Backache is one of the most common problems faced by patients. Lumbago is a general term for mild to severe lower or discomfort usually arising from muscles and ligaments. The symptoms are not always discrete. Generally speaking, a pain sensation across lower part of back that sometimes radiates into thighs, buttocks or other lower regions. It worsens on movement. It is usually said that we are as young as our spine, so if our spine is flexible and supple, we will remain young even at eighty. Bending exercise are beneficial for a healthy spine but these should be practiced preferably under supervision of a good yoga teacher. In spite of every case most people experience backache sometime or the other.
Any severe problem of the spine can only be corrected by exercise. Contrary to the earlier belief when stress was laid on rest and immobilization nowadays it is believed tht ‘Rest is rust’ as prolonged rest will lead to thinning of bones and weakness of the supporting structures. Rest is recommended only in the acute stage, when pain is severe, so we must start moving as soon as possible and enter a good exercise programme, or the axiom will hold true that ‘once a backache, always ba backache.’
Causes
Many causes of backache, but the largest number result from strain, fatigue and lack of balance. Strain may result from unnatural posture while sitting, standing and walking, or trom a one-sided occupation. Those who carry weight on one side, such as postmen, or children with their school books usually over one shoulder may have considerable backache--and may develop definite spinal curvature.
Other causes of strain are a poor muscular balance or abnormal abdominal conditions, such as enlarged or prolapsed organs, obesity
, etc. Fatigue often results from a constant attitude in such occupations as require stooping, bending or lifting heavy objects. In many cases abnormal muscular balance results from fallen or broken arches of the feet or from the use of poorly fitting shoes. In these cases the pain usually extends upwards from the lower extremities to the back.
High heels are very prolific causes of backache. The natural foot is constructed to walk best in a horizontal position, with the heel no higher than the sole of the foot. The muscles are designed to support the body best in this position. When heels of two or more inches in height are worn it is necessary for the muscles of the back to be unnaturally tensed in order to support the trunk in the erect position; also the pelvic bones must tip in an unnatural position, placing stress upon certain muscles and ligaments, and pains or aches will result in some degree.
Symptoms
A symptom is an indication of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not right in the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by a person, but may not easily be noticed by anyone else. For example, chills, weakness, achiness, shortness of breath, and a cough may be symptoms of pneumonia.
A sign is also an indication that something is not right in the body. But signs are defined as things that can be seen by a doctor, nurse, or other health care
professional. Fever, rapid breathing rate, and abnormal breathing sounds heard through a stethoscope may be signs of pneumonia.
Having one symptom or sign may not give enough information to suggest a cause. For example, a rash in a child could be a symptom of a number of things including poison ivy, an infectious disease like measles, an infection limited to the skin, or a food 
allergy. But if the rash is seen along with other signs and symptoms like a high fever, chills, achiness, and a sore throat, then a doctor can get a better picture of the illness. In many cases, a patient's signs and symptoms do not give enough clues by themselves for the doctor to figure out the cause of an illness. Then medical tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.
Prevention
Exercise is important for preventing future back pain. Through exercise you can: Improve your posture, Strengthen your back and improve flexibility, losing weight
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Has Never Tasted So Good!">lose weight, Avoid falls.
A complete exercise program should include aerobic activity (eg. walking, swimming, or riding a bicycle) as well as stretching and strength training.
It is also very important to learn to lift and bend properly. Follow these tips:
1. If an object is too heavy or awkward, get help.
2. Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the object up or lower it down.
3. Hold the object as close to your body as you can.
4. Lift using your leg muscles.
5. Spread your feet apart to give a wide base of support.
6. Stand as close to the object you are lifting as possible.
7. Bend at your knees, not at your waist.
Treatment
If you are not experiencing acute backache and suffer from backache only seldom, you should anyway pay attention to your back. Follow these easy, but useful tips to prevent back pain:
• If you have to sit or stand for long periods of time, do not forget to change your position from time to time.
• If you have to lift heavy things, straighten your knees and keep your back straight all the time as you are lifting the load.
• Choose a firm mattress to sleep on. Do not sleep face down.
• Choose a chair with good back support.
• Give up smoking.
• Do regular exercises for back, visit swimming-pool regularly or practice yoga.
Painkillers and correction of structural deformities are the mainstay of conventional approach to back pains.
• Pain killers: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) given for two weeks usually reduce the pains.
• Physiotherapy: physical treatment through appropriate exercises for improving posture and muscle tone provide lasting relief.
Homeopathy For Low Backache
Homeopathic medicines offer excellent relief from low back pains. Homeopathic medications can relieve the spasms of the back muscles and provide effective pain relief without any side effects. Homeopathy is strongly recommended.
