Back Pain: 5 Things You Should Know
We’ve all been there: You bend over to pick something up feel that unmistakable twinge. You’ve thrown your back out. Back pain affects 70 to 85 percent of us at some point during our lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
Because this malady is such a fact of life, it’s important to know what causes it — and when it’s serious enough to see a doctor. Here are five things you should know about back pain.
Take it easy
Most of the time, back pain goes away on its own, especially if you can pinpoint its origin (a sudden, awkward movement, heavy lifting or a strained ligament). Adhering to a regular schedule of over-the-counter pain reliever is a good first step. Some bed rest can help, but more than two days does more harm than good. It’s important to get moving.
See a doctor
If you don’t see improvement within 72 hours, call your doctor. Back pain can be a symptom of serious conditions, including ruptured discs, sciatica or arthritis. In addition to the 72-hour guideline, the Mayo Clinic also recommends that you see your doctor if your back pain:
- Is constant or intense
- Spreads down one or both legs
- Causes numbness or tingling
- Causes new bowel or bladder issues
- Is associated with abdominal pain or fever
- Follows a fall, blow to your back or injury
- Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Stress
Stress manifests itself physically, so it’s important to develop healthy coping skills. WebMD.com recommends such stress reduction techniques as writing in a journal, participating in hobbies and developing a regular exercise routine. You also probably deserve a massage.
Ergonomics
If you experience chronic back pain, it’s time to examine your office setup and your sleeping environment. Does your desk chair support your lower back? The Occupational Safety & Health Administration offers tips for setting up a healthy work station at www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html. And don’t forget to consider your sleeping habits; the Mayo Clinic recommends sleeping positions that prevent back pain in this slideshow: www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleeping-positions/LB00003_D. You might want to place a pillow underneath or between your knees.
Prevention
By staying active, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and managing your stress, you can prevent many cases of back pain. Also, make sure to sleep on a mattress of medium firmness and to follow proper lifting techniques. Use your legs, not your back.
By giving yourself the care you deserve, you can avoid back pain and keep moving, living a full, active life.
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In: On The Job Advice · Tagged with: American Chiropractic Association, Bed Rest, Chronic Back Pain, Coping Skills, Desk Chair, Etools, Exercise Routine, Fact Of Life, Heavy Lifting, Mayo Clinic, Pain Reliever, Ruptured Discs, Sciatica, Sleepin, Sltc, Strained Ligament, Stress Manifests, Stress Reduction Techniques, Time Back, Unexplained Weight Loss
