Reflexology for Back Pain

Whilst reflexology does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disorder, it is thought that some disorders, such as these, have been shown (through mainly anecdotal evidence due to limited investment in scientific research) to respond well to reflexology.

 

Disorders of the urinary system range in severity from easy-to-treat to life-threatening which can be caused by aging, illness, or injury. Back pain can be one of the presenting symptoms of a urinary disorder.

 

Urinary System

 

The Urinary System filters the blood and removes waste chemicals from the body. The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up the urinary system.

 

Therapeutic effects of reflexology on the urinary system

• Good kidney function promotes a healthy cardiovascular function, including influencing blood pressure. It is common to find that those suffering from hypertension have sensitive kidney reflexes. The bladder is directly related to the stress response and can be affected by emotions such as fear and anxiety.
• Break down of deposits in the feet and the stimulation of reflexology decongests energy pathways allowing the urinary system to work optimally (as it does for all systems).

 

What is Back Pain?

 

Back pain is a common condition and in the UK, it is the largest cause of work-related absence. Back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is not usually serious.

 

Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, but it is more common in people who are between 35 and 55 years of age.

 

In the majority of cases, the cause of back pain can be linked to the way that the bones, muscles and ligaments in the back work together.

 

The structure of the back

 

The back is a complex structure consisting of:

 

24 small bones (vertebrae), that support the weight of your upper body and form a protective canal for the spinal cord.
Shock-absorbing discs (intervertebral discs) that cushion the bones and allow the spine to bend.
Ligaments that hold the vertebrae and discs together.
Tendons to connect muscles to vertebrae.
A spinal cord, which carries nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
Nerves.
Muscles.
The lower part of your back is known as the lumbar region, which is made up of five vertebrae, known as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. The lumbar supports the entire weight of your upper body (plus any extra weight that you are carrying), and it is under constant pressure, particularly when you are bending, twisting and lifting.

 

Lower back pain

 

Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, affects seven out of 10 people at some time in their lives. Lower back pain is a pain or ache on your back, in between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your legs.

 

Lower back pain can come on suddenly or gradually, and is sometimes the direct result of a fall or injury. The complex structure of your lower back means that even small amounts of damage to any part of the lumbar region can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

 

Pain in your lower back is usually a symptom of stress or damage to your ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs. In some cases, if a nerve in your back is pinched or irritated, the pain can spread to your buttocks and thighs. This is known as sciatica (go to 'Useful links' for more information).

 

In most cases of back pain your back will heal itself, and staying active and continuing with your usual activities will normally promote healing. Back pain will usually last from a few days to a few weeks. Pain that lasts longer usually clears up after about six weeks.

 

However, in severe and persistent cases of back pain, it is important to seek medical advice so that a correct diagnosis can be reached and appropriate treatment given. Treatment for back pain will usually depend on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, pain that is caused by some types of arthritis may be treated using specific medicines.