Back pain is one of the most common health problems among adults. According to a study conducted by researchers from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 50% to 80% of adults experience at least one backache episode during a lifetime. It’s a major cause of disability in the American working population. Back pain prevention should be on the agenda of all adults even if they don’t notice any symptoms yet. For patients who already do, learning back pain relief options is vital.
Back Pain Prevention Advice
Key causes of back pain are:
- Strained muscles
- Damaged disks
- Movement-related injuries
- Structural problems (ruptured or bulging discs, sciatica, arthritis, osteoporosis)
- Continuous sitting
- Muscle tension
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sleeping on a bad mattress.
- Bad posture
You can prevent the majority of backache problems by:
- Exercising – low-impact fitness activities that don’t strain your back can build muscle endurance. Swimming, walking, and yoga are excellent choices.
- Muscle Building – back and abdominal exercises pump your back muscles, help you maintain a good posture, and prevent injuries related to sudden movements.
- Losing weight – if you are overweight, your back is strained by the extra load.
- Quitting smoking – studies link smoking to chronic back pain.
- Standing and sitting smart – try to stand and sit with your back straight. If your work includes too much sitting, make sure you invest in a comfortable chair.
- Learning how to lift heavy weights – if it’s impossible to avoid lifting heavy objects, you need to learn how to do it right by relying on leg muscles.
Back Pain Relief Information
If you suffer from back pain, the first thing you should do is see your doctor. Sudden sharp back pain warrants immediate medical attention. Don’t wait for the problem to go away on its own. It’s likely to worsen.
After talking to your doctor, you can do the following:
- Exercise – in some cases, exercising or simply moving around can relieve backache.
- Use heat or ice – ice can lessen the pain. Heat can relieve muscle tension. You can alternate them for better results.
- Take NSAIDs – these medications can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Replace your mattress – a mattress that’s too soft or too firm could cause back pain.
- Physical therapy – a professional physical therapist can help relieve pain and teach you how to sit and stand properly to avoid rehashes.
Other back pain relief methods may include prescription pain relievers, massage, nerve stimulation, and back surgery.
In Conclusion
Even though back pain is common, you don’t have to take it for granted. By choosing the right approach to prevention and treatment, it’s possible to enjoy a life without back pain. At Hampton Roads Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, we can help you get relief from your back pain. Request an appointment with us online!
