Back Pain..con't

Since the bones, discs, ligaments and muscles of your back are supplied with many nerve endings, there are various, often interrelated conditions
that can cause lower back pain. Major causes are back sprains, slipped or
ruptured discs, and osteoarthritis.
Back sprains are typically the result of improper bending, lifting, standing
or sitting, or else they are the result of the kind of wrenching caused by auto
accidents or athletic injuries. Sprains can heal completely if treated properly.
The important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions to the letter.

Figure 2 "Sprain"

Slipped or ruptured discs, often found in conjunction with arthritis, are
not as common as other types of back problems, but they are nonetheless
notorious for causing severe pain and disability.

Figure 3 "Rupture

The semi-solid center of the disc may shift or bulge and stimulate nerve
endings in the capsule. In advanced cases, it may actually herniate
(rupture) like a blow-out on a tire, pinching a nerve in the process. Causes
are many and varied: injury, unattended sprains, etc.
In some cases, a condition known as sciatica can result. Uneven pressure
causes pain to radiate down from the sciatic nerve into the back and sides
of the thigh. If left untreated, serious damage can occur, causing numbness
and weakness in the affected limb.
Only a small percentage of people with slipped discs require surgery,
however, since this condition generally responds well to non surgical
treatment.

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