Posted tagged ‘Obesity and Back Pain’

Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sciatica: The 5 Effects and the 5 Factors

December 13, 2009

http://TheBadBackGuy.net The 5 Effects and The 5 Factors Contributing to and Exacerbating Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica. The combination of the 5 factors and the 5 effects can be devastating!

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Back Pain Relief: The 3 Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

August 7, 2009

Back Pain Relief: The 3 Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

Neck pain, back pain, and sciatica affect millions of people worldwide every year. No group is immune from neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, although certain demographic groups seem to be at greater risk. The back pain complex may manifest itself as a dull, aching feeling or it may present as a sharp, almost unbearable pain ceasing all movement and activity until properly addressed; and, that means seeing a medical practitioner. Or, the symptoms may appear anywhere along a continuum from dull and barely noticeable to sharp, intense, and debilitating. The etiology, or cause, of the pain may be immediately apparent or an individual may wake up in the morning with a new “friend.” In fact, many of the most serious incidents of neck, back or leg pain (sciatica) are seemingly innocuous at the time, with the individual only later realizing that he or she has injured himself or herself.

The Process of Aging

So, who is most likely to suffer from this common, often debilitating condition? The most obvious answer is everyone. However, while true, certain groups are at greater risk, for a myriad of reasons from aging to the type of work we do. The first reason, the most common reason, is that we get older; and as we age, certain parts of the body, in this case primarily the neck and back, just don’t handle the aging process well. The older we get, the greater the likelihood is we will develop symptoms associated with what is commonly referred to as a “bad back.” As a rule, middle-age (30-40 years of age) is when the symptoms associated with the back pain complex first present themselves; and, men are more likely than women to present with symptoms. The difference between men and women tends to balance out somewhat after menopause, and this is generally associated with the consequences of osteoporosis.

Sedentary Lifestyle and Inadequate Fitness

The next cause of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica we will examine is poor or inadequate fitness. Significantly, poor fitness ranges from carrying a few too many pounds around the midsection, to consequences associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The secondary curvatures of the spine, the curvatures associated with the neck or cervical region, and the lower back or lumbar region, are most affected because of their function and the biomechanics involved with walking on two legs. The neck and the lower back are particularly prone to injury, and with it varying degrees of pain. As we age, as our muscles weaken due to inactivity. The muscles atrophy, meaning they get weaker and lose tone and strength. As the muscles weaken, the secondary curvatures of the cervical and lumbar regions come under tremendous pressure as they are responsible for holding our heads upright and standing upright, walking without being bent over. The atrophied musculature, no longer doing an adequate job of supporting these two vital areas, have some of their work taken over by the intervertebral discs (IVDs) and the vertebrae themselves. When this transfer takes place, the spine comes under constant assault, and injury is the result. Degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, bulging discs, osteophytosis, and back sprains and strains are just a few of the many things that can go wrong as a result of poor fitness.

Overweight and Obesity

The third and final reason to be covered in this article is obesity. Obesity in the United States, and in much of the developed world, has reached epidemic proportions. If we carry just an extra 20 pounds, we are seriously affecting our overall health, as well as the health of the musculoskeletal system. The spine, already at risk due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle, comes under incredible stress, particularly at the secondary curvatures of the neck and lower back. Much of the neck pain, back pain (particularly lower back pain), and sciatica are the direct result of too much weight being carried by the body, too much stress placed on the spine.
Think about the following example: Take a 20 pound dumbbell or a 20 pound bowling ball and put it in a book bag, one of those the kids use for school. Now, wear it in front instead of on the back, and wear it all day. Get the idea? Carry that around all day, with the weight forward, and see if you can still move by the end of the day. Interestingly, most overweight individuals are more than 20 pounds overweight and experiencing neck pain, back pain, and sciatica they don’t have to, just because they are overweight!

The Back Pain Complex: In Concert

Taken in concert, aging, poor fitness, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity lead to what I refer to as the back pain complex. The back pain complex, meaning any combination of neck pain, back pain (again, particularly lower back pain), and sciatica is avoidable or treatable, depending on your current state of fitness. Failed back surgery is a reality, a rather harsh one for many. Many never had to undergo surgery the first time, had they simply followed a few simple to implement bad back strategies.

I hope you will continue to read: Part II of Back Pain Relief: The Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica.

Tired of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica? Join me as we take back our lives…back pain free! Get pain relief by taking the first step with me!

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Best wishes for your health and a pain free life!

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr.
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com