Back Pain 101

Back pain is the second most common reason that people go to their doctor. It can be painful and almost everybody experiences it at some point in their life.

So what causes this pain? A lot of things can including a sports injury, obesity, pregnancy, scoliosis, arthritis, herniated disk, fracture, infection, cancer and lifting a heavy object.

Most people experience acute back pain which is a dull or piercing pain that usually lasts days or weeks. Acute spine pain is the result of injury, muscle tears, strained joints, or obesity.

Chronic spine pain is more serious. It is deep, sharp, or burning pains that can last months or years. This type of chronic pain is usually caused by fractures, herniated disks, osteoarthritis, and spondylolisthesis. People that suffer from chronic spine pain sometimes need therapy, medication or surgery and some people have to live with the pain.

What can you do to help with your pain? There are quite a few things you can try. Chiropractors can do adjustments which sometimes help. For some people massages can be a quick fix for their back pain. Heat or cold therapy can reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Another helpful therapy is aquatic therapy such as in bathtubs, swimming pools, or whirl pools. It can increase flexibility, strengthen the spine, and prevent re-injury.

If none of those treatments work medications can be an option. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs, Acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, and lastly Opioids can help eliminate pain. Other alternative back pain treatments include yoga, spinal injections, acupuncture, herbal medicine and Biofeedback.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for calling off work. So, to avoid back pain try the following: maintain a healthy weight, remain active without over doing it, stretch before all physical activities, have good posture, wear comfortable shoes and sleep on a good mattress.