18/03/2024
How to treat back pain
Across the world, back pain is one of the most prevalent health problems ever. Moreover, statistics show that the number of people experiencing back pain is increasing year on year. According to experts, sharp pain in back affects around 80% of the population during their lifetime and 10% develops into chronic pain. Does this problem affect you? We'll give you advice on how to fight back pain.
Interesting statistics related to back pain
Back pain is most common between the ages of 40 and 60 and in countries with sedentary lifestyles and higher rates of obesity. After the common cold, back pain is the second most common reason people seek medical attention.
Interestingly, 37% of back pain sufferers also have sleep problems. Furthermore, the statistics show that back pain is one of the top 10 reasons why employees miss work.
What types of back pain are there?
Back pain can be divided into acute and chronic. Acute pain is usually confined to a single site and is usually caused by muscle strain or a prolapsed disc, and usually resolves itself within three weeks. Chronic back pain is when the pain lasts for more than 6 months. It is usually caused by weakness of the back muscles, which leads to tingling in the limbs and limitation of mobility.
Back pain can also be divided according to its location into upper, middle, or lower back pain and it can be worse both left and right side. Back pain can manifest itself also around or under ribs, in shoulders, and in back of neck.
What causes back pain most often?
The most common causes of back pain include poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, injury, being overweight, flat feet, or excessive stress. In addition, women very often suffer from back pain in pregnancy and during period.
The cause of the pain usually varies based on which part of the back you feel the pain in, i.e. whether it is lower back pain or upper back pain. Lower back pain is often related to muscle spasms or strained muscles and ligaments. In many cases, the cause of upper back pain is irritation of weakened muscles, injury, or excessive movement.
How to treat back pain?
Back pain can be very uncomfortable and, in some cases, can be so severe that it limits your work or daily activities. It is therefore not surprising that people try to get rid of the pain as quickly as possible. If the pain has been bothering you for a long time or repeatedly, it is advisable to see a specialist (physiotherapist or orthopaedic surgeon). Based on an examination, the doctor will determine the cause of the pain, which will then determine the treatment. There are several ways to treat back pain.
Rehabilitation exercises for back pain
One of the most effective ways to not only get rid of back pain, but also to prevent it from returning, are exercises for back pain. Ideally, will tailor the exercises to your problem and teach you how to do them properly. You can harm your spine with inappropriate exercises. If you are experiencing severe acute pain, it is recommended that you adopt a 'relief position', or a position in which your back hurts the least, such as a supine or prone position.
The best sports for people with back pain
In case of back pain, not only exercises that focus on the back, but also certain sports can help. According to physiotherapists, swimming, water aerobics, yoga for back pain, walking and the martial art of Tai Chi, which combines slow movements with deep breathing, can effectively relieve back pain.
If you suffer from back pain, on the other hand, you should avoid sports that involve forceful movements and back arching. These include golf, tennis, gymnastics, or football. Running with lower back pain is not recommended as well.
Over-the-counter back pain medication
Back pain can also be relieved by products designed to combat back pain, usually in the form of patches, creams, or gels. In the case of back pain caused by an injury, Mobilat® Gel is very effective and is designed to help treat post-injury conditions such as strained and pulled muscles and tendons.
More tips on how to relieve back pain
Does your back hurt every time you get out of bed in the morning? Then the wrong mattress or the wrong pillow could be to blame. Since sleep has a significant impact on your quality of life, it's definitely worth investing in a quality mattress and pillow.
You should also pay extra attention to choosing the right shoes. If you work at a PC, set the monitor at the right height, and get a good quality office chair.
Treatment of muscle pain
Preventive measures that can reduce your risk of back pain include exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, regular stretching, and good posture. You should avoid overloading your spine, for example by lifting heavy objects, and sitting for long periods without regular relaxation and compensatory exercise.
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