This is a continuation of our posts on causes of back pain.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is similar in nature to kyphosis, but results in a c-shaped or s-shaped spine, rather than a rounded or curved spine. Scoliosis also occurs commonly in children, but the cause is often unknown. Most adult scoliosis develops in childhood.
Early detection is very important for treatment of scoliosis because it can be degenerative, and can lead to severe back pain, deformity, and difficulty in breathing. Most spine curves in children will remain small; however, early detection allows for orthopaedic intervention should the curve progress (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2000b). Note: Texas requires scoliosis screening in grades 6 and 9 in public and private schools for early detection (Texas Department of Health, 2002).
Referred pain
Occasionally, the brain mistakes pain signals from other organs as pain originating from the back; this is called referred pain. Problems with the kidneys (e.g. kidney infection or kidney stones), uterus and other reproductive organs in women, prostate in men, diseases of the intestines or pancreas, or cancers in other parts of the body are common sources of referred pain (Mayo Clinic, 1997; University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 2002).
Overweight
Excess weight adds stress to the spine. Additionally, increased fat around the abdomen may throw off balance and increase risk of an injury or accident (Pace, 2000; Mayo Clinic, 1997).
Pregnancy
Back pain is among the most common discomforts during pregnancy. Back pain during pregnancy can be due to a number of factors, usually resulting in strain on the back muscles:
• In mid-pregnancy the uterus becomes heavier, changing the woman’s center of gravity, resulting in postural and movement changes. Most women begin to lean backwards in later pregnancy, causing the back muscles to work harder.
• Weakness of abdominal muscles can also contribute to back pain during pregnancy. The abdominal muscles usually support the spine, playing an important role in keeping the back in good health.
• Additionally, the hormones of pregnancy cause the muscles to relax and become loose, which may cause some back pain and can contribute to making one more injury prone during physical activity (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1997).
Bad Posture
Bad posture in any circumstance - while standing or sitting for long periods, or while lifting, exercising, or doing any other type of activity - can contribute to back pain and problems.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors, such as stress and smoking are thought to play a part in some cases of back pain. The mechanisms for this association, however, have not yet been proven (Mayo Clinic, 1997).
Source: Health Education Rural Outreach (HERO) is a cooperative effort between Texas Cooperative Extension & Texas A&M University System Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health.Editors: Carol A. Rice, Ph.D., RN & Janet M. Pollard, MPH
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is similar in nature to kyphosis, but results in a c-shaped or s-shaped spine, rather than a rounded or curved spine. Scoliosis also occurs commonly in children, but the cause is often unknown. Most adult scoliosis develops in childhood.
Early detection is very important for treatment of scoliosis because it can be degenerative, and can lead to severe back pain, deformity, and difficulty in breathing. Most spine curves in children will remain small; however, early detection allows for orthopaedic intervention should the curve progress (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2000b). Note: Texas requires scoliosis screening in grades 6 and 9 in public and private schools for early detection (Texas Department of Health, 2002).
Referred pain
Occasionally, the brain mistakes pain signals from other organs as pain originating from the back; this is called referred pain. Problems with the kidneys (e.g. kidney infection or kidney stones), uterus and other reproductive organs in women, prostate in men, diseases of the intestines or pancreas, or cancers in other parts of the body are common sources of referred pain (Mayo Clinic, 1997; University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 2002).
Overweight
Excess weight adds stress to the spine. Additionally, increased fat around the abdomen may throw off balance and increase risk of an injury or accident (Pace, 2000; Mayo Clinic, 1997).
Pregnancy
Back pain is among the most common discomforts during pregnancy. Back pain during pregnancy can be due to a number of factors, usually resulting in strain on the back muscles:
• In mid-pregnancy the uterus becomes heavier, changing the woman’s center of gravity, resulting in postural and movement changes. Most women begin to lean backwards in later pregnancy, causing the back muscles to work harder.
• Weakness of abdominal muscles can also contribute to back pain during pregnancy. The abdominal muscles usually support the spine, playing an important role in keeping the back in good health.
• Additionally, the hormones of pregnancy cause the muscles to relax and become loose, which may cause some back pain and can contribute to making one more injury prone during physical activity (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1997).
Bad Posture
Bad posture in any circumstance - while standing or sitting for long periods, or while lifting, exercising, or doing any other type of activity - can contribute to back pain and problems.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors, such as stress and smoking are thought to play a part in some cases of back pain. The mechanisms for this association, however, have not yet been proven (Mayo Clinic, 1997).
Source: Health Education Rural Outreach (HERO) is a cooperative effort between Texas Cooperative Extension & Texas A&M University System Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health.Editors: Carol A. Rice, Ph.D., RN & Janet M. Pollard, MPH
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