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Chronic Back Pain is the most common cause of disability and
the low back is the most commonly affected. This pain usually persists for
more than 3 months. It is oftentimes progressive and limits the productivity
of the affected individual.
This condition exempts no one. It occurs in either male or female, 30 to 50
years old. It may be the result of too little or no exercise, sedentary
lifestyle, or aging. As we age, the strength and elasticity of our bones
decrease and the discs which serve as cushion between our vertebrae begin to
lose fluid.
Chronic back pain may also result from previous back injury or from spinal
diseases or degenerative conditions affecting the spinal cord such as disc
disease, disc protrusion, spinal stenosis, congenital abnormality of the
spine, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.
Lifting heavy materials is another factor which may cause chronic back pain.
This results to strain or spasm of the back muscles or ligaments or it may
cause compression of nerve roots or to rupture of the disc.
Some contributory factors to having chronic back pain includes obesity. The
excess weight gives additional strain to the low back. Other factors include
smoking, stress, and poor posture. Back pain due to these factors is
preventable.
Depression is most commonly associated with chronic back pain. It is because
most people with this condition are oftentimes left at home due to their
mobility limitation. They are unable to enjoy anymore the usual daily
activities that they perform. The chronic pain also prevents them doing work
and from sleeping soundly at night. All these leads to financial problems,
stress, irritability, and fatigue which ultimately causes feelings of
hopelessness and despair.
Aside from the oral medications given to these patients to alleviate pain,
bed rest and hot and cold compress may help lessen the pain and
inflammation. There are also a number of exercises that can strengthen the
back and abdominal muscles thus minimizing the episodes of back pain.
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