skeletal system, whose column supports and protects the delicate core. The strength of this network, it muscles and ligaments, correlates to its ability to support body weight and flexible movement. Injuries or disease can render its function from occasionally painful to life-altering immobilization.
Intrinsic spinal pain results from muscle spasms, nerve root irritation, fracture or some combination of these mechanics. Symptoms can be acute, long-term, constant or intermittent, localized or radiating. The onset, location and distribution of discomfort and its response to activity, are telltale clues for definitive diagnosis. The realm of possibilities entails a long list that includes minor injuries and a percentage of serious illnesses with the risk of permanent consequences. Musculoskeletal symptoms require examination, investigation and diagnosis.
Prevention is the best medicine. Protection engages exercise geared to strengthen the lumbar spine, proper lifting technique, spinal alignment with sitting, optimal mattress support, correcting obesity, proper footwear and back-support devices decrease the risk of injury. Bone density studies create awareness, and encourage bone-building medications and exercise.
There exist many medical disorders that result in backache categorized as congenital, hereditary, autoimmune and age acquired. The back is affected by medical conditions that impact muscles, tissues and bones of the spine. The degree of degeneration to the spinal function correlates with the end-results seen in distortion, disability and pain. Diagnosis is imperative for appropriate medical care in alleviating discomfort, preventing progression and lessening the risk of deformity, disability and death.
Lumbosacral sprains are a equal opportunity affliction. Men and women, middle-aged and beyond, are frequently ambushed by low back strains induced by aging, sedentary lives punctuated by bursts of weekend warrior activities, unresolved stress and unhealthy habits, such as smoking and overeating. As we age, the risks from degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis increase the probability of wear and tear, injuries and pain with declining spinal health.
With the majority of the population suffering at some point with chronic back pain, there is great interest, motivation and drive for achieving symptom relief, functional restoration and patient satisfaction. Innovations in diagnostics, new medications and new applications for approved medicines, injectables, physical therapies and new surgical techniques and applications aim to improve the quality of life for the chronically suffering.