Back Pain? 10 Things You Need To Know

Back pain is no joke with millions suffering from chronic pain. WebMD reports that back pain is the leading reason people under the age of 45 are disabled.

1. Lower back pain is common, affecting most adults during their lifetime and negatively impacting the workforce.

Lower back pain is very prevalent with NIH reporting that 80 percent of adults will have to endure pain in their lower back during their lifetime. Back pain is the major cause of disability on the job and is one of the primary reasons people call in sick and miss work. As an equal opportunity pain source, back pain impacts men and women equally.

2. There are several risk factors that increase your chances of suffering from back pain.

Risk factors that may elevate a person’s probability for suffering from back pain are getting older, fitness levels, pregnancy, and injury from carrying a heavy school backpack, suffering from an inflammatory condition and occupational hazards. The older you get, the higher the probability that you will hurt your back or suffer from a degenerative condition that produces pain in your back. Not surprisingly, any person who has to lift heavy objects regularly is also at a greater risk for back pain.

3. There are several tests that can be done to diagnose back pain health problems.

When you have back pain, it is important to find the source of the problem if possible for treatment purposes. In addition to a thorough examination, neurologic tests can be done to provide even more information for a diagnosis.

In cases where imaging is warranted to get a diagnosis, x-rays are usually the first “Go To” test used. An x-ray will show fractures and damaged vertebrae or misalignment issues. It is noteworthy that x-rays do not show possible soft tissue problems like muscle damage, bulging discs or ligaments that may also be a source of the pain.

Other tests to consider if a physician is still having trouble with a diagnosis is to turn to a CT scan, myelogram, discography, and MRI. Due to the difficulty of diagnosis in many cases, some people have several of these tests before finally knowing exactly why their back is hurting.

4. Acute back pain is typically a temporary condition that lasts only a few days or in the worst cases, a few weeks.

Self-care and rest are all that is usually required to recover from this type of pain. Acute back pain that starts suddenly is often a mechanical injury caused by an action that has disrupted the way the spine, muscles, nerves, and discs work together when you move.

5. There is an exhaustive list of treatments that can be administered to ease or cure back pain.

The treatments for back pain are activity, physical therapy, laser therapy, medication, strengthening exercises, hot and cold packs, creams, sprays, traction, acupuncture, biofeedback, nerve block therapies, epidural steroid injections, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and surgery.

Whether you check out Brisbane laser therapy or an acupuncture treatment, there is hope for people living with pain. There is no need to suffer for longer than is absolutely necessary.

6. Back pain is preventable for most people by simply avoiding injuries and getting enough low-impact exercise.

There are a few easy steps anyone can take to protect their back from injury that can lead to back pain. Being careful when you lift heavy objects, using ergonomically designed furniture, and resisting awkward postures or repetitive motions are some basic ways to prevent back pain in both the workplace and at home.

After sitting for a prolonged period of time, it is important to exercise. This type of activity will strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility. Low-impact exercises are best. Speed walking or swimming are two excellent ways to obtain these health benefits.

7. There are two major categories of back pain: subacute and chronic.

Subacute low back pain is pain that continues from four to twelve weeks. Chronic back pain lasts longer, often persisting for periods in excess of twelve weeks. Unfortunately, chronic back pain is not always relieved by treatment.

8. Most cases of lower back pain are the result of a sprain which is caused by rigorous stretching or tearing your back ligaments.

This is often caused by twisting your muscles or lifting a heavy object. Fortunately, these back injuries are easy to prevent with due care and common sense about how you use your body.

9. As people age, they are more likely to experience pain associated with disc degeneration.

This condition occurs as the result of the discs losing their integrity from the aging process. What this means is that they no longer provide the cushion they once did when you were younger, making it more difficult to bend and move.

10. There are home remedies for back pain that work well in certain cases.

Medical News Today recommends exercise, arnica, the use of heat or cold, more sleep, stress reduction strategies and switching your shoes or workstation as viable home remedies to treat your back pain. Considering that most back pain scenarios can be treated at home with minor lifestyle adjustments, trying the above remedies makes perfect sense before heading to the doctor.

Conclusion

It is the rare person who hasn’t hurt their back. Considering the many ways preventative measures can be used to prevent this problem, people can be proactive and protect their back from injury by being more careful and using basic common sense when lifting heavy objects.

While back pain can be caused by the wear and tear placed on us over the years as we age, there are ways to slow this process down or treat it so it won’t be so painful. By becoming informed and changing your lifestyle with the health of your back in mind, back pain may be avoided or minimized considerably.

Sources:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/causes-back-pain#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322582.php

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/back-pain-overview-facts

https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-back-problems-treated-with-cold-laser-therapy-4009700

http://www.ultimahealthcare.com.au/