How neck and back pain relief


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
NECK AND BACK PAIN CARING IN THE LIGHT OF ISLAM

When we go 30to 40 years back, we observe that there were no chairs in the Masjids for offering Namaz. The one who was very old, normally offering Namaz by sitting down and no chairs were there for him.

Now you will not find any Masjid  where there is no arrangement of chairs. Number of people offering prayers on chairs are increasing with each passing day. When going for the reasons behind it, it is found common problem, “Back Ache” or back is weak enough that and could not support a person to stand for a long time. Muscles of the back are not supporting enough and also bending of back in Ruku is a problem. Also common problems are gaps between the spinal bones is a major issue. Thus preventing one to offer Namaz by standing, therefore they take chairs. Let us check what our deen is saying about it.

We have contacted Neurologists to find the root cause of this problem. I discussed with Dr. Anwarul Haq (USA), Dr. Islam (Canada) & Dr. Abdul Wasay (AKUH) and discussed with them about the problem and how it can be overcomed by Islamic teachings.

All the experts have same conclusion that neck and back ache problem may be addressed by observing basic teachings of Islam. We have only to follow the teachings of Quran, teachings and observance of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) his companions (Sahaba). Change the life style to those teachings.

In Quran , Seerah and teachings of Sahaba gives guidelines to protect and take measures to sooth neck and back.

Now a days very short distance is not covered on foot, instead we take a ride on Motorcycle , Car or any other means of transport. Walking habit has almost vanished. We see our older generation were more habituals to go on walking and take a long distance on foot instead of ride. This not only strengthen the back and surrounding muscles but also gives the flexibility to the muscles that are required. In contrast to this our generation is totally dependent on different modes of rides. What is the result. The result is weakening of bones and muscles . Now they can not bear the load or weight of the body when standing in Namaaz.

Computer and mobile has fueled it very strongly. All the time clinging to it, not only destroy eyesight but rather make ourselves lethargic. Long sittings on computers and constant posture is also adding problem. One should take a walk or change his posture after every half an hour to give relaxation to the muscles.

Let us discuss some basic knowledge about the structure of neck and back bones .

Basic knowledge about Back bone

Back bone is not a single bone but it comprises number of circular shaped bones called “Disks”. There are 26 smaller bones in our back and neck. They jointly work when we move therefore each of the bone has to play its role. Any deficiency in any of the bone will cause stress on other bones and will ultimately cause pain. In between the bones there is a cushion which protects it from the jerks or absorbs the jerks. In between the circular bones there are large holes, in which a cord passes. This cord transmits messages to each part of the body. This cord is is very very sensitive, it needs all sort of protection. Nature has provided the protection to it. This cord is engulfed with bones which protects it.  You have often seen that many suffers lower limb idle after an accident or hard hit to back. It is due to the fact that cord is get damaged and now it can not pass on the signal generated from brain. That is why it is not able to function. Its shape is reverse of “S” . These are called Ligaments. Now bones are protected by muscles. Therefore we must have to take care to strengthen it and not weaken it. Its strengthening process is only to allow it to work and take load. Its weakness will consequently put load on bones and will not be able to bear it.

God had created Mankind and has given a complete guidelines for them to follow, which will ease the life. The same is for protection of Back and Neck. It will surely be strange for you but it is. The guidelines are given in Quran , Sunnah and life of companions of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) called Sahaba.

All of you will agree that we all want to go to “Jannat” that means the people of Jannat will be of the highest probable people of this universe. That means their living and sitting habits will also be of highest standard. Let us see what Quran says about them :

 

مُّتَّکِئِیْنَ فِیْہَا عَلَی الْأَرَائِکِ نِعْمَ الثَّوَابُ وَحَسُنَتْ مُرْتَفَقاً (سورہ کہف،۳۱)

 

مُّتَّکِئِیْنَ فِیْہَا عَلَی الْأَرَائِکِ نِعْمَ الثَّوَابُ وَحَسُنَتْ مُرْتَفَقاً (سورہ کہف،۳۱)

