Backache
Back pain is one of the most common ailments of mankind. Ever since human
beings stood upright they have been having trouble with their backs. In
fact, experts estimate that roughly 80 percent of people will experience
back pain at some point in their lives, and slightly more men suffer from it
than women.
Causes:
Acute Backache
- Back strain due to lifting of a heavy object, a fall, a violent jerk (as
in case of a sudden car brake)
- Injury, road accident, fall of a heavy object, fracture of the spine,
dislocation of a vertebral disk.
Chronic Bachache
Spondylosis: A vertebra slips forward on the lower one, usually just above
the hipbone.
Slipped Disk: These disks act as cushions between two vertebral bones, the
reason may be an injury to the spine which is forgotten, degeneration of the
disk due to old age or other reasons.
Posture:Wrong Posture is the front runner as a cause of chronic back pain.
(long hours sitting on chairs in the wrong posture eg- as you may be sitting
watching this screen, watching TV slumped in the couch)
Undetermined Cause: A whole variety of conditions called as lumbago, in
which sprains in the muscles of the back is held to responsible.
Gynae Problems: Chronic Infection, Pregnancy
What you can do?
Maintaining a proper posture is of utmost importance. As a rule whenever you
get reminded of your back, try and sit with your back straight.
Using Right Furniture: Using hard beds, firm mattresses, chairs of proper
height in relations to your desk, are very important.
Exercise: Even mild exercise to tone up the muscles of the back go a long
way in preventing backache. Though people suffering from slipped discs and
fractures should consult a physiotherapist for their exercise.
Stretch: A flexible back will go a long way toward protecting your back from
injury. It's important to remember, however, that stretch can be a
double-edged sword. A lot of people hurt their backs by stretching
improperly. If you already have back problems, you should see an expert who
can recommend stretches that are right for you. Swimming and yoga are the
back exercises because they stretch that are right for you. Each day try to
sit a little less and stand a little more. It really is that simple. To
reduce the load on your back, all you need to do is take small breaks every
once in a while, about one or two minutes. Sitting in a good chair can go a
long way toward easing back woes. Make sure the chair has a lumbar support.
The chair's height should be alterable, allowing you to find a place where
you can sit with your arms level to your keyboard and your feet flat on the
floor.
Ice and heat can provide excellent relief for backaches, but they can't be
used interchangeably. Ice decreases swelling and inflammation, and increases
blood flow to the injured area. Apply ice wrapped in a towel as often as you
can for at least 30 minutes each time in the immediate days after injury.
After a few days, go for a mix of ice and heat - 30 minutes of ice, then 30
minutes of heat.
Virtually any over-the-counter analgesic can help ease back pain. Best are
the anti-inflammatories, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Don't take painkillers
on your own long term. They may mask the root cause of your backache plus
bring on side effects like acidity, Renal impairment.
When to see your doctor:
- Acute Severe Backache: Backache which has started suddenly & is severe
enough to prevent you from work.
- Backache with associated pain in legs weakness and tingling in the leg or
back.
If painkillers and other therapies don't make any noticeable difference, and
you're getting worse and the backache is hampering day-to-day activities,
then you have to see a professional.