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Understanding Back Pain: Trouble Maker No.1

Anatomy, Physiology, and Psychosomatics (Bodynamic System)


Back view of a woman showing a doctor back pain with her hands.

Back pain affects millions globally, and it's crucial to understand its causes to manage it effectively. This involves recognizing specific movements that may exacerbate pain, particularly those affecting the Erector Spinae muscles. Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and psychosomatic influences is essential for this purpose. Below, we delve into these areas to provide insights into effective strategies for dealing with back pain.



Key Muscles Involved: Erector Spinae


Mechanical Reason: The Erector Spinae are vertical muscles along the spine, essential for maintaining posture and enabling activities such as lifting and bending. Overstretching or overloading these muscles during intense activities can lead to micro-tears in the muscle fibers, causing pain (Cleveland Clinic, Spine-health).


Physiological Reaction: When strained, the Erector Spinae initiates an inflammatory response. This results in increased blood flow, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Muscle spasms may also occur to prevent further injury, resulting in stiffness and reduced mobility (Spine-health).



Erector Spinae in Psychosomatic Developmental Phases


  • 1 Month to 18 Months (Need): From early life, the Erector Spinae is crucial for a baby's basic connection to life, aiding in an upright posture and initial movements. These muscles also provide stability and security as the baby explores their surroundings and helps them respond to sensory stimuli effectively.


  • 7 to 12 Years (Solidarity/Performance): As children age, they increasingly rely on their back muscles for posture and balance, especially during complex social interactions. Strong back muscles help instill confidence during challenging situations, enhancing mental focus and clarity which is essential as they learn about the world and themselves.



Dos and Don'ts When the Erector Spinae Hurts


Dos:

  • Maintain Gentle Activity: Light exercises like walking or gentle stretching can help maintain mobility without straining the back further.


  • Use Correct Posture: Pay attention to maintaining good posture to reduce undue stress on the Erector Spine.


  • Apply Heat or Cold: Heat can help relax and loosen stiff muscles, while cold can reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain.


Don'ts:

  • Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from lifting heavy objects which can exacerbate injuries and lead to further strain.


  • Steer Clear of Sudden Movements: Sudden or jerky movements can aggravate pain. Move slowly and deliberately to avoid this.


  • Skip High-Impact Activities: Activities that involve jumping, running, or vigorous twisting should be avoided until the pain subsides.



Conclusion

Understanding the mechanical and physiological reasons behind the strain and injury of these muscles can help in developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Regular exercise, proper posture, and ergonomic adjustments are essential in maintaining muscle health and preventing lower back pain. Incorporating manual and psychological therapies can further enhance treatment outcomes, addressing both physical and mental aspects of back pain (Cleveland Clinic, Spine-health).


For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources from Spine-health and the Cleveland Clinic.



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Source: "Body Encyclopedia - A Guide to the Psychological Functions of the Muscular System" by Lisbeth Marcher, Sonja Fich.

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