Back pain between fact and fiction
Back pain between fact and fiction, back pain.
Back pain is a very common problem that can affect people of all ages. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain. Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Disc problems, such as herniated discs
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Poor posture
- Heavy lifting
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
Most back pain is acute, meaning it lasts for a short period of time. However, some back pain can be chronic, meaning it lasts for 12 weeks or more.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent back pain, such as:
- Maintaining good posture
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Lifting objects properly
- Using good ergonomics at work
If you do experience back pain, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain, such as:
- Applying heat or ice
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Getting massage therapy
- Doing stretching exercises
If your back pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.
How to ease back pain yourself
Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.
Do
- stay active and try to continue with your daily activities
- take anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller
- use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling
- use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms
- try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain
Don’t
- do not stay in bed for long periods of time