 

مُتَّکِئِیْنَ فِیْہَا یَدْعُونَ فِیْہَا بِفَاکِہَۃٍ کَثِیْرَۃٍ وَشَرَابٍ ( سورہ ص۔۵۱)

 

مُتَّکِئِیْنَ عَلَی سُرُرٍ مَّصْفُوفَۃٍ وَزَوَّجْنَاہُم بِحُورٍ عِیْنٍ ( سورہ طور۔۲۰)

 

مُتَّکِئِیْنَ عَلَی فُرُشٍ بَطَائِنُہَا مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقٍ وَجَنَی الْجَنَّتَیْنِ دَانٍ ( سورہ رحمن۔۵۴)

 

مُتَّکِئِیْنَ عَلَی رَفْرَفٍ خُضْرٍ وَعَبْقَرِیٍّ حِسَانٍ ( سورہ رحمن۔۷۶)

 

عَلَی سُرُرٍ مَّوْضُونَۃٍ ۔مُتَّکِئِیْنَ عَلَیْہَا مُتَقَابِلِیْنَ ( سورہ واقعہ۔۱۵تا۱۶)

 

مُتَّکِئِیْنَ فِیْہَا عَلَی الْأَرَائِکِ لَا یَرَوْنَ فِیْہَا شَمْساً وَلَا زَمْہَرِیْراً ( سورہ الدھر۔۱۳)

 

وَنَمَارِقُ مَصْفُوفَۃٌ ۔وَزَرَابِیُّ مَبْثُوثَۃٌ ( سورہ غاشیہ۔۱۵تا۱۶)

 

Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H)

1.    Companions of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) often seen him sitting by taking supporalls of Kaaba

2.    Companions have also seen him sitting with support of pillow.

3.    Companions have seen him sitting in a manner that both legs are on floor and holding them with both hands. That means support to legs.

4.    Seen him tighten his legs and back with a cloth. This is done to  support the back.

 

Usuals of Sahaba

 

1.    Sahaba takes support of pillow when sitting in any gatherings.

2.    When Sahaba enters into a place where meeting was on they share the pillow with each other. This is a way of relaxing back muscles.

3.    Sahaba normally holds their legs with their hands when sitting, This is again to support the back muscles.

4.    Usually Sahaba wrap a cloth around the back and leg when sitting in a gathering. This is again to support the back

 

Support back during Namaaz

In Namaaz there are numerious exercise involving back and neck. Which shows that, we should take care of both. During Ruku and qaeda (Sitting after Sajdah), we obey rule of Physics. You have seen Electric poles, to give strength usually a string is tightened up at an angle of 45 degree. This is similar when going into Ruku. We hold knees by means of both hands to support back and knee. This shows how much importance is given to back and legs by Islam and specially when offering Namaaz.

When Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was to deliver sermon, he used a Thick Stick called “Asaa” . This was to support the back. Now a days this Asa has been replaced with Dias. Use Dias to support back during sermon. This shows how much Islam has guided us in our daily life.

 

Precaution for neck

Prophet (P.B.U.H.) has taught us to talk to some one by sitting in front og him and not by turning the neck. Prophet never used to talk by turning the neck. We should also take care and not bend neck. Bending of neck put pressure on the nerves passing through neck.

Quran says that Jannati people will sit in front of each other and will talk to each other. This shows how much important is sitting in front of each other when talking. This is done to strengthen your muscles o neck.

When lifting a weight

When you are pushing anything, walking, sitting in office always take care of Back and neck. No or minimum jerks should be given to them. You will feel comfortable when you will observe these little things.

When you are in kitchen and doing work, try to keep your working table nearing to waist height. Do not do work by bending the back or knee. Height of working table plays very important role in easing back pain. If you follow these little things described above according to Quran and Sunnah your life will be easy .

(I am thankful to Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dr. Sajid Jamil, Dr. Arif Siddiqui in preparation of this writeup)


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