Chronic back pain is a pain in the neck and it is a common problem for many people. It is one of the most common reasons for people visiting a doctor. When the pain lasts for more than 3 months is termed as chronic back pain.
Lower back pain is brought about often by minor repetitive injuries which cause degeneration of sections of the spine.
The condition can worsen with time and the person suffering with it walks badly, has poor posture and develops scoliosis or curvature of the spine.
A Healthy Spine has an Important Role
The spine is an intricate part of the body, with 52 joints that have to move freely so as to allow the flow of nerve impulses through the body.
When the vertebrae are out of alignment, they restrict the nerves and prevent nerve messages from passing through the body. This is serious because it can affect the surrounding nerves and muscles as well as the healthy biochemical functioning of the body.
What is Curvature of the Spine?
Spinal problems can occur as a result of congenital skeletal defects, an accident, strain and poor posture. Sometimes, however, the causes of a curved spine are not known.
Scoliosis is when the spine, which should run straight down the middle of the back, curves to the side. Sometimes it is described as being a C- or S-shaped curve. The larger the curve the bigger the risk of it worsening. A curve in the middle part of the spine is likely to get worse than a curve in the lower or upper section of the spine. The angle of the curve can vary but when it measures more than 10° it is considered a curved spine.
The Curve most times Corrects Itself
Any part of the spine can be affected, but mostly it is found around the chest level or the lower back. It can appear in a child, usually from about the age of 10 to 12 years, but babies can also sometimes have symptoms. With a baby, symptoms will include a bulge on one side of the chest. Sometimes physical therapy and bracing will, however, be recommended.
Worried parents need not be overly concerned because most times the curve corrects itself as the child grows. A structural curve is permanent, while a non-structural curve is temporary and it is likely to disappear with time.
There are Visible Signs
You will recognize somebody with the curvature of the spine by the way that they stand, with their shoulders and hips looking uneven. Also, their head seems to be off-center, their clothes seem not to fit properly, one shoulder is higher than the other and they have uneven leg lengths.
Various exercises are recommended for back pain as it improves overall fitness and strengthens muscles, even helping you lose some excess weight that puts stress on the spine. Stretching the back and its supporting muscles can improve general health and strength and certainly help reduce wear and tear on the spine.