IS LOWER BACK STRAIN THE CAUSE OF YOUR BACK PAIN?
The muscles and ligaments in the back can be overstretched and torn by awkward lifting, bending or twisting. Things like pulling a heavy grocery bag out of the trunk of your car. Everyday movements of the body like bending forward or backward, or twisting from side to side, cause a gliding of the joints in the back. These joints are covered with cartilage. The cartilage is surrounded by a ligamentous capsule. The capsule needs to be loose enough to allow normal movements, but tight enough not to allow too much motion. Sometimes back strains can cause dangerous pressure on the discs in the back or the nerves that are coming off the spinal cord.
Some strains are called repetitive strains which are caused by repeated motions. Repetitive strain is one of the most common reasons for people developing back pain. Activities, like wearing high heels all day, stress the joints in the back leading to microtrauma. These are microscopic tears in the tissues of the back. Lower back strains can be caused from a gradual weakening of back muscles, ligaments, and cartilage. This weakening is sometimes due to a job that requires an awkward or strained posture. Occupations that are known to cause Back Strains are: • Hairstylists - have to hold their arms up all day • Plumbers - are often holding heavy items above their shoulders for long periods of time. • Electricians • Carpenters • Construction workers • Factory workers • Delivery workers • Manual laborers • Landscapers • Nurses • Chiropractors • Dentists • Dental hygienists • Dental assistants • Paramedics and EMTs Any jobs that require a lot of bending or contortion of your body to get at hard to reach places or things are prime candidates for causing back strains. To prevent lower back strains always remember to carry heavy loads close to the body. When setting a heavy box down, keep your back straight and bend with the knees. Try not to sleep on your stomach as that causes strain on the lower back. To Your Best Health, Dr. Cliff
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