Oxygen Deprivation Back Pain
Oxygen deprivation back pain is the result of decreased cellular oxygenation. Every nerve and muscle cell requires oxygen in order to function properly. When the oxygen supply is reduced, some symptoms will start almost immediately. Oxygen deprivation is also called
ISCHEMIA.
The theory of ischemia as the source of chronic pain has long been championed by Dr. John Sarno, but has received support from many other noted physicians, as well. Research science has conclusively demonstrated evidence of decreased oxygenation in the nuclei of cells harvested from people with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. Of course, the effects of decreased oxygen on cells is well known and can be demonstrated in the muscles of endurance athletes. When pushed to perform without adequate oxygen, muscle cells will rebel violently, often going into complete spasm. Nerve cells lose structural integrity and will not work well, if at all. Other types of cells will have similar negative reactions. Interestingly, different varieties of cells each have their own tolerance for the time it takes for oxygen deprivation to elicit symptoms, as well as the degree of decreased oxygenation which must occur.
Nerve Cell Oxygen Deprivation
Nerves are extremely sensitive to changes in cellular oxygen levels. A slight reduction can cause
tingling,
weakness,
pain or
numbness
in the area served by that nerve. There are several different types of nerves. Motor nerves are often affected by oxygen deprivation by sending a reduced signal to the muscles they control. This will cause muscular weakness or trembling. Sensory nerves that are deprived of oxygen will not transmit proper sensory signals to the brain. This can produce numbness, tingling or pain. The pain might be severe if the oxygen deprivation is substantial. Autonomic nerves affected by low oxygen levels can be very problematic. These nerves control many vital processes necessary for our survival. Reduction in their ability to function can cause serious consequences for our internal organs. Nerve cell oxygen deprivation can cause many types of back pain, including
sciatica
or
pinched nerve pain.
How can oxygen deprivation pinch a nerve? Easy. Read on…
Muscular Oxygen Deprivation Back Pain
The muscles need oxygen to function. If they are deprived of the necessary concentration of oxygen, they will not be able to metabolize waste products, such as lactic acid. This mild reduction in oxygen will cause a dull aching pain in a large area. This is very common of chronic
lower back muscle pain.
If the oxygen deprivation is increased, the pain will become acute. This is the stuff that nightmares are made of. Severe oxygen deprivation will cause muscles to go into spasm. This can be one of the most painful experiences of a person’s life. A
back muscle spasm
can become so tight that it can actually impinge on a nerve and cause pinched nerve symptoms. Severe spasms can also enact all sorts of other horrific changes in the anatomy, including actual tendon or ligament tears due to uncontrollable powerful contractions and a loss of lordosis in the neck or lower back.
Causes of Oxygen Deprivation Back Pain
Oxygen deprivation back pain is common for both physically-induced and psychologically-motivated syndromes.
Muscular back pain
is often the result when the blood supply to the back muscles is reduced due to an injury. This is the reason why
heat
and
exercise
help muscle pain. Both of these treatments increase blood flow and oxygen concentration to the affected area.
Smoking
is a contributor to poor muscular oxygenation. Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide and the ingredients in cigarettes interfere with the body's ability to circulate oxygen.
Psychological back pain
is often the result of a purposeful reduction in oxygen supply, due to some form of emotional stress. The subconscious mind can influence the autonomic system, which controls the diameter of the blood vessels. Therefore, the amount of oxygen sent to any given area can be increased, or reduced, by the subconscious mind. Why would the subconscious mind reduce cellular oxygen supply? TO CAUSE US PHYSICAL PAIN. It is a maladaptive defense mechanism designed to protect our conscious minds from painful emotional issues. If we are focused on the physical pain, the emotional issues will stay hidden.
Oxygen Deprivation Back Pain Advice
Most physical causes of oxygen deprivation can be easily cured. Heat, exercise and
massage
are all excellent ways to increase oxygen to the painful area. They will speed the healing process and eliminate poisonous waste products from the muscle cells.Psychological back pain is more complicated.
Knowledge therapy
is the only proven treatment for this type of pain. No physical modality can cure a psychologically caused pain condition, although many symptomatic modalities might provide transient relief. A good mental state is important regardless of what type of oxygen deprivation back pain you might have. Picture the blood flowing to the affected muscles and nerves, increasing the concentration of oxygen going to the painful cells. You might be amazed at how well this type of exercise can work. The power of the mind is so strong. It can cause pain, but it can also certainly cure it.
Oxygen Deprivation Back Pain to Back Pain
8/2/06 Revised 2/5/12
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