Straining The Vertebral Column

The first main cause of back problems is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease in which osteoblasts cannot build bone fast enough to keep up with the bone loss due to the work of osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are immature bone cells that secrete organic components for bone matrix so that bone can form. Osteoclasts however are multinucleated cells whose function is to dissolve the bone matrix. This process of bone building and bone breakdown allows for the maintenance of bone so that it can remain healthy. Aside from bone maintenance, osteoclasts are stimulated when blood calcium levels are too low. Parathyroid hormone from parathyroid cells on the back of the thyroid glad is released when the homeostasis of blood calcium levels is disturbed, resulting in a net decrease of blood calcium concentration. On the flip side, C cells on the thyroid glad release calcitonin which decreases blood calcium concentrations when blood calcium levels are elevated. Calcitonin stimulates osteoblasts to build bone so that homeostasis of blood calcium levels is restored. Osteoporosis results in bone that is porous due to a loss of bone matrix by the osteoclasts. The result is weak, fragile bones that are particularly susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis can lead to back problems because it can cause the the bones of the vertebral column to weaken.

Due to the fact that osteoporosis is a direct result of insufficient calcium levels in the blood, it is best for patients who are at risk for developing osteoporosis to take calcium supplements. Calcium supplements can add to the strengthening of bone by supplying the body with enough calcium so that osteoblasts are stimulated to create bone matrix. This will result in strong bones and will decrease one's risk for developing osteoporosis in the future. Scientists have determined that it is especially crucial for young adolescent people to obtain their daily requirement of calcium, as that is the time when bones grow to their expected maximums before adulthood.

Another main cause for back problems is straining of the vertebral column. Strain occurs when a movable part of the body, such as a joint, is hyper extended or twisted in a way that is unnatural or awkward for that particular joint. If this hyperextension occurs with enough force and speed, the result could be anything from a strain to a fracture or even a dislocation. When dealing with the vertebral column and all of its red muscles that work constantly in order to maintain posture, strain can be quite debilitating. Strain causes a ripping of muscles around the area that was twisted or hyperextended.

Participating in regular exercise that focuses on strengthening the muscles of the back helps relieve back pain. The muscle fibers of the back are slow fibers made up of red muscle. These muscles are predominantly used to maintaining tetany for long periods of time in order to support the ventral organs by maintaining proper posture. It is beneficial for people to engage in strengthening and endurance related exercises with proper technique. Also stretching before exercising can help reduce the risk of strain during exercise.

The last main cause of back problems is too much sitting. In our 21st century daily lives, technology has made easy for us to sit for extended periods of time throughout the day. Sitting for too long, especially in postures that are unhealthy puts a lot of pressure on the vertebral disks. This can result in disc herniation or displacement.

To avoid back problems due to too much sitting, it is beneficial for a person to get up and walk around every once in a while. Allowing yourself to have breaks lets the body's fluids circulate which allows the body to heal. When fluids are able to circulate lymph can readily function as the body's main defense system, and blood will allow for the transmission of nutrients and waste materials so that the body has the means to heal. It is also important for a person to practice sitting with proper posture so that the curves of the spine stay in proper alignment and unnatural stress on the vertebral disks is avoided. It is imperative that people have enough vitamins and minerals in their diet such as copper and selenium so that their connective tissue stays strong and healthy.

When treating back pain, chiropractors use physical manipulation of the vertebral column and other joints to relieve pain. Once the pain is relieved the patient will often enter into the second phase of the chiropractic method which involves corrective/restorative care. During this phase, the patient's spine undergoes further physical manipulation so that the placement of the bones is healthy. The final phase of chiropractic care involves routine care so that the issue that started the initial flare up of back pain does not return. A chiropractor will also often teach their patient exercises that can be done at home to help alleviate back pain as well as certain stretching practices. With the proper technique, back exercises can prove to be extremely beneficial to overcoming back pain by strengthening the supportive muscles and bones. Strengthening the vertebral column will also prevent future back problems to occur. Stretching the spine also assists in the alleviation of pain by reducing the pressure that is put on the nerves around the back as well as reducing the pressure that is put on the vertebral disks. This reduction of pressure then allows for blood circulation to reach that area and help that area of the back to heal by providing it with the nutrients it needs. Often times back pain that is a result of pressure on a nerve can be alleviated by stretching the back in a way that relieves that pressure.

All in all there are many issues that can cause back pain. As long as has proper nutrition, exercise, and addresses back issues as they occur with the help of a chiropractic professional, one can expect to maintain a healthy spine and a pain free life.