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Back Pain Report |
Lower back pain is probably one of the most annoying parts of life. Almost everyone has low back pain at one time or another .The good news is that most low back pain goes away in a short period of time with some basic care. However, if the pain is severe or lasts more than a couple of weeks, you should consult your physician.
The low back is the connection between the upper and lower body. The low back supports most of the body’s weight and can be easily injured through overuse, strain or injury. People hurt their backs playing sports, working in the yard, lifting heavy objects, in an accident, etc.
Age probably plays the biggest role in back pain. As you age, the bones and muscles tend to lose strength. Combine that factor with overuse, strain or injury and that could be a combination that leads to lower back pain and discomfort.
Some causes of back pain may not be as simple as a strain or pull. It could be a result of arthritis, a compression factor, ill or a spine problem you were born with.
There are several symptoms that can alert you to a lower back problem:
A dull or sharp pain.
A pain that can cover a broad area or be painful in one certain spot.
The pain could come on gradually or very suddenly.
There could be stiffness or muscle spasms.
There can be pain, numbness or tingling in one or both legs.
Physicians say back pain is:
Acute - if an episode of pain lasts less than 3 months. Most back pain goes away within 4 to 6 weeks with a minimal amount of home treatment.
Recurrent - if acute symptoms come back. Most people have at least one episode of recurrent low back pain.
Chronic - if your back bothers you most of the time for longer than 3 months.
Back pain caused by stress or strain will improve with some simple treatments:
Apply ice for the first 2 or 3 days after you hurt your back, then switch to heat. Use an ice pack for 5 to 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. After a couple of days, use a heating pad or take a hot shower for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours.
Take over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol or Advil or aspirin. These medicines
usually work best if you take them on a regular schedule instead of waiting until the pain is severe.
For the first day or two, rest. Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees. Or lie on your back on the floor with a pillow under your knees.
As soon as possible, resume your normal activities. Staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can weaken the muscles and make the problem worse.
Some people get relief from pain by using treatments such as massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy or acupuncture. Certain treatments work for some people but not for others. You may have to try different treatments in order to determine which works best for you.
When trying to decide which treatment is best for your particular injury, it is always wise to seek advice from a qualified and registered practitioner. You should mention any health issues or treatment you are having and let your physician know about any therapies that you are currently trying or intend to try.
Massage - helps to flush toxins from the joints and muscles, therefore, improving circulation. This is a very effective way to relax tense muscles.
The most popular form of massage is the Swedish massage. In order to release tension from the muscles and improve the functions of the body, a variety of touch techniques are used. The therapist can do a full body massage or a specific area massage. For a full massage, the patient undresses and lies on a special table; oil or talcum powder is usually used to prevent skin irritation during the massage. A specific area massage, such as the head, neck or shoulder, can be given when you are fully dressed. This type of massage can be done while the patient is sitting in a massage chair or lying on the table.
The degree of pressure used during a massage varies widely. This depends on training and the severity of any injury or stress that you may have. Some therapists use deep pressure, which can be painful, but they should ease that pressure if it is too much for you to bear. Never be afraid to speak up.
Caution - Training techniques vary widely. Always check that your massage therapist is qualified and certified. Massage may not be suitable for people with certain conditions - so check with your doctor first.
Chiropractic - is a manipulative therapy which concentrate on the spine.
Chiropractic techniques concentrate on the spine because the spine is crucial to the body’s well-being. It houses the central nervous system, which carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The vertebrae moves, therefore, tiny misalignments - called subluxations - can occur. These misalignments can interfere with the functioning of the nervous system, causing problems elsewhere in the body.
You do not have to undress for the chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor will observe you closely at the beginning of your session and will use touching techniques to test the spine for any misalignments. He or she will gently maneuver your limbs into various positions to check the flexibility of your spine and joints. X-rays are usually taken before a diagnosis is made.
The chiropractor will use various techniques such as thrusts, massage, stretches and gentle pressure to bring the vertebrae back to the correct alignment. Other treatments such as hot and cold packs or ultrasound may also be incorporated.
It usually takes several sessions to overcome the initial problem. Then occasional maintenance treatments might be recommended. Treatments may make you feel tired, stiff or achy but those will pass as the spine remains in alignment.
Caution - Chiropractic might not be suitable if you have a condition such as bone cancer or osteoporosis or if you have a badly prolapsed disk. Discuss the suitability for you with your physician.
Osteopathy - focuses on the joints and muscles.
Osteopathy is based on the belief that the correct alignment of the musculoskeletal system is essential for good health. Limb stretches, massage and vigorous thrusts are used to improve the alignment and mobility of the joints and soft tissues.
You may be asked to undress and wear a gown so that the practitioner can see the framework of your body more clearly. You will be asked to stand, sit and perform a few simple movements and the practitioner will use gentle palpation to detect points of weakness.
A special couch is used for treatment and you will sit or lie on the couch. The techniques used are not painful, although, you may hear a popping sound as a joint clicks back into place. Several treatments will probably be necessary and follow-up sessions may be recommended.
Caution - Osteopathy might not be suitable if you have a badly prolapsed disk or a condition such as bone cancer or osteoporosis. Check with your physician whether treatment is suitable for you.
Physiotherapy - usually works well for people who have pain and stiffness that has continued for several weeks and for those with chronic or acute injuries.
The physiotherapist will observe the way you stand, sit and walk. He or she will assess a simple set of movements and will use touch to feel your back muscles and spine.
Treatment is tailored specifically for each patient. These may include:
Appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises.
Advice on maintaining good posture to strengthen and support the spine during activities in the work place, the home or playing sports.
Techniques designed to loosen joints. This technique involves the slow and deliberate movement of joints through their natural arc of rotation.
Manipulation may be used by the physiotherapist to work on tight muscles and to loosen painful or stiff joints.
Acupuncture - used to manage pain relief.
Acupuncture is based on the idea that good health depends on the free flow of energy around the body. Small, fine needles are inserted in specific points of the energy’s pathways in order to release blocked energy and restore a healthy flow.
On the first visit, the acupuncturist will ask for a full medical and lifestyle history. You lie or sit on a couch for treatment. The sterile needles are inserted and some may be left in place for up to a half-hour. Usually, the procedure is painless. However, if an area is particularly sensitive or tender, there may be a short-lived period of discomfort. Sometimes finger pressure or heat are also used.
There have been recent studies in the West on acupuncture which show that it can be an effective therapy for managing pain and improving general health problems. These studies show that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and blocks the body’s pain receptors. As a result, it can be helpful for back problems such as sciatica, stiff neck or muscle tension.
Do your homework. If you choose one of these therapies to deal with your back problems, obtain a referral from your physician or find a reputable professional in your area. If their education, therapy techniques or business practices are questionable, it is probably wise to continue your search.
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