YOUR HEALTH

According to medical experts, more than 80 per cent of people all over the world experience backache at least once. The common symptoms are weakness in your legs and feet, tingling or burning sensation and/or sharp pain or dull ache. Pain in the lower back may originate from the spine, muscles or nerves in that region. It may also be felt in your mid or upper back. 8220;The most commonly affected area is the lower back as it supports most of your weight,8221; says Dr Yash Gulati, orthopedic surgeon at Delhi8217;s Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.

Make Your Moves Carefully

The problem develops gradually, say experts. You may have been sitting, standing or even lifting things in the wrong manner for a long time. And then one day, it hits you suddenly8212;while reach-ing for something in the shower or getting up from the chair.

8220;It might appear sudden, but your back must have been losing strength all along. Our disc is like a shock absorber. Once it gives away, the small joints also start degenerating,8221; says Dr Gulati. At times, the disc ruptures and puts pressure on the nerves. However, backaches should not always be linked with wrong postures, warns the doctor.

There can be various other reasons also. They in-clude small fractures in the spine because of os-teoporosis, muscle spasm, ruptured or herniated disk, degeneration of the discs, poor alignment of the vertebrae, spinal stenosis narrowing of the spinal canal, strain or tears in the muscles or liga-ments supporting the back; spine curvatures and infections. Women may have backaches in case of gynaecological problems. Ailments related to kid-neys and pancreas also cause back pain.

The Risk Index

You have every reason to worry if your work in-volves lifting heavy objects, bending or twisting. Vibration of the body for long hours8212;as in the case of truck drivers or people using sandblasters8212;is also harmful. Avoid sitting for long hours in the wrong posture, quit smoking and check if you are overweight. And remember, not exercising means inviting trouble. Pregnant women and people above the age of 30 are also vulnerable to back problems. Those who have arthritis or osteoporosis should take care.

Knock The Doc8217;s Door

Seeking medical help should not be delayed. In fact, rush to a doctor if the pain doesn8217;t subside in two weeks even after trying out home remedies. Never delay a visit to the doc if the problem spreads to the buttocks, arms or legs.

Back To A Good Back

8226; Exercise improves your posture and flexibility, strengthens the back and controls weight. A com-plete exercise regimen includes aerobic activity like walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bicycle, as well as stretching and strength-training.

8226; Proper furniture is very important.

8226; Avoid lifting heavy objects and standing at a stretch. If you need to keep standing, use a stool.

8226; High heels are not recommended and use cush-ioned soles when walking.

8226; When sitting, especially in front of a computer, make sure that your chair has a straight back.

8226; Rest your feet on a stool while sitting so that your knees are higher than your hips.

8226; Place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back while sitting or driving.

8226; If you drive long distances for work, bring your seat as forward as possible to avoid bending.

Backaches And Babies

Backaches during pregnancy can be particularly annoying. They can be because of poor posture, lack of exercise, the weight of the baby, or even the stretching of ligaments. Pregnant women should get massages done, sleep with pillows supporting their legs and back, swim and stretch.