Causes of Back Pain and Tips to Overcome It
Are you sure that back pain is only experienced by the elderly? You are wrong. There are many people in their productive age or even children who have to deal with back pain. How come?
The causes range from injury to incorrect movement. Well, here are some things that can cause back pain.
Shocking Movement to Certain Medical Conditions
Many people experience back pain, at least once in their life. This back pain can occur in any part of your back. However, the most commonly affected area is the lower back. The reason is that the lower back supports most of our body weight.
Then, what about the causes of back pain? According to experts at the National Institutes of Health - MedlinePlus, a person can experience back pain after lifting moving objects or sudden movements (stomping). Besides, sitting in one position for a long time, an injury, or an accident can also cause back pain too.
Acute lower back pain is often caused by a sudden injury, precisely in the muscles and ligaments that support the back. In addition, there are also several other causes of back pain that must be watched out for. For example:
- Compression fractures to the spine due to osteoporosis.
- Cancer involving the spine.
- Spinal cord fracture.
- Muscle spasms (very tense muscles).
- A ruptured spinal disc.
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
- Curvature of the spine (such as scoliosis or kyphosis), which may be inherited and appear in childhood or adolescence.
In addition, lower back pain is also caused by:
- Leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Arthritis conditions, such as osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
- Spinal infections (osteomyelitis, discitis, and abscesses).
- Kidney infection or kidney stones.
- Problems related to pregnancy.
- Medical conditions that affect the female reproductive organs, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, or uterine fibroids.
- Pain around the back of the pelvis or the sacroiliac joint.
What about the causes of chronic back pain? This condition is generally caused by doing too many activities that burden the back, or lifting weights in the wrong position. Besides, sudden stomping movements can also trigger chronic back pain.
It should be noted that many people with chronic back pain also suffer from arthritis. They generally also have extra wear and tear on the spine which may be caused by:
- The use of back muscles that are too heavy and excessive in work or exercise.
- Injuries or fractures.
So, how do you fix it?
Tips to Overcome Back Pain
At least there are some efforts that we can do to deal with back pain. So, here are some things to consider.
Take Pain Reliever
Just like other ailments associated with back pain or pain, pain relievers can sometimes be the solution. For example, paracetamol which can relieve pain and is sold over the counter.
In addition, you can also take pain relievers prescribed by a doctor. Don’t forget to pay attention to the side effects of the drugs consumed. For example, stomach ulcer, impaired kidney function, or allergies.
Consider Physical Therapy
How to deal with back pain can also be through physical therapy. A physical therapist will teach us stretches to treat back pain. In addition, they will also teach us some exercises that can improve the balance of the body that may be the cause of back pain.
It is important to remember that a physical therapist may also accompany by other treatment techniques, such as ultrasonic therapy or electrical stimulation. However, these therapies are carried out depending on the cause and severity of your back pain.
Stay Active and Moving
Generally, people who suffer from back pain tend to lie down or rest until their pain subsides. In fact, staying active, or doing light activities can speed up healing time. For example, light exercise such as walking can actually help recover back pain. The thing to remember, avoid strenuous activities, especially those that can burden your back. You can really ask the doctor about light activities that are suitable to help speed up back pain recovery.
Pay attention to sleeping position
The sleeping position can also help us to overcome back pain. Certain sleeping positions can reduce pressure on the back. For example, if people with back pain are used to sleeping on their back, try placing a pillow under their knees.