Six Causes Of Back Pain

May 11, 2010 | By andrew In health |
1.Weak muscles, caused by a lack of exercise, are the first major cause of most back pain. The body acts as a unit. The lower torso is carried by the lower back muscles as well as the abdominal muscles. Likewise, the chest muscles, shoulder muscles and upper back muscles are carrying the upper torso. It is important to strengthen and stretch the major back muscles, like the lats, traps and erector spinae as these support the spine. An exercise programme needs to strengthen not only back muscles but also muscles in the front of the torso, the abdominal muscles in particular. The abdominal muscles (often called the core muscles) help to support the spine and upper body. These are the internal and external obliques (that run down the side of your waist), the rectus abdominus, that run down the middle of your abdomen (giving you a six-pack if youre lean).

2.Poor range of movement in the back muscles or lack of flexibility. This is also caused by lack of regular exercise. If you perform a sudden movement outside of your normal range of motion you can strain your muscles. For example, if you twist suddenly and your lower back muscles are inflexible, you are likely to strain these muscles. You need to stretch the muscles of the back regularly.

3.Tight muscles in the chest,shoulders and legs. As mentioned, the body is a unit, so you need to stretch and loosen connected muscles. Stiff shoulder muscles will likely cause neck and upper back pain. Tight chest muscles pull on the shoulder and then will cause shoulder and neck pain. The hamstring muscles and gluteal muscles, if tight, can pull on the pelvis, causing rounding of the lower back, and associated back pain.

4.Poor or incorrect posture. Most of us sit for long periods, whether at work, watching TV or driving a car. Incorrect posture while walking or standing can cause backache. eg rounded shoulders can cause upper back pain. The best way to improve posture is exercise to strengthens the postural muscles.

5.Picking up objects incorrectly. This is a common way of pulling and straining back muscles. Ive done that several times, as many of you have too. When picking up objects, let your legs take the weight. Bend your legs, not the back. Keep your back straight and don’t twist your body when carrying a heavy object.

6.Being overweight. Carrying a body weight that is too high puts too much strain on the back muscles. In addition, you are likely to have a smaller range of motion and be less flexible. So any sudden movements are more likely to cause muscle strains.

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