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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