According to advocates of evolution, back pain dates back to the times when our progenitors stood upon their feet and assumed the erect position; due to the physiological curvatures shaped then in the form of cervical and lumbar lordosis as well as thoracic and sacral kyphosis, the spine is more resistant to overloads and shocks. However, various harmful factors can cause the disorders of its motor and protective functions, sometimes leading to persistent pain sensations. Such sensations, which are relatively common, increase with age; according to the available estimates, few individuals aged > 50 years have never experienced „lower back” or neck pain.
Lumbosacral pain is the second leading presenting symptom [12].
Among the major causes of the growing incidence of spine-related diseases are various facilities associated with the development of civilisation leading to static, predominantly sedentary lifestyle. This improper lifestyle induces back pain in increasingly young individuals – in the professionally active population and even amongst teenagers.
Over 60% of pain sensations affect the lumbosacral region; about 30% of them involve the neck region and a few percent the thoracic area.
Due to its widespread occurrence, which often causes absences at work or even disabilities and high costs of treatment, back pain-related problems have medical as well as social and economic consequences.
Back pain Part I: causes, symptoms, immediate treatment
Published in 20 (4)
