The CCP CHWs were learning about the skeletal system on Wednesday. The spoke of the purpose of the skeleton: protecting important organs, providing support, enabling movement, giving shape, producing blood. We also chatted about having healthy bones especially as we age, what to do with fractures and the problem of ageing on ‘bone’ problems. We talked of the importance of the muscles for the skeletal system, and the importance of resistance exercise (lifting weights) for people as they age. All muscles weaken without exercise but a few cause big problems – neck, chest, back (including core) and legs. CHWs will be trying to work on these when we start the Chiawelo Walking Club.

Here are some nice finds on the internet for “understanding back pain” with one example below.

What Is Back Pain?

We’ve all experienced back problems from time to time — lower back pain or strain of the neck. In fact, problems from back pain are among the most common physical complaints of American adults and are a leading cause of lost job time — to say nothing of the time and money spent in search of relief.

Back pain includes sore muscles, ligaments and tendons, herniated discs,fractures, and other problems. Most often, the causes of back pain have developed over a long period of time.  ….more