The back is an intricately designed structure made up of bone, muscles, nerves and other soft tissue. The back is particularly vulnerable to injury and back pain can be disabling. Pain felt in the lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries.
Lower back pain is the number 2 reason why people in Hong Kong see their doctor – second only to colds and flu.
Possible causes
Small fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis; rupture/herniation/degeneration of the spinal disks; muscle spasms (very tense muscles that remain contracted); poor posture leading to misaligned vertebrae; strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back; other medical conditions like fibromyalgia.
There is a particular risk if you: work in construction / logistics requiring heaving lifting or other spinal activity; have bad posture; are pregnant; are over 30 years of age; smoke; do not do regular exercise; are overweight; have arthritis or osteoporosis; have a low pain threshold; are stressed or depressed.
Back pain from organs in the pelvis or elsewhere include: bladder infection; kidney stones; endometriosis; ovarian cancer; ovarian cycles; and testicular torsion.
Non-nutritional assistance
Back pain has contributory causes outside poor nutrition. Advice on posture, exercise and massage is necessary. If pain is a disturbance to normal life, consider referral to a registered chiropractor.
Applied nutrition
Proper nutrition will help sustain the benefits of chiropractic treatment, improvements to posture and exercise.
| Supplement | Benefit | Suggested Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Helps tissue repair as it is a major component of bone tissue. | 1-2 scoops, 3x daily |
| Omega 3 | These fatty acids are necessary for health and cannot be generated by the body (essential fatty acids). These increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They may be of assistance in relieving symptoms associated with back pain. | 1 tab, 2x daily |
| Calcium + magnesium | Needed to prevent bone loss. Calcium is a natural tranquillizer. Together with magnesium, it relives anxiety, tension, nervousness and muscular spasms. | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| B Complex | Needed for proper digestion, formation of cells, production of myelin and the protective coating around the nerves. Prevents nerve damage. | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| Parselenium E | A powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals. Increases joint mobility. Low levels of vitamin E is found in people with arthritis and Lupus. | 1 tab, 2x daily |
| Vitamin C + bioflavonoids | Powerful free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory agent. Bioflavonoids enhance the activity of vitamin C. | 3 tabs, 3x daily |
| Glucosamine HCI | Very important to the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial joint fluid. | 3 tabs, 3x daily |