Physical Inactivity And Low Back Pain
The trend of physical inactivity has been increasing ever since the development of high speed technology. Though it has made most of our chores or work very much efficient, it has certainly allowed us to fall back to our seats and click away at whatever we want. At Healthworks, we realized that physical inactivity has a dire role in regards with low back pain. Through our consultations, we observed that there is trend linking physical inactivity to low back pain. And often times, clients who own desk bound jobs are mostly found with this complaint.
Physical inactivity is a term used to identify people who do not get the recommended level of regular physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times per week to promote cardiovascular fitness. It has been linked to not only musculoskeletal diseases but other chronic diseases such as Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases and shorter life span etc. The incidence of chronic disease has increased dramatically in the last century, and are considered to be an underestimated epidemic. More recent data shows that one-third of worldwide deaths are due to CVD and this figure is expected to increase.
Our human spine is an important and a delicate system that keeps us alive. Part of staying healthy is through movements, healthy movements in the body allows better blood flow which channels nutrition to the structures of the spine. Physical inactivity may result in inadequate mechanical stimulation, a factor important in maintaining intervertebral disc integrity which leads to a reduced ability of the vertebral disc to maintain a normal concentration of water. At HealthWorks, we often see these signs of degeneration happening most frequently in the Lower back and the neck.
Physical inactivity also forces the muscles to reduce in size and function (Atrophy). In using proton MR spectroscopy, a previous study found that compared to 25 asymptomatic controls, participants with chronic low back pain had a significantly higher fat content in multifidus (Lower Back Muscles). As the muscles of the lower back loses its strength, other muscles would have to compensate for it’s function. Over time this compensation would lead to a fatigue and causes pain.
If you are experiencing some form of physical inactivity, get up right from where you are and have a short walk for yourself. If there are any questions to this article, feel free to contact us via our website: www.myhealthworks.com or Whatsapp us at 018-9828539.