Compression of the Spinal Columns

There are several common ways that individuals can develop back problems, all of which that can arise anytime throughout one’s years, not just in the later stages of life. As a future rehabilitative therapist working to help manage and prevent acute and chronic pain, I need to be aware of the multiple ways pain can onset throughout all the stages of life, as well as ways to ensure they don’t experience that pain in the future. Frequent means by which back problems occur are immobility in adolescence, poor posture with age, and falls in the geriatric population.

Inactivity may lead to lifelong back pain, especially starting at a young age. Now days, you see more and more young people not engaging in enough physical activity regularly, which puts them at a higher risk for developing back pain because of obesity. The excess weight over time caused by inactivity forces the spine to manage more weight than it is designed to, which may lead to structural harm and damage to the spine. In addition, archetypal adolescent idleness from sitting too long due to television, video games, and social media cause compression of the spinal discs, which restricts blood supply and circulation, as well as depriving discs of nutrition. These dilemmas may be the cause of developing osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis overtime, when excessive body weight places unnatural pressure and stress on the joints during rest, and eventually when moving. You can prevent this type of back pain in adolescents by monitoring their physical activity to at least 60 minutes each day, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This will decrease their time sitting on the couch and help them to maintain a healthy body weight.

Another very common way to develop back pain as you age from adolescence into adulthood is from poor posture. One may experience poor posturing from standing, sitting, or when bending over during daily activities or by lifting heavy objects. Maintaining proper posture in these positions helps to retain the natural curves of the spine, preventing stress and any irregular movements of the muscles and ligaments. Incorrect posture over time may change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves, as well as problems with muscles, discs, and joints. All of which can lead to not only acute back pain, but also longer lasting chronic pain. There are several ways to alleviate back pain due to poor posture. To evade back pain caused by standing, keep shoulders and back relaxed, and do not tilt the head forward, backwards, or sideways. Make sure the knees are relaxed, feet are hip distance apart, and maintain body weight evenly on both feet. When sitting, keep the spine as straight up as possible to avoid bending the next over or in a forward position. Keep both feet on the floor, and try to find a chair that will support the natural curves of the back. Avoiding sitting for periods longer than 20 minutes to take breaks to stand, stretch, and lengthen the spine. When lifting heavy objects or doing daily activities that require bending over such as tying shoes or putting socks and pants on, bend at the knees to keep the back straight. Do this to avoid unnatural pivots, twisting, or turning of the spine, which can cause muscle spasms. Confirm postures are correct with a rehab and chiropractic team, as well as ask for recommended stretches to help alleviate preexisting pain.

In addition to inactivity and poor posture, falls are also a common way to develop back pain, especially among older adults. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries, such as back injuries, in those ages 65 and older. The Law of Conservation states that energy is never lost or gained, it is simply transferred. During a fall, if a body's ability to absorb that energy is compromised, dysfunction, pain, and injury will occur. Even a minimal fall transfers energy from the ground through the body, where it will eventually reach the spine. For example, energy from a fall may transfer from the ground through the upper extremity that is attempting to stop the fall automatically by one’s natural postural control integrated in ones movement pattern to protect and guard from injury. That energy will then exit to the spine, potentially causing severe injury to the back due to the shock and compressive forces of the impact. To help reduce the risk of falls in older adults which can lead to chronic back pain, ensure home safety by reducing tripping hazards and clutter, add grab bars wherever needed such in the bathroom by the shower, tub, and toilet, have sturdy railings on both sides of all stairways, and improve the lighting in the homes. Also emphasize the importance of exercise, which will increase leg strength and balance to reduce the risk of falls and ease the burden of distressing falls.

All of the above common problems that can trigger back pain for all ages can be treated by a chiropractor. Chiropractors use many methods during their practice to help alleviate pain back. Some techniques include manual therapy, such as joint manipulation, strengthening and stretching, as well as and other health and lifestyle education to prevent any additional back pain. Using these techniques, a chiropractor will be able to manipulate, massage, mobilize, adjust, stimulate, and apply traction to the spine. As you can see, no medicine or surgery is needed when treated by a chiropractic team. As previously stated, as a future rehabilitative therapist working to help manage and prevent acute and chronic pain, I need to be aware of the multiple ways pain can onset throughout all the stages of life, as well as ways to ensure they don’t experience that pain in the future.