Back Ache

Rubbing on Iceman, which contains menthol, instantly brings cool, soothing pain relief to aching muscles.

Menthol consists of a natural analgesic (pain reliever) feature when used in a cream or gel form. Therefore, as Iceman is applied to the back, molecules known as ligands attach themselves to receptors in the cells, triggering a change. The ligand then attaches to the kappa Opioid receptor, producing a numbing effect.

One of the most common ailments people face, back ache can affect any age group and can be extremely uncomfortable. According to experts, it is caused by the manner in which our bones, ligaments and muscles in the back work together.

The most common back aches are that of the lower and upper back. The causes include:

Lower back: This pain is associated with the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdomen and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.

Upper back: This pain is associated with disorders of the aorta, tumours in the chest, and spine inflammation.

Rick Factors for Back Ache

Anyone can suffer from back ache. However, there are a few factors that increase the risk. These include:

•Aging: As the body gets older, it is more susceptible to back aches and pains

•Poor physical fitness: Unfit people or those who do not exercise regularly are more likely to suffer from back pain

•Obesity: Being overweight can stress the back and cause discomfort and pain

•Genetic factors: Some conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis that lead to back pain are hereditary in nature

•Other conditions: Some diseases such as cancer and arthritis can lead to acute back pain

•Smoking: A smoker’s body cannot produce enough nutrients for the discs of the back. Also, smokers heal slower

than non-smokers and therefore, back pains last longer.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Ache

As the name suggests, the main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere along the back and in some cases, leading

down to the legs too. This is usually not very serious but if accompanied by any of the following signs, a doctor must

be consulted immediately:

• Fever and increased body temperature

• Weight loss

• Numbness

• Consistent pain

• Swelling or inflammation

• Urinary incontinence

• Fecal incontinence

Other conditions when one must consult a doctor while experiencing back ache are:

• Those younger than 20 years and older than 55 years

• Steroid users

• Drug abusers

• Cancer patients

• Those with low-immunity

Causes of Back ache

The main causes of back pain can be categorised into the following: Strain, Everyday Activities, Structural Problems and Others.

Strain:

The most common causes of back pain due to strain are:

• Strained muscles and ligaments

• Lifting heavy objects

• Muscle spasm

Everyday Activities:

The main causes of back pain due to everyday activities are:

• Poor posture

• Bending or sitting awkwardly

• Pushing or pulling something heavy

• Standing for long periods of time

• Twisting the back

• Muscle tension

• Constant and over-stretching

• Driving for long periods of time

• Sleeping on the wrong kind of mattress

Structural problems:

The most common causes of back pain due to structural problems are:

• Ruptured discs

• Bulging discs

• Sciatica

• Arthritis

• Abnormal curvature of the spine

• Osteoporosis

Other Causes

Some other causes that may also cause back pain include:

• Cancer

• Sleep disorders

• Cauda equine syndrome

• Infections

• Shingles

“Ever since I was a child, I have had a poor posture. Over the years, this developed into a chronic back ache. It was debilitating and I could not even function and do everyday chores. Iceman helped immensely. I can now be independent and not worry about the next bout of aches and pains!”

Terry Smith, Durban

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