Back Pain, the #2 Problem

Back pain is the second most common problem that Americans go to their doctors for, upper respiratory infections, such as a cold, are the number one reason.

Most people experience acute back pain which is a dull pain that usually won't last longer than a couple weeks. Chronic back pain is more serious and can last for years.

Spine pain can be the result of stress, bad posture, sports injuries, car accidents, work place injuries, obesity, bad mattresses, herniated disks, osteoarthritis, strains, infection, fracture, scoliosis, strained joints and ligament tears.

Just bending down to pick something up or twisting your back the wrong way can injury your back and spine. Stretching, having good posture and sleeping on a quality mattress are simple things that can help eliminate minor back aches. Ice packs, heating pads and home massage equipment can also alleviate this type of pain.

Doctors usually recommend treatments for spine pain that reduce inflammation, muscle spasms and pain. These treatments include chiropractors, massages, exercise, medications, pain management injections, and physical therapy.

Spine discomfort affects men and women equally and costs Americans about $50 billion a year in medical bills, disability and lost productivity.

Approximately 4 out of 5 people worldwide will experience spine discomfort at some point and it may seem like an adult problem, but children can experience it also.

When a child has spine pain it can be a symptom of a serious health problem such as Fibromyalgia, Scheuermann's disease, scoliosis, tumors or infection. However, the back pain can also be caused by poor posture, carrying a heavy backpack that is too heavy or sitting at a computer desk improperly.

Back pain is widespread and not fun. Take the proper actions to help prevent it in your life. Make sure your children, friends and coworkers also know how to prevent or treat back pain.