$Unique_ID{BRK00086}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Is Low Back Pain Caused by Arthritis}
$Subject{arthritis osteoporosis disc posture pain}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{
Osteoarthritis in Low Back Pain*0005001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Low Back Pain Caused by Arthritis


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QUESTION:  I always thought low back pain was caused by arthritis.  Is this
true or not?

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ANSWER:  Back pain can certainly be caused by joints that have developed
arthritis, but there are many other possible causes as well.  One of the most
common is the overstretching or tearing of the back's sensitive muscles and
ligaments which can make twisting and bending very painful.  Muscle weakness
is another common cause.  Back muscles become weak from lack of exercise,
making them less effective in resisting the pull of the body's weight on the
backbone.
     Posture is another possible source.  If a person's center of gravity is
too far forward or backward, that person will tend to lean forward or backward
to maintain their balance.  Trying to compensate for bad posture can lead to
spinal problems that result in severe back pain.
     Herniated discs and osteoporosis are other possible contributors.  The
abnormal loss of bone density caused by osteoporosis can have terribly painful
effects on the back, and if a disc bulges enough to impinge on a nerve, severe
back pain can result.
     Intestinal disorders, kidney stones, and various other internal illnesses
can produce back pain as an early symptom.  If back pain persists or is
accompanied by an inability to urinate, its time for professional help.
     Emotional stress can produce muscle tension and spasms which will
aggravate backaches as well, even if they aren't a direct cause in themselves.
     In many cases where patients are suffering from back pain, the cause
cannot be definitely determined.  However, in most instances, these patients
get better on their own and surgery is rarely required.  Therefore, I'd
suggest that if anyone is suffering from continued back pain, they should see
a doctor for advice.  Exercise to strengthen the back muscles may relieve the
pain and restricting certain activities that aggravate the pain will be
helpful as well.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
