Oh My Aching Back!
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
It seems that more Americans than ever are suffering the effects of lower back pain. It can be caused by a variety of things, from a car accident or other sudden jarring, to working in the garden, or simply bending over the wrong way. Chronic back pain is categorized as pain that lasts longer than three months.
Preventing Back Pain
Your back doesn't have to bother you all the time! There are some things you can do to easily and effectively prevent back pain. In fact, the most common form of back injury in America is lifting something improperly.
- First of all, don't lift things by bending over. Instead, you should bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up the object.
- Don't pull heavy objects, push them instead.
- If you sit for long periods of time, make sure to take stretching and walking breaks throughout the day.
- Wear flat shoes.
- Finally, exercise your back regularly to keep it in shape.
Back Pain Treatment
Usually, it doesn't take surgery to treat back pain. Often, the pain is relieved by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. The point of treatment is to relieve pain but also to restore movement and normal activity to the area, so the pain does not occur again. Heat or cold treatments, such as heating pads or compresses may speed the healing process in some cases. Usually, surgery is only necessary when pain is not relieved by other measures. Most doctors recommend that patients who do not respond to self-treatment after 72 hours need to visit a doctor.
Back Pain Exercises
Exercising the back muscles is one way to keep them healthy, supple, and less prone to pain. Once your back is feeling better, it's a good idea to gently exercise the muscles to keep them performing well. There are several exercises (see the link below) that will especially help build muscle in the lower back, and keep those muscles healthy and happy. It's a good idea to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program. No matter what exercises you choose, make sure to start off gently – you don't want to injure your back all over again!
So, when your back is killing you, try these treatments, and see a doctor if the pain persists.
