By Arnab Dey
Back pain is up there with the unrelenting toothache and earache. It’s the type of pain that can take you off your feet, literally, for days, weeks, months, or even sometimes years.
Injuries, for example, can often take many months to resolve and sometimes never fully resolve. Some people believe that once back pain and issues set in, there’s no coming back from it. You’re set for life with niggling aches and pains. That, however, isn’t the case.
Some of the most common causes of back pain are very responsive to treatment. Let’s explore why up to 23% of adults suffer from chronic back pain and what the solutions are.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the most, if not the most, common causes of chronic back pain with no obvious injury. Office workers and drivers are often at the mercy of poor posture due to seating positions and sitting down all day. Essentially, posture is how you hold your body – and if you’re holding your body in a slumped position over a desk or steering wheel, you’re heading for pain. The chiropractor Schaumburg IL blog lists numerous remedies for posture-related pain. Finding the right back support, an upright seated position, and using topical relief for the painful areas are a few of the tips listed.
Some people also reap benefits from purchasing posture correctors, devices aimed to correct the spine’s position and pull the shoulders back when sitting. Wearing these, as instructed, can alter your natural posture and alleviate issues.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Often, pain is related to injury, and some jobs and lifestyle choices can easily lead to repetitive strain injuries of the spine and the muscles in the back. Even holding tension in the shoulders and neck for long periods of time can cause repetitive strain injury, leading to pain that radiates down the back.
Medical experts state it can take 3 to 6 months to recover from a repetitive strain injury – the focus should be on holistic treatment such as massage, chiropractic treatment, hot and cold treatment, and hydrotherapy.
To prevent repetitive strain injuries, try the following:
- Having good posture at work.
- Stretching before and after exercise or strenuous work, and even during them.
- Reducing tension through breathing and relaxation exercises.
Disc Related Problems
Each of the 24 vertebrae in the back has what’s known as discs. They’re complex, thick fibrous structures that act as shock absorbers for the spine. The rubbery discs, also known as intervertebral discs, also help to make the spine more flexible. When one is damaged or starts to bulge, individuals can experience intense pain.
Some of the common causes of disc damage or bulging include:
- A sedenatary lifestyle
- Occupation
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Natural degeneration with age
Luckily, bulging and damaged discs can heal with conservative treatment. After proper diagnosis, consider using hot and cold treatments, taking antiinflammatories or researching natural inflammatory remedies like olive oil and leafy green vegetables, and undertaking physical therapy.
Back pain can be debilitating, reducing the ability to carry out daily life as normal. Preventative measures like those above can prevent chronic back pain, but some people are naturally predisposed to issues due to genetics. Focus on holistically caring for your back and being mindful of the triggers for chronic back pain.
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