Back problems include a range of conditions related to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the spine. There are five regions in your spine that may be affected.
These are the neck (cervical spine), upper and/or middle back (thoracic spine), lower back (lumbar spine), sacrum and tailbone (coccyx).
Pain is the main symptom in most back problems. It is a common reason for pain among adults of all ages, but it can also start in childhood [1].
What are the symptoms?
Back problems can present with:
- Neck pain
- Mid back pain
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches and migraines
- Radiating arm and/or leg pain
- Chronic aches
- Stiffness
- Loss of spinal flexibility
- Back strength
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
Are you feeling the symptoms?
You are not alone.
Estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014–15 National Health Survey show about 3.7 million Australians (16% of the population) have back problems. It is estimated that 70–90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives.
Many Australians are struggling with back pain and acute pain which may become chronic. One in six Australians suffer from the physical and psychological effects of chronic back problems, and it was the third leading cause of disease burden in 2011.
What causes back problems?
There are many causes.
It could be related to issues associated with posture and injuries, diseases such as osteoarthritis, disc disease, osteoporosis, and some genetic conditions. Other factors such as age, physical fitness, smoking, being overweight, and the type of work a person does may increase the risk of developing back problems [2]. Moreover, recent studies show that back problems can have a significant genetic component [3].
What can I do about it?
A sedentary lifestyle and poor posture are risk factors for back problems. The good news is it’s never too late to improve spinal health.
Simple measures including getting your spine checked by a trusted, experienced health care professional such as a Chiropractor in Aurum Health Care is a good start to taking care of your spine.
Daily walking may also help with back conditions. Before starting any exercise or stretch program, it is advised that you speak to the appropriate registered health care professional.
For back pain, the Chiropractors at Aurum Health Care perform thorough assessments and use the latest evidence-based treatments within your comfort level. Our Chiropractors can also offer advice on self-management through exercises, ergonomic and lifestyle modifications.
For more information on the Chiropractors at Aurum Health Care please call us on (02) 9899 1416 or click here.
References
1. Manek NJ & MacGregor AJ 2005. Epidemiology of back disorders: prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology 17:134–140.
2. Raspe H, Matthis C, Croft P & O’Neill T 2004. Variation in back pain between countries: the example of Britain and Germany. Spine 29:101–1021.
3. Williams FMK, Bansel AT, van Meurs JB et. al. 2012. Novel genetic variants associated with lumbar disc degeneration in northern Europeans: a meta-analysis of 4600 subjects. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201551.
