All About Back Pain Therapy
It may be a nagging dull ache in the lower back that happens every time you sit for too long or carry something heavy. For other people, the discomfort is more intense, with a quick onset and leaving the victim paralyzed with pain. How do you know what is the best back pain therapy, there are so many to choose from.
How and why it happens could be a mystery, but what is known is that having back pain is not a nice experience. Statistics show that 80% of adults will experience bad back pain at least once during their lives. This high percentage is understood once we know how the back works.
We have 24 small spinal bones all sitting on top of each other, with joints above and below that allow us to move freely. There are ligaments, tendons and muscles that connect everything and allow this movement. The back is always working to support our whole frame against the forces of gravity.
The lower back is at a particular mechanic disadvantage as it is always the fulcrum point when we lift heavy things incorrectly. But it also takes strain in many of our everyday activities such as walking, twisting, bending and lifting. Combine this with de-conditioned muscles, arthritic joints and poor posture and you have a recipe for lower back pain.
A reassuring fact is that there are a lot of back pain therapy options, together with the fact that a large majority of back pain cases will get better all by themselves. Research shows that eighty percent of cases will get better in 1 month without any treatment. In the next month ninety percent of cases are usually resolved by themselves. This can be good news, but if we don’t want to wait 1-2 months what back pain therapy can help things faster?
Of course this can depend on the cause. Your medical doctor or therapist will conduct a medical history and physical examination. X-rays are usually following trauma or if they suspect degenerative changes. Unless it is something like a fracture, x-rays are usually not good at pinpointing the source of pain.
Most commonly in the absence of other obvious symptoms the cause of pain is usually a strain or sprain of the muscles or ligaments. These account for a majority of back pain cases. Easing up on any strenuous activities and incorporating some gentle walking is the best back pain therapy for this. You can also use some natural anti-inflammatory treatment like fish oil, devil’s claw or turmeric. Usually this approach will help speed recovery and help you feel better.
A common error regarding back pain therapy is resting the back. People are tempted to do nothing and just lie in bed. This is not right. Resting the back may mean discontinuing any aggravating activities such as prolonged sitting or heavy lifting. But research has demonstrated that prolonged bed rest is detrimental to the muscle strength and stability and will actually prolong recovery.
If you do a lot of computer or desk work for your job, then you should have a break from sitting every twenty minutes. A sustained loaded posture like sitting is very bad for the back. Other examples can include long car trips. Try to break it up to help relieve stress on the back. Once things are on the mend, begin some core strength exercises, this type of preventative back pain therapy can be very beneficial.