Back Pain Explained

Back Pain explains what back pain is and how it can be treated and prevented.

Basic Anatomy:

• Back Pain Home
• Anatomy for Beginners
• Types of Pain
• Finding Acute Relief
• Intervertebral Disc
• The Spinal Ligaments
• The Sacrum
• The Vertebra

Causes of Back Pain:

• Backache
• Prolapsed Disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal Stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Spondylosis
• Spondylolisis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Sacroiliac Joint
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Piriformis Syndrome
• Coccydynia

Back Pain Exercises:

• Benefits of Exercise
• Simple Exercises
• Core Stability
• Swiss Ball

Proper Posture:

• How Good is Yours?
• Posture in Depth
• Sitting Posture
• Standing Posture

Types of Therapy:

• Complementary Therapy
• Massage
• Reflexology
• Acupuncture

Surgery For Back Pain:

• Introduction
• Laminectomy
• Lumbar Discectomy
• Nerve Root Block

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory problem of the spine. It is classed as an arthritis of the spine.

It is a problem that affects predominently males and usually starts in their 20's. It is basically where the spine can start to fuse together but usually only a part of the spine. It usually starts in the low back and sacroiliac area and no-one really knows why it happens.

In the diagram of 2 vertebrae, you can see the facet joint at the sides where the 2 bones meet. Often these joints start to fuse with extra bone growth and this can happen at several levels.

The main problem that presents in people who have ankylosing spondylitis is stiffness and pain. Treatment is usually via means of an exercise regime and remaining as active as possible. In the early stages, regular exercises to maintain mobility and flexibility can keep the individual mobile and relatively pain-free. People who have ankylosing spondylitis may also be on anti-inflammatory medication to keep things under control.

Swimming is also an excellent exercise for this condition as is promotes flexibility and gives the lungs a good workout. Occasionally the ribs can be affected because they attached onto the spine and it is important to keep this area mobile.