Back Pain

What is back pain?

Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine, but the most common site is the lower back or lumbar region. The lower part of the back bears the weight of the upper body plus any weight you are carrying, and it also twists and bends more than the upper back.

Back pain may be acute or chronic. Most cases of back pain are acute i.e. the pain starts suddenly and intensely, and usually lasts a short time (less than a month). Acute back pain is not usually caused by a serious medical condition, and most cases resolve within a few days without treatment. Recurrence is common, however. Repeated episodes may eventually lead to chronic back pain.

Chronic back pain persists beyond three months, and even slight movements can trigger it. Chronic pain is usually more intractable than acute pain, and often requires specialist advice.

Structure of the back

The back's system of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves work together to bear the weight of your body and the loads you carry. The structure of the back provides considerable strength and flexibility, but because the spine is so central to the body's movements, even small amounts of damage can often cause pain.

The spine consists of 33 bony segments, the vertebrae. Between these lie the discs: tough, spongy "cushions" that act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae and give the spine flexibility. Strong elastic ligaments hold the vertebrae and discs firmly together in a column. Muscles attach to the vertebrae by fibrous connections called tendons. The complex layers of back muscle contract to move your back and upper body.

The spine also protects the spinal cord, which runs down through a canal formed by the vertebrae. Nerves from the spinal cord branch out and leave the spine through spaces between the vertebrae at the levels of the discs.

Who gets back pain and who is at risk?

Back pain is second only to headaches as the most common location of pain. Four out of five adults will experience at least one bout of back pain in their lives.

The following factors can increase your risk for back problems:

• Ageing Discs begin gradual deterioration by age 30. With age, the discs lose moisture and shrink. This puts more stress on the facet joints which become arthritic with resultant back pain.
• Sedentary lifestyle Being unfit increases your risk for back pain, especially if you attempt an unaccustomed activity. Lack of exercise leads to the following conditions, which may threaten your back:

• Poor posture and spending long periods in one position e.g. working at a computer, slouching in front of TV.
• Obesity. The increased weight causes wear and tear of the disks and facet joints.
• Genetic factors Some people are genetically susceptibility to back pain, usually from inheriting spinal structural abnormalities. Mutation of the COL9A2 gene may be linked to about 10% of sciatica cases. This gene plays a role in producing collagen, an important protein component of the discs. The defective gene may cause disc deterioration, leading to sciatica.
• Work that stresses the back, risky activities include lifting, forceful movements, bending and twisting into awkward positions, repetitive movements and vibration (as occurs with long-distance truck driving.
• Improper body mechanics during sporting activities can damage the back e.g. a jerky golf swing or incorrect use of exercise equipment. Cyclists often experience low back pain, which is often resolved by adjusting the angle of the bicycle seat. Some research suggests that, over time, high-impact exercise such as rugby or aerobics may increase the risk for degenerative disc disease.
• Pregnancy makes women prone to back pain due to shifting of abdominal organs, forward redistribution of body weight, and loosening of ligaments in the pelvic area prior to delivery.
• Smoking possibly because it decreases blood circulation to the tissues of the back. The association may also be due to a generally unhealthy lifestyle.
• Psychological factors Research indicates that in many people, pre-existing depression and feelings of helplessness may contribute negatively to the perception of pain and the ability to cope with back problems. People in depression are also more likely to have vague physical symptoms, including back pain.

The Maxiwell is a massage cushion that provides a deep tissue massage. A deep tissue massage is a massage that goes to the deep layers of the muscles and loosens them up, and helps take away the aches, pains, stresses and tensions that you have in your body.

Lubna Latif at One Holistic Therapy explains, “I see a number of clients who have a range of musco-skeletal problems and so seek a massage to reduce their pain and get the blood flowing towards the heart. The Maxiwell is fabulous since it really works on the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues. Thus it will help reduce muscle fatigue and help prevent injuries.  I have noted that clients, when they have used the Maxiwell, have felt rejuvenated and ready to face the world again! This is because the cushion improves blood circulation, it is no surprise then that they feel energised”

You can use the Maxiwell for your upper back, lower back, thighs and calves for a deep tissue kneading massage, and for your feet you can enjoy the lovely reflexology massage that it gives. After a massage session with the Maxiwell you will feel relaxed and energized. This massage cushion is used by and recommended by physiotherapists and professional massage therapists and can be shared with all family members.

Sarah Baechi (M.S.C.P, S.R.P) chartered physiotherapist to Abdul Buhari, discus thrower (ranked 2nd in Great Britain) comments, “I've been working with the Maxiwell for over 3 years now and I can highly recommend this product. The Maxiwell produces a kneading movement very similar to the deep tissue massage I give with my hands. It’s also very firm and because of that it goes into the deeper layers of the muscles and the connective tissue and loosens the muscles up which helps to get rid of aches and tensions. The deep kneading movement improves the circulation not only in the treated area but it increases the blood flow towards and away from the heart in the whole body. As the Maxiwell can be used on different body parts like the back, neck, legs or feet, it can therefore tackle a range of injuries and problems. Most people with back pain, headache and minor injuries to their legs will benefit from using the Maxiwell on a regular basis. It also works nicely as a kind of reflexology massage onto your feet, which has an effect on the organs as the sole of the foot contains pressure points for nearly all organs in the body. Even elite athletes like use the Maxiwell to tackle their injuries or use it for prevention. I use the Maxiwell on a regular basis with my clients and also advise them to get one for themselves at home so that they can do something for their health between physiotherapy sessions and it will in the long term prevent them even from needing physiotherapy again which will also benefit them financially.” Sarah is Head Physiotherapist and Fitness coordinator for the Paralympics GB.

For more information on the Maxiwell cushion have a look at www.casada.co.uk/. Health to Hand is delighted to offer our readers 10% off the Maxiwell cushion. Simply enter the promotional code HTH10 at the point of purchase on Casada’s website.