Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Take Prevention Against Lumbar Region Pains

By James F Knowlen

Back problems are one of the top medical problems in the United States. Many of these are occupational related but also many come from sports in the home. Is estimated that over $45 billion a year is spent on back related problems. Nearly everyone has low back pain at some point. It seems to most often occur to those between 30 and 50. This is most often associated with the aging process. However, many types of back pain are also preventable as well.

The lower back is often referred to as the lumbar. These are the five lumbar vertebrae located just below the thoracic cage. Each of these vertebrae is separated by the soft tissues of ligaments, tendons and muscles. The spinal cord runs through the middle of these small discs.

There are five discs that compose the lumbar and form part of the spinal column which is supporting your body's weight. The spinal column supports the weight of the body and also protects the spinal cord. The lumbar consist of five discs which are stacked on top of each other. They are separated by bands of soft tissue which allow the column to be flexible.

There are certain chronic conditions which cause degeneration to the soft tissues or the bone of the cervical discs. Conditions such as degenerative disc disease or degenerative arthritis are chronic and may require surgery to rectify.

There are many acute conditions of lower back pain that can be prevented. Generally, situations having to do with your sitting position, posture and the lifting of objects need to be performed properly to avoid problems in the lower back.

Many of us work at a desk and have a computer. We may have to sit for long hours at a time. Having the proper sitting position is important to avoid problems in the lumbar. It is important to have an ergonomic chair which supports the spine and the arms. It should be adjustable so it will comfortably fit your body.

Many of us have bad habits when it comes to sitting. We may lay back to much or lean forward too much. Think of how your spine must support your body's weight in different positions. Finding the optimal position to relieve stress on the back is important to avoid problems.

When you stand, make sure your shoulders are back and you are fully upright. If you slouch, then you put more weight on to the lower portion of the spine. If you maintain a proper posture, this will go a long way to avoiding stresses and strain on your back.

Probably the most problematic area is lifting objects. In addition to supporting your body weight, your spine must also support the object you are lifting. Most people lift with their backs and not their legs. The strongest muscles of your body are your legs; use them when you lift objects. It just makes sense.

It is important to lift objects properly by using your legs. It is like doing one big event. Put the object in front of you and bend at the knees until you can hold the object. Next straighten your legs back out while maintaining your back straight and in the upright position. This will put the weight of the object on your legs which are the largest muscles in your body.

Stretching is another important preventative method. There are normal stretches you can do line down and then there are stretches of the muscle tissues itself. Normal stretching and exercise is important to maintain the vitality of the spine. Massage therapy provides another way to stretch the muscles not normally accessed by a normal stretching routine.

Make sure you keep to key concepts in mind for the health of your lower back. This area must be strong and flexible. Perform daily activities which improve the strength and flexibility of the lower back. This will help you to maintain the vitality of this important area. Remember your long-term mobility depends on the health of your lower back.

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