Back Pain
Back pain can extend from the base of the neck downwards to the coccyx. It involves muscles, joints, nerves and connective tissue.
The back is divided in the thoracic spine (mid back from the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades and towards the end of the ribcage), lumbar spine (lower back) and the sacral area (bony area above the buttocks). In all these areas an injury or dysfunction is experienced as combinations of pain, stiffness and movement difficulty.
Frequent symptoms specific to the thorax/mid back:
· Pain when lifting or moving the arms
· Pain experienced in the front of the chest with deep breathing
· Pain with neck movements and left/right rotation of the upper body
· Deep, burning pain parallel to the spine, between the shoulder blades
Frequent symptoms specific to the lumbar area/lower back:
· Pain when standing up from a seated position
· Difficulty standing upright
· Pain when turning in bed or getting out of bed
· Pain when sitting for a while
· Radiating leg pain (may indicate nerve irritation)
· Buttock pain – it is often associated with a lower back problem; may sometimes be the only painful area.
The above symptoms are only the most frequently encountered pains and by no means an exhaustive list.
The primary causes of back pain are the following:
· Prolonged strain due to poor posture and repetitive strenuous movements. It initially manifests as stiffness and
muscle spasm, but gradually develops into pain
· Trauma (e.g. falls, motor vehicle accidents)
· Degenerative disease in the spinal column (e.g. osteoarthritis)
· Structural abnormalities (e.g. scoliosis, kyphosis)
· Failed back surgery
· Pregnancy, due to postural changes and laxity of ligaments
The Muscle Activation technique uses a system of reflexes throughout the body that "wakes up" muscles which are deactivated. The activated muscles can then function at their maximum potential in strength, power, endurance and flexibility. Muscle Activation is a system designed to teach you to raise your levels of performance on the field, in the gym, office and your home.
It is of the utmost importance to seek treatment for your back pain if it doesn’t improve dramatically or fully resolve within 3-4 days with home treatment and/or medication. In many cases, early treatment is cost effective (i.e. fewer treatments required) and allows you to function normally within a short time period. There is absolutely no need to suffer for weeks and months as it may result in chronic pain and extensive tissue damage.
The back is divided in the thoracic spine (mid back from the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades and towards the end of the ribcage), lumbar spine (lower back) and the sacral area (bony area above the buttocks). In all these areas an injury or dysfunction is experienced as combinations of pain, stiffness and movement difficulty.
Frequent symptoms specific to the thorax/mid back:
· Pain when lifting or moving the arms
· Pain experienced in the front of the chest with deep breathing
· Pain with neck movements and left/right rotation of the upper body
· Deep, burning pain parallel to the spine, between the shoulder blades
Frequent symptoms specific to the lumbar area/lower back:
· Pain when standing up from a seated position
· Difficulty standing upright
· Pain when turning in bed or getting out of bed
· Pain when sitting for a while
· Radiating leg pain (may indicate nerve irritation)
· Buttock pain – it is often associated with a lower back problem; may sometimes be the only painful area.
The above symptoms are only the most frequently encountered pains and by no means an exhaustive list.
The primary causes of back pain are the following:
· Prolonged strain due to poor posture and repetitive strenuous movements. It initially manifests as stiffness and
muscle spasm, but gradually develops into pain
· Trauma (e.g. falls, motor vehicle accidents)
· Degenerative disease in the spinal column (e.g. osteoarthritis)
· Structural abnormalities (e.g. scoliosis, kyphosis)
· Failed back surgery
· Pregnancy, due to postural changes and laxity of ligaments
The Muscle Activation technique uses a system of reflexes throughout the body that "wakes up" muscles which are deactivated. The activated muscles can then function at their maximum potential in strength, power, endurance and flexibility. Muscle Activation is a system designed to teach you to raise your levels of performance on the field, in the gym, office and your home.
It is of the utmost importance to seek treatment for your back pain if it doesn’t improve dramatically or fully resolve within 3-4 days with home treatment and/or medication. In many cases, early treatment is cost effective (i.e. fewer treatments required) and allows you to function normally within a short time period. There is absolutely no need to suffer for weeks and months as it may result in chronic pain and extensive tissue damage.