subject: Several Practical Suggestions For Back Pain Remedies [print this page] Several Practical Suggestions For Back Pain Remedies
It may be a nagging dull ache in the lower back that happens every time you sit for too long or carry something heavy. For other people, the discomfort is more intense, with a quick onset and leaving the victim paralyzed with pain. How do you know what is the best back pain therapy, there are so many to choose from.
How and why it happens could be a mystery, but what is known is that having back pain is not a nice experience. Statistics show that 80% of adults will experience bad back pain at least once during their lives. This high percentage is understood once we know how the back works.
We have 24 small spinal bones all sitting on top of each other, with joints above and below that allow us to move freely. There are ligaments, tendons and muscles that connect everything and allow this movement. The back is always working to support our whole frame against the forces of gravity.
The lower back is a very vulnerable area of the human body. Because of structural biomechanics it seems to be the fulcrum for many of our weight bearing activities. But it is also stressed in our everyday lives with simple activities like lifting, bending, twisting and sitting. If you also have poor muscles, weak posture and degenerated joints then it is no wonder you end up with back pain.
A reassuring fact is that there are a lot of back pain therapy options, together with the fact that a large majority of back pain cases will get better all by themselves. Research shows that eighty percent of cases will get better in 1 month without any treatment. In the next month ninety percent of cases are usually resolved by themselves. This can be good news, but if we don't want to wait 1-2 months what back pain therapy can help things faster?
Of course this can depend on the cause. Your medical doctor or therapist will conduct a medical history and physical examination. X-rays are usually following trauma or if they suspect degenerative changes. Unless it is something like a fracture, x-rays are usually not good at pinpointing the source of pain.
The most common cause of back pain is a sprain or strain of the muscles or ligaments. Just like we can sprain and ankle joint, we can do the same to a joint in the back. Ceasing any aggravating or causative activity is important. The best activity is gentle walking, do not under estimate this as an effective back pain therapy. Natural anti-inflammatory substances like fish oil, cat's claw or turmeric can be used. This can help speed recovery and get you out of pain.
One common misconception about back pain therapy is resting the back. Resting the back does not mean lying in bed and doing nothing. It may mean stopping any activities that may aggravate it, for example if your job involves heavy lifting or lots or twisting. But research has shown that prolonged bed rest will cause the muscles of the back to get weaker. This can lead to more instability in an already injured area and make recovery harder.
If you do a lot of sitting at your job, then make sure you have breaks every twenty minutes or so. Long sustained postures such as sitting are very bad for the lower back. Other examples can include driving. If you have any long car trips try to break them up to give your lower back a rest. When you start to feel better you can begin some core strength work such as pilates, this type of back pain therapy is great.
