Back Pain Caused by Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes

Back Pain Definition

Back Pain Caused by Spinal Stenosis

Back Pain Caused by Spinal Degeneration

Back Pain Caused by Cauda Equina Syndrome

Counteract, Relieve and Prevent Back Pain Now

Back pain is one of the most common complaints and can be very debilitating. But relieving and effectively preventing back pain is not difficult. To do it right is very important to not making it worse. You will find all the right tips here.

Despite back pain hurting a lot and even being the worst pain you can experience for many years, it is seldom dangerous. Problems often arise when you strain your back or do heavy lifting incorrectly. These activities are fine if your back is in good condition, but if it isn’t, or has suffered a previous injury, back pain can often follow.

Move yourself despite the pain

Previously, the thinking was that you should rest your back. Back pain is very rarely due to an injury; instead it is often the result of your nerves locking up. If you move yourself, you will reduce the discomfort, have pain for a shorter time and help prevent future back pain.

The SBU (Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care), which is tasked with assessing which treatments are effective, believes that remaining mobile is of the utmost importance in cases of back pain. Their advice is that it is much better to take pain-relief medication and remain mobile than to remain stationary.

Relieve the pain

Alternatives to medication for the relief of acute pain exist:

• A hot pack, hot shower or sauna can relieve pain.
• An EMS stimulator will get your muscles to relax.
• TENS provides electrical pain relief and can often give a good result for back pain.

Lumbar support

When one sits down it feels good to have lumbar support, which is easily achieved with a rolled up hand towel or cushion. It often feels better to stand up or lie down than to sit down.

Back pain relieving positions

A soothing position to rest in is on the floor with your legs raised on a stool or a pile of cushions. While you are in this position the pain can often simply disappear.

Tempur-Pedic Mattress is the right mattress

Tempur-Pedic makes great mattresses for those suffering from back pain. They ensure your body rests in a natural position by relaxing and taking the pressure off your back. Their mattresses conform to your body and the heavier parts, such as your hips, will sink deeper. This means that you get to rest in the best, anatomically speaking, position for your back. It is restful for your back and can be very relieving for back pain.

Prevent future back pain

Preventing future back pain is not actually impossible for the majority of people. On the contrary, it is normally well within their grasp. Just after you experience back pain is the best time to act, as you will find yourself more easily motivated.

Exercise

It is especially important to exercise regularly. Nothing has a bigger effect when it comes to preventing back pain. In many, many cases, this will be all you need to do to ensure you suffer much less often and to a lesser degree if you do experience back pain again.

At the very least, try to walk three times a week. Other good exercise includes swimming, Nordic walking (walking with ski poles) and bicycling. Visit a gym and get some instructions on how to train up the muscles in your back, legs and abdomen.

Lifting the right way

Heavy lifting is one of the most common reasons behind back pain. By lifting correctly, you can avoid problems. A common mistake people make and which can cause back pain is to twist your body while you are lifting. This can cause significant damage to your back.

To lift correctly, follow these steps:

• Stand near the object to be lifted.
• Bend your knees.
• Get a good grip on the object.
• Lift straight up, without twisting your body, in a smooth movement.
• Hold the object close to your body.
• Go to where you want to move the object.
• Bend your knees when putting down the object.

The correct posture is important

If you suffer from back pain, it is important to be aware of your posture. Bad posture increases the risk of back pain. Bad posture includes hunched shoulders, keeping your knees bent and a lowered head, which all contribute to putting pressure on your back.

A good posture avoids unnecessary pressure:

• Keep your feet slightly apart.
• Keep your knees straight.
• Keep your chin slightly held in.
• Keep your shoulders back.

Be aware of your posture during the day and try to keep correcting it.

Smoking harms your back

Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs and heart and cause cancer, it also harms your back. Nicotine blocks the transport of oxygen and nourishing fluids to the discs in your back. This leads to degeneration, which increases the risk of a slipped disc. Not only that, but if you need surgery for a slipped disc and are a smoker, your recovery will take longer – that is if you fully recover at all.

It is therefore even more advisable to quit smoking when you have back pain.

When should I go to the hospital?

• If you need advice, you can get medical care information at any time.
• If you are pregnant and experience back pain, you should contact your midwife.
• You should contact your health center if you haven’t recovered after two to three weeks, are over the age of 55 and haven’t experienced back pain before, or if you have received treatment for cancer or osteoporosis.
• You should go to the emergency room if a child under the age of 18 is experiencing acute pain, is not feeling a need to urinate, or has wet themselves, is feeling an ache around their rectal or genital region, feels aches, pins and needles or weakness in their legs, is unsteady and doesn’t feel where their feet are or feels acute pain after an accident.

Back Pain Caused by a Herniated Disc

5 Things Worth Knowing About Tempur-Pedic Mattresses and Pillows