Suffering from back pain, you are not alone
Back pain, especially in the lower region is one of the most common causes of disability with 80 percent of adults experiencing this problem at some stage in their lives. No culture or gender is exempt, and it seems to occur in about the same proportions, interfering not only in performances at work but ultimately effecting quality of lives. It is one of the most common reasons for people to visit a doctor.
Pain lasting 1 month to three months is classed as Subacute back pain, which mostly self-limiting. Most cases are non-specific reasons with few due to specific reasons. Longer than that is classed as Chronic back pain and is of a more difficult nature, due to strong a psychological connection.
Causes are varied due to the human back being composed of a complex structure of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and discs. Problems with any of these can lead to back pain and in many cases the causes being quite unclear.
Common causes are:
• Traumatic injury
• Strains to muscles and ligaments
• Damaged discs – ruptured or bulging which can lead to sciatica
• Injures or falls
• Muscle tension and spasm – stress both physical and mental
• Structural issues – Abnormal curvature (scoliosis), arthritis, osteoporosis
• Poor posture and everyday activities such as twisting, lifting, carrying, drive for long sessions, sitting at computers (sedentary tasks), as some examples
• Medical conditions – bowel problems, kidney stone or infection
Risk factors:
• Workplace activities
• Smoking
• Strenuous physical activity done incorrectly
• Genetic factors
• Pregnancy
• Older age
• Obesity and excess weight
• Women tend to suffer more lower back pain than in men, and this possibly due to hormonal factors.
• Stress, anxiety and temperament disorders are also linked to back pain.
Some Common Symptoms:
• The main symptom is a persistent ache or pain anywhere in the back whether you are resting or lying down, which sometimes can go all the way down to the buttocks and legs, with some back issues causing pain to other parts of the body such as neck, shoulders and chest.
• Loss of normal control of the bowels – constipation or loose bowels
• Numbness anywhere from pelvis, buttocks to down to the feet
• Inflammation or swelling
Treatments available:
• Medications including analgesic, antidepressants and NSAIDS
• Limited bedrest and more continuation of normal daily activities. Studies have shown the benefits not having bedrest in reducing secondary complications such as loss of muscle tone, depression and the reduction of blood clots on the legs
• Strengthening exercises – Evidence has supported the benefits of short and long-term use of yoga
• Acupuncture and TuinaWhat is Tui Na?
• Remedial therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Epidural steroid injections are a commonly used short-term option
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Surgery such as Spinal laminectomy, Spinal fusion and Artificial disc replacement
• In some cases, the regular stretching of the psoas muscle
From the philosophical point of view, in Chinese Medicine your state of health is a reflection of Qi and Blood balance. Pain is an outcome of the Qi being blocked and in consequence the circulation of the blood is affected in that area. The main goal of using Tuina is to remove these energetic blockages that lead to the Qi stagnation thusly increasing circulation, reducing local oedema and freeing up tight muscle and ligaments which leads to a reduction in the localised pain. It has been demonstrated in studies where massage therapy seems to be of benefit clinically, is in the reduction of inflammation and the repair of damaged skeletal tissue by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
