Backache, Stress, and Tension by Hans Kraus

Author:Hans Kraus
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Exercise may also be used for treatment of “mechanically unstable spine” caused by old fractures, wornout joints of the vertebrae, and by forward sliding of the last (fifth) lumbar vertebra on the sacrum. In these cases, however, effectiveness of exercise is limited and surgery may be needed.

There are, of course, occasions when surgery is imperative. Once a very attractive young blonde in her late twenties, Miss Jane S., came to us for treatment. Six years before she had taken a trip to Europe. On the ship on the way back, she tripped and fell down a ladder. Miss S. felt pain and stiffness in her back but did not see a physician. From then on she was never entirely free from backache. When we saw her, Miss S. seemed to be in good physical condition, but there was no doubt she was stiff and felt pain. X-rays were ordered. They disclosed an old fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra. We recommended a spinal fusion, and it was performed successfully. A reconditioning period of exercise followed. Only occasional discomfort reminds her now of past injury.

We have seen how many factors—underexercise, tension, glandular imbalance, and severe injury—may cause back pain, but other factors—overweight, flat feet, unequal leg length, and poor seating or sleeping facilities—may play a part. All these factors create a situation which gradually may lead to backache, maybe starting at night after a long day as fatigue pain, or discomfort and stiffness in the morning or after long periods of sitting as “jelling pain.” Discomfort may gradually increase in degree and spread to your thighs or arms. Finally you reach the point where you are never comfortable. Often a sudden minor blow, a sudden twisting motion, sudden stooping, or lifting may set off an acute, sudden attack of pain that may force you to go to bed or even to the hospital. Even minimal injury will be sufficient to do this if you are in poor muscular condition and have had low-grade backache for some time.

In a healthy person whose back is protected by strong, resilient muscles it takes a much more serious injury to produce an attack of back pain. But the difference between injury to a healthy person and a deconditioned one goes further: the healthy person recovers much quicker under adequate care.

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