Archive for the ‘Back Pain’ Category

26
Oct

Preventing Back And Neck Pain

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We have all seen replica skeletons of the human body, but how many of us have really got down to examining the structure of the neck and spine? When you stand back and consider it, the neck and spine are really a collention of bones separated by disks and held in place by an amazing array of muscles. The actual movement we have in both our necks and backs is quite amazing. However, if we do not take care of these structures and the muscles that hold them together we are asking for trouble.

As the neck, spine and tissues are so inter-related back and neck pain can occur simultaneously. Both these areas are so vulnerable to stresses and strains that they act as a sort of warning signal of the spine and surrounding areas suffering from any kind of damage.

Being densely packed with bone, connective, muscle, nerve, and blood vessel tissues, even the slightest displacement or trace of injury can cause severe discomfort. For doctors to assist a number of tests are required before the true cause can be uncovered and then quick steps can be taken for symptomatic relief.

It is therefore recommended that exercise and good posture should suffice to keep back and neck pain at bay if one is in a normal state of health. Many of us do not realize the amount of work which this part of the body has to do even when we are at rest. Simple acts of standing or sitting in a fixed position for long periods put the back and the neck under sustained pressure.

Without support and adequate rest these simple events can cause the kind of damage which produces pain. Similarly, sudden exertion may catch tissues unprepared, so simple stretching and strengthening exercises can go a long way in preparing our bodies to tolerate the physical demands which we place on our necks and backs.

With just a little forethought everyone can review their work, recreation, and sleep habits to try and prevent or deal with back and neck pain in the first instance. For example a defective mattress or chair, an unwelcome draft of cold air from an air-conditioning vent, or even from a fan, vigorous exercise without warming up and cooling down, and working for long hours without breaks, are some of the common causes which we may heap on our spines, without being conscious of its long term effects. In most cases common sense can work wonders in correcting harmful habits, if only we take a good look at how we work, rest, and play.

What to Do If Back and Neck Pain Persist

It must be determined if the back and neck pain is classified as acute or chronic in nature, if so you will need quick medical attention. However, back and neck pain is too common to take seriously every time. There is no dearth of remedies to pick up from retail shelves, and to deal with minor accidents, or from sudden surges of physical activity, which we encounter in life, and which place increased surges of loads on various parts of our spines.

Normally a healthy body has the natural ability to recover from such excesses in a matter of days, if symptoms persist for a week or more, then it is time to seek medical help. In the first place a primary care physician is the best person to approach for help, though he/she may refer you to a specialist if required. If you are suffering from unbearable pain, particularly in the back, a visit to an Emergency Room is recommended.

Anyone who is dealing with lower back pain knows how difficult and troublesome it can be, and the first thing on their mind is finding lower back pain relief.

Fortunately, there are quite a few effective options available to you when it comes to lower back pain relief. Back pain medication in particular is often recommended, and there are multiple over the counter and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving your pain and addressing related symptoms.

There are two types of over the counter medications for lower back pain relief in particular that are very commonly suggested, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are used to alleviate lower back pain, but are often not enough.

Just remember that prescription drugs really only work for a short period of time, and not only that but they are not even dealing with the root cause of your problem so once you get off of them, more than likely your back pain is going to return completely.

There is also the fact that you may become dependent on the drugs, which is a worry, and the frightening fact that there are some very unfavorable side effects that come from taking most medications. For this reason, even if it is your doctor who prescribes them to you, you want to make sure that you are familiar with the medication and that you are aware of any possible side effects before starting yourself on it.

Can I Get Relief the Natural Way?

If you want to find lower back pain relief but are not comfortable taking the more conventional, prescription medications that your doctor will probably suggest you use, you should know that there are also some terrific natural lower back pain relief treatments that you can opt for.

For instance there are certain exercises that you can do which will help you achieve lower back pain relief. One of the best exercises will work to gently stretch your back muscles, and you do it by lying on your back with your knees bent and start by slowly raising your left knee to your chest.

Now you want to press your lower back against the floor, hold for five seconds, relax and repeat the exercise with your right knee. Do about 10 of these exercises for each leg and then switch legs. Also keep in mind that while some exercises are specific for your back, it is also very important to stay active in general.

Having lower back and hip pain now a days seems  very common. At least four out of five people will have it at some point in their life. Some people tend to have more symptoms than others and some factors are controllable, while others are not. Educating yourself more about lower back and hip pain is the first step towards being pain free.

The Three Categories Of Lower Back And Hip Pain

The three categories of lower back and hip pain are determined depending on how long your pain lasts and how often it occures. If the pain lasts less than three months, it is referred to as acute. Most back pain is of this type. It is easy to deal with and there is no need for a doctors care. Get yourself a few days of bed rest, then back on your feet and work through the pain. Exercise will assist with working out the pain, as will analgesics.

Some people suffer from recurring acute pain. While it is bothersome and frustrating to have the pain return, if you treat it carefully as before, it should go away again, hopefully forever this time.

If you have lower back and hip pain last longer than three months, and you are in pain most of the time,then  you have what is known as chronic back pain. It is advisable that you talk to your primary care physician, or try an alternative method, such as chiropractic care or acupuncture. Be sure to find a qualified professional, as you do not want to aggravate the problem!

 Hip and lower back pain during pregnancy changes the rules. Pregnant women can have backaches off and on throughout their pregnancy, primarily due to the growing uterus and straining ligaments. But once the baby is delivered, the back pain should ease.

 Likely Causes?

There can be many causes to lower back and hip pain. The most common cause being muscle strain, sciatica, an uneven pelvis or even one leg shorter than the other. You could have flat feet, or you even have very weak muscles that do not do an adequate job of protecting your spine. There are also other things that can cause lower back and hip pain.

Piriformis Syndrome: What Is It?

Piriformis syndrome is an inflammation in the piriformis muscle. This muscle is found very deep within the buttock, and it is the muscle that helps our hips to rotate. If there is tightness in the hamstring, the piriformis can become inflamed and sore, even to the outside back section of the buttock. It can swell and put pressure and inflammation on the sciatic nerve too, causing sciatica. Sitting can also aggravate this situation.

To relieve the lower back and hip pain and swelling, it is wise to use ice (wrapped in a towel for twenty minutes, several times a day). Taking an anti-inflammatory medicine will also help, if you don’t mind taking a drug to ease matters. If touch is tolerable, massage the muscle deep into the tissues. Also strengthen and stretch out the hip area, using exercises targeting the hip, lower back and hamstring muscles.

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