Back pain is one of the most common reasons for people to self-medicate and pursue medical assistance and is the prominent cause of disability worldwide. Most people experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. When we talk about "back pain", we mean the pain that occurs in the spine between the upper and lower back.
Understanding Different Kinds of Back Pain
There are numerous different kinds of pain. Acute back pain is defined as severe but lasts for a short time. Chronic back pain usually occurs every day. It can be serious but can be described as light, deep, painful, or burning. Back pain that reaches other parts of the body (such as the legs) can be considered radicular pain, especially if it radiates below the knee. This condition is usually called lumbar radiculopathy (for example, sciatica). Fortunately, not all back pain cases are associated with leg pain!
It is not uncommon for back pain to be accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness and tingling, stiffness, pain and weakness. Some activities can make back pain worse or intensify. Sitting, walking, standing, bending, and turning at the waist are some of the movements that can worsen the back pain. Of course, this does not apply to all patients. Rather, it depends on which level of the spine is affected and which diagnosis or cause is present.
When Do You Need To See A Doctor For Back Pain?
- Is severe and rest doesn’t improve it
- You cannot stand straight.
- Fever is accompanied by pain.
- Persistent or worsening pain.
- Loss of bowel or bladder function or control.
- Accompanied by unexplained weight loss.
- Weakness in legs or pain that gradually aggravates.
- Causes weakness, tingling or numbness in one or both legs.
- Spreads to one or both feet, specifically when the pain reaches below the knee
Many patients with back pain have reported feelings of anxiety and fear, which is normal. Most people with upper, low or lower back pain - including one or both legs - perceptibly know when it's time to get medical attention.
Also, contact your doctor if you experience back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you had osteoporosis, cancer or used too many steroids, alcohol or drug in the past.
Ways To Prevent Or Relieve Back Pain Naturally
You can avoid or prevent back pain by improving your physical condition, learning and practicing suitable body mechanics.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
- Exercise: Consistent low-impact aerobic exercise that doesn't strain or your back can increase your back strength and endurance, and make your muscles work better. Swimming and walking are great options. Talk to your doctor about activities that you can try.
- Improve muscle strength and flexibility: Back muscles and abdominal exercises can increase your core strength and help organize these muscles so that they work together, just like a natural corset of your back.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight strains the back muscles. If you are overweight, trimming can prevent back pain.
- Stop smoking. Discuss with your doctor how to quit smoking.
Avoid Prolonged Static Postures
It is necessary to pay attention to the joints and muscles of the hip and spine. Use the following simple methods to avoid fatigue and pressure on these joints:
- Avoid excessive sitting or using standing tables while working. If you sit for a long time, the pressure on the intervertebral disc will increase. Getting up every hour and walking a short distance can reduce the burden on the disc.
- Check your posture and adjust the position of your neck, shoulders and back to avoid spinal pressure. Poor, unsupported posture can result in various back problems, which can cause or worsen the pain.
- Rotate activities to prevent fatigue in the same muscles and joints. For example, if you stand and work for a while, you should choose another activity where you can sit down. Once the muscles and joints relax, you can stop.
If you have symptoms, consider reducing strenuous exercise, for example, B. Reading, listening to music or crafting. These activities can keep your back at rest, thereby diverting your attention from pain.
The Takeaway
Because back pain is very common, many products are expected to prevent or relieve pain. However, there is no conclusive evidence that special shoes, slippers, sole stents, specially designed furniture, or stress managing prospectuses can help.
Moreover, there does not seem to be one sort of mattress that would be best for people with back pain. The question is probably what seems most comfortable to you.
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today! Family Chiropractic Plus is dedicated to your overall health and well-being. Which is why we offer regular chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of
optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small.