Treatment and Prevention of Back Problems
Jan 31 2012.
views 1179
Back pain is caused by several different reasons.
That’s why when dealing with it, the first thing to consider is finding what might have caused it. Some of the most common reasons for back pain come from poor sitting or lying posture. It could also be a result of injury while playing sports or while lifting something heavy.
The severity of the condition should also be put into consideration if the problem is to be solved. Usually, minor back pains may last for two weeks, but if the condition is considered chronic, it may extend up to four weeks, sometimes even longer. Here are the common factors that contribute to back pain and how to deal with them:
1. Obesity
There is a rise in the number of cases of back pain as a result of obesity all over the world today. If you are overweight and have weak hips and knees, you have a higher chance of developing back pains regularly. Strong hips, knees, and ankles are required to support the upper body, but even if you have them and you are overweight, you will still be susceptible to back pain over time. You have two options to correct this problem: one is to shed some pounds to relieve your lower body of the pressure your weight is causing, and another is to strengthening your hip and your upper and lower leg muscles.
2. Poor Sitting and Sleeping Positions
The positioning of your spine when you lie down in bed is very essential in the prevention of back pain. Eight hours of sleeping with poor posture will surely result to back pain when you wake up the following day. Most of the back pain experienced early in the morning right after waking up is a result of poor quality mattresses. If your mattress is too soft, it will fail to properly support your back while you sleep. This often leads to spine curvature that produces pain in the lower back and hips. Eliminate this problem by investing in a high quality mattress, one that is ergonomically designed and capable of giving your back the proper support it needs while you sleep or lie down.
Spine positioning is also very important when you’re sitting. If you’re sitting in your office chair the whole nine hours working in front of the computer, there’s a huge chance you’re going to acquire back pain at the end of the day. The best way to deal with this is to invest in an ergonomic chair that supports your lower back and encourage good sitting posture. A good ergonomic chair should support your lumbar spine since sitting for long periods on a chair without such support can lead to slouching.
Once you figure out which of these may be causing your back pain and improving those areas, you might also be able to get some relief from these easy treatments:
1. Heat Therapy
One of the most effective treatment methods against back pain is heat therapy. Used in the form of heating pads or hot baths, heat therapy can provide non-surgical healing and relief for sub acute and acute back pains. It works by promoting blood flow in the area of the back that’s affected. Most cases of lower back pain is a result of over-exertion and strain, which results to muscle tension and poor blood circulation. Through heat therapy, the muscle spasms and tightness can be relieved.
2. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy also provides relief to back pain, as well as several other benefits to the health. Many healthcare providers now consider it as a legitimate aid for back pain and are promoting it as treatment for other back problems. Aside from promoting blood circulation, massage also reduces muscle soreness from over-activity. In addition, it can increase the release of endorphin, an important chemical that helps regulate chronic pain. All in all, massage therapy helps lessen back pain, reduce depression, and boost the mood.
Other treatments for back pain include the use of non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory medications as well as muscle relaxants. For severe cases of back pain, however, regular heat therapy, massage therapy, or the use of oral medication may not be enough. Lumbar Disc Herniation and Scoliosis in particulate require surgery. If you are suffering from back pain right now, it would be ideal if you consult your doctor immediately to find out the necessary steps needed in treating your condition.
(Written by Jessica Lord)
0 Comments