Why Does My Back Hurt?
By Dr. Robert Muhammad, DN


Back pain affects just about everyone at some point in their life. In fact, it ranks second only to headaches in terms of missed work days and is one of the most common reasons for consulting a doctor. It is estimated that some 85 percent of the U.S. population will, at some point experience back pain. Following are some frequently asked questions and answers to this problem that plagues so many.

Q: What is the cause of low- back pain?

A: There is no simple answer to the cause of low-back pain. However, low-back pain is most commonly caused by muscle tension, muscle strain and muscle spasm. The lower- back is made up of five vertebraes referred to as lumbar vertebra, which have the tremendous job of supporting 70 percent of our weight. Because of poor posture, weak abdominal muscles and weak back muscles, the lumbar vertebra can also become misaligned, leading to nagging pain.

Q: What is a herniated disc?
A: Discs are fibrous structures that are located between the bodies of the vertebra. At the center of these discs is a jelly-like substance. Discs act to absorb shock. A disc is herniated when the tough fibrous external portion ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance to leak out. This causes pain and discomfort to surrounding spinal nerves. It should also be noted that only five percent of patients with herniated discs require surgery, while 95 percent of the cases resolve with conservative treatment.

Q: I’ve been diagnosed with sciatica; what is it? And what is the cause of sciatic pain?
A: Sciatica refers to pain originating in the buttocks, lower-back or the back of the thigh. This pain runs down the back of the leg, and can cause weakness and numbness along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, originating in the lower- back and traveling down the back of the leg. Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc, muscle spasm, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome and misaligned lumbar vertebra.

Q: How effective is medicine for treatment of back pain?
A: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are typically given for relief of back pain. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and simply blocking the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen is also frequently recommended over the counter. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can be beneficial for managing a sudden episode of back pain. It would not, however, be beneficial to use medication for a chronic condition that may be resolved with manipulative therapy or modalities. The use of medications in a chronic case will mask the pain, giving its user a false sense of wellness, leading possibly to additional damage to an already injured area.

Q: How important is exercise in battling back pain?
A: Exercise is extremely important. It strengthens and tones. It also increases blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients carried to muscles. It also increases the rate at which toxins are removed from tissue. Exercises that increase the heart rate and improve circulation would be very beneficial in improving the integrity of your muscles. In addition, a regime focused on strengthening the abdominal muscles and increasing overall flexibility will go a long way towards battling back pain.

Q: When is back pain a sign of more serious health issues?
A: Back pain is indicative of more serious health problems when it accompanies unexplained weight loss, numbness around the rectum and groin, loss of bladder and bowel control, constant low-back pain that doesn’t change regardless of body position, and numbness and weakness of leg and foot on one or both sides. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
(Dr. Muhammad can be reached at (773) 873-5000 or e-mail docmuh@aol.com.)