8 out of 10 people complain of back pain. Though back pain is a common condition but the reasons for it might not be as common. Back pain can be problematic for people of any age.
The causes of back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to wrong postural positions. Othe causes of back pain are:
- Muscle strains,
- Strenuous exercising,
- Sports injuries,
- Disorders of the aorta,
- Tumors in the chest,
- Spine inflammation,
- Herniated disc,
- Osteoporosis,
- Bulging disc,
- Spondylolysis,
- Prolonged anxiety.
- Sciatica.
One thing you should know about back pain is that severe pain doesn’t necessarily mean a serious problem. Sometimes consulting a chiropractor in MD for back pain works wonders.
Symptoms of Back Pain
The symptoms for lower back pain may differ from person to person. Some common symptoms are:
- Sharp pain in the back, neck,
- Stiff back,
- Tingling and burning sensation in the lower back,
- Chronic pain in the middle and lower back,
- Inability to stand straight without feeling pain in the lower back,
- Lower back pain spreading to the legs,
Diagnosis
Back pain can simply be diagnosed through a physical examination by the physician, and by inquiring about the patient’s medical history. Tests and scans are generally not needed for acute back pain.
However, if the physician suspects some other underlying cause, they may prescribe some scans like X-rays, Bone Scans, MRI or CT Scans Electromyography, or/ and a blood test.
Tips To Prevent Back Pain
A few changes in lifestyle and habits can prevent back pain to a great extent.
- Sleep In The Right Position
Getting enough sleep is very crucial. Not only does it boost your mood, but it also improves concentration and focus. Not to mention, it reduces stress.
But what does sleep has to do with back pain? Let me tell you, the position in which your body rests while you are sleeping is directly linked to back and neck pain. If you sleep on your back, we would recommend you place a pillow under your knee, whereas if you are a side sleeper, placing a pillow between the knees is a good idea.
Moreover, you must choose a mattress that is in the range of medium to firm. Soft mattresses ruin your back’s alignment.
- Exercise Regularly And Maintain A Healthy Diet
Exercising regularly can keep a lot of problems at bay. Back muscle exercises, particularly piriformis, QL, gluteus medius, and iliacus muscle release exercises, are recommended. It triggers the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins and produces an anti-inflammatory cellular response. Moreover, it helps kick off those extra pounds that are causing severe stress on your back.
It is also essential to maintain a healthy diet, which should be low in fatty and processed foods and include green vegetables.
- Maintain A Good Posture
According to various reports, one of the leading causes of back pain is poor posture. No matter how exhausting your 9 to 5 job is, maintaining a good posture is crucial to your spine health.
You can improve your posture by:
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- Sitting with proper support.
- Making sure you never slouch.
- Taking frequent breaks for stretching your muscles.
- Seeking the help of a chiropractor. Chiropractors can treat various conditions. From back pain to allergy treatment options, they can provide guidance regarding a lot of things.
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- Don’t Strain Your Back By Carrying Excess Weight
The heavy backpack that you carry to work every day might be the reason for excessive back pain. Yes, you read that right!
Rather than overstuffing your bag with things that you don’t use on a regular basis, carry only essential items. Don’t feel lazy. If you need different things for different days, make sure to empty and organize your bag daily.
And while it may be tempting to keep filling your bag with new items, it’s not a good idea.
Now that you know everything about back pain, it is essential you maintain good spine health and steer away from habits that can cause back pain.
Hopefully, it was helpful.
