Lower back pain is recognised as one of the most common reasons for referrals to
medical practitioners, and accounts for a large proportion of missed days at
work. In fact, research suggests that up to eighty percent of people will
experience back pain at some stage of their lives. While for some people back
pain is little more than discomfort, for others it can leave them incapacitated.
While some cases of back pain originate from injury, accidents or organic
medical conditions such as arthritis or fracture, the most common cause of back
pain is stress to the joints and muscles of the back, which accumulates from
day-to-day activities, such as:
- poor posture
- incorrect bending and lifting procedures
- sitting down for extended periods of time
- sleeping incorrectly
- twisting the body into an uncomfortable position
Most people are prone to back pain, as the lower back area supports a lot of our
body weight, and relies heavily on the strength of the vertebrae in our spine.
If the spine is not in correct alignment, areas of weakness can occur, resulting
in irritation of nerves in the spine, or in a bulging disc, which places
pressure on the spinal cord.
It is important not to ignore back pain, even when though is can subside within
a few days. Pain may be symptomatic of an underlying condition such as a disc
bulge, sciatica or scoliosis.
While many people look for medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin when they
suffer from low back pain, these should not be considered first-line treatments.
While medication may reduce the symptomatic pain, it does not treat the actual
problem. This means that once the medication wears off, the pain usually
returns. This will continue until the underlying mechanism driving the pain is
addressed.
Chiropractic had consistently shown to be effective in relieving lower back pain
in the long term, by addressing the deeper problems connected to the pain. By
releasing tension in the joints and muscles, Chiropractic provides a safe,
simple and efficient form of therapy for back care. The Chiropractors at Back to
Basics Chiropractic can also recommend a course of exercise and general health
maintenance, coupled with Chiropractic to ensure permanent alleviation of back
problems.
There are some things you can do to help prevent relapses, or to minimise the
severity of lower back pain. Some useful tips include:
- Avoid sudden bending, twisting or sharp movement while in pain. This can
aggravate pre-existing vulnerabilities to back problems
- Maintain proper posture at all times
- Make sure that your workspace is ergonomically designed. This includes
things like a supportive chair, a well-placed computer monitor and a
workstation layout that does not require a lot of twisting and turning
- Purchase a firm mattress designed to support your back while you sleep
- Engage in regular exercise. Even if you are suffering from back pain,
bed rest is often not the most preferable option. Low-impact exercise such
as walking or swimming will help the back muscles remain active and loose
- When exercising, ensure you correctly warm up and cool down every time
- Wear comfortable flat or low-heeled shoes
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