The biomechanics of back pain

Low back pain with sciatica due to lumbar-disc stress-deformation and herniation is a major health problem. The myriad of data on precautions, safeguards, and management of the back have failed to reduce back-pain incidence. In addition, surgical treatment often fails to eliminate pain and complications. This article attempts to address both the preventative and treatment aspects of back pain. For prevention, the authors discuss the biomechanics of back postures that are effective in maintaining a healthy spine. In the area of treatment, a biomechanical analysis of a procedure called percutaneous discectomy is presented.