by Amaury Hernandez

Created on: January 17, 2010   Last Updated: January 20, 2010

Back Pain and Exercise

Common Characteristics of Back Pain

Back pain, which afflicts four out of five Americans at one time or another, is second only to headache as a common disorder characterized by pain. Pain in the upper spine may accompany an injury; however, for the overwhelming majority, the pain originates in the lower back, or lumbar region.

Recent studies indicate that fewer than 15 percent of cases of lower back pain are traceable to structural defects, such as ruptured disks, arthritis or tumors. In most cases, the disability arises from weakness of the musculature surrounding the spine. Therefore, the most important aspect of treatment for muscle-based back pain involves strengthening and protecting these supporting muscles. With a doctor's guidance, well-informed and motivated patients can carry out most of the treatment themselves.

How the Pain Originates

The spinal column is made up of 24 separate and nine fused vertebrae, held together with tough bands of tissue called ligaments. Nerve roots pass through openings at the side of each vertebra. Thus, a wrench of the back or a failure of muscular support may result in the painful "pinching" of a nerve. The sciatic nerve-which extends from the lumbar area into the buttock, leg and toes-is particularly vulnerable to pressure. (The condition known as sciatica is a frequent companion to lower back pain, usually associated with a ruptured disk.)

Pain also is generated when muscles go into spasm. While such spasms may occur as a protective reflex, they intensify discomfort by choking off circulation and setting up an inflammatory response. Stress of any kind-physical or psychological-may cause spasms in under-exercised muscles.

Basic Causes

Recurrent back pain-leading to the deterioration of the muscles supporting the spine-usually can be traced to a specific condition. These include-singly or in combination-a sedentary life style, obesity, poor posture and a general lack of muscular tone. The type of exercise taken by usually sedentary people often fails to strengthen muscles supporting the lower back. Indeed, such popular weekend sports ans tennis, golf and skiing may actually promote back problems.

Treating the Pain

Typically, acute low-back pain comes on suddenly and without apparent reason. Symptoms of sciatic nerve involvement-twinges, numbness, burning-may also be present. For such cases, a regimen of bed rest, hot baths and aspirin or a prescribed painkiller usually provides relief. A short course of

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