Back Pain: The Complete Guide to Diagnosing your Back Problems

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Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek the help of their doctor or taking a leave from work. It may be an ordinary ailment but it is the major reason of worldwide disability. Most people experience back pain at least once in a while. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain occurrences. If prevention fails, simple home remedy and proper body mechanics can usually help to heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional. Surgery may be your last choice of treating back pain but it is rarely needed.

Symptoms

  • Back muscle ache
  • Sharp pain
  • Pain that extends down to your leg
  • Pain that sharpens with sudden change of position (bending, lifting etc.)
  • Pain that increases especially when lied down

Seek your doctor’s help

Most back pain gradually recovers with home remedy and treatment, commonly within a few weeks. If there is no positive improvement on your pain, you might need to consult your doctor immediately.

Recurring back pain is usually connected with more serious cases. When this happens, seeking professional health care will be the best option

  • Severe pain that is repetitive
  • Extending pain to your legs up to your knee
  • Make one or both of your legs numb and weak
  • Rapid weight loss

Also, see your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or excessive drug or alcohol use.

Causes

  • Muscle or ligament tension. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden change in movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you’re in poor physical condition, you may have frequent back pain even with the smallest movement.
  • Swelling or cracked disks. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can swell or cracked and press on a nerve. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without back pain. Disk disease is often found incidentally when you have spine X-rays for some other reason.
  • Arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
  • Scoliosis. Is a skeletal irregularity and a condition in which your spine curves to the side can also lead to back pain, but generally not until middle age.
  • Osteoporosis. Your spine’s vertebrae can develop compression fractures if your bones become porous and brittle. This is very common to women especially when they start to hit the middle age.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors might put you to a greater chance of developing back pain:

  • Age. It is common and usually frequent when you hit 30 or 40.
  • Poor exercise. Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might lead to back pain.
  • Excess weight. Being overweight puts an extra tension to your back.
  • Diseases. Some types of arthritis, cancer and organ failure can contribute to back pain.
  • Improper lifting. Using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain.
  • Emotional health. People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain.
  • Smoking. This reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which restrains your body from delivering enough nutrients to the disks in your back. Smoking is also responsible for many kinds of health problems.

Prevention

You might avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical condition and learning how to properly care for your body. Something as simple as wearing Protalus inserts, which are specially designed for hard surfaces, can work wonders for your posture and help reduce the pain. Take a look at the following.

Regular Exercise. Consistent minor aerobic activities can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and jogging are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities you might try.

Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises strengthens your core body. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs aligns your pelvic bones to improve how your back feels. Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you which exercises are suitable for you.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles. If you’re overweight, losing some extra pounds can prevent back pain.

Rest. Do not overpower yourself. Humans need to take a break. You need to treat yourself once in a while. If you already feel something is wrong, look for immediate home remedy or other stuffs that can help your muscle relax. Check this out at Halo.  

Quit smoking. Consult your doctor on steps to stop smoking.

Remember the basic SSL (STAND SMART, SIT SMART AND LIFT SMART)

  • Stand smart. Don’t slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
  • Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or fluffy cushion on your back can maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level. Change your position frequently, at least every half-hour to avoid stiffness.
  • ●        Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible, but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Don’t put the pressure on your back.

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