What are the common causes of back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common complaints treated by physicians. Back pain can develop in association with a number of causes, including muscle strain, injury to the back, overuse, muscle disorders, pressure on a nerve root, poor posture and many others.
How is back pain treated?
The majority of nonspecific back pain is caused by muscle strain. This usually responds to 2-5 days of rest, medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, etc., gradual return to activities and physical therapy to help the patient learn proper posture, lifting techniques and to improve strength and flexibility.
Surgery is not useful for the treatment of nonspecific back pain. However surgery may be necessary for back injuries such as herniated discs.
How can back injury be prevented?
Proper posture, conditioning and body mechanics are the key components of any program designed to prevent back injuries. To prevent injury, make sure you stand and sit in an upright position. It is also important to keep your body and cardiovascular system healthy with aerobic exercise, weight training and daily stretching.
Remember these tips when at work or working around your home.
- Instead of bending at the back, stoop down at the knees, keeping your back straight.
- Use a step stool when reaching overhead.
- Push or pull with your entire body, not just your arms.
- When lifting, avoid reaching too far out.
- When sitting at a desk, your knees and back should be kept at 90 degree angles
- Remember to stretch each morning.
To learn more about back pain, visit our A to Z Helath Library.
|
