Back Pain Relief Woodstock

Back pain is one of the most common physical ailments. Studies show that eight in 10 Americans have back pain at some point in their lives, usually in the lower back. Treatments for back pain relief Woodstock range from simple to complex, and the right course for you depends on the severity of your pain, how long you have been hurting, the location of your pain, and whether your pain is structural or muscular.

You might have sprained while working in the yard or cleaning the house. Or your back might hurt from an old sports injury or a chronic condition such as arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Whether brought on by arthritis, bending the wrong way, nerve damage or lifting something a little too heavy, back pain can be frustrating to deal with.

If you are struggling, know that you are not alone because most people experience back pain at some point in their lives. That is why it is one of the most common reasons people book doctor’s appointments and call out of work. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Fortunately, you can take some measures to prevent or gain Back Pain Relief Woodstock. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics often will heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.

Symptoms

Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation. In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, lifting, twisting, walking, or standing.

When to See A Doctor

Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. See a doctor if your back pain:

Persists past a few weeks
Is severe and does not improve with rest
Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee

In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate medical attention and Back Pain Relief Woodstock if your back pain:

Is accompanied by a fever
Causes new bowel or bladder problems
Follows a fall, blow to your back, or any other injury

Causes

Back pain often develops without a cause that your doctor can identify with a test or an imaging study. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:

Bulging or ruptured disks – The soft material inside a disk can rupture or bulge and press on a nerve. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. However, you can have a ruptured or bulging disk without back pain. Disk disease is often found incidentally when you have spine X-rays for some other reason.
Muscle or ligament strain – A sudden awkward movement or repeated heavy lifting can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you are in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Arthritis – Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis, and therefore, you will require immediate back pain relief Woodstock.
Osteoporosis – If your bones become porous and brittle, your spine’s vertebrae can develop painful fractures.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors might put you at greater risk of developing back pain:

Age – Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40.
Excess weight – Excess body weight puts extra stress on your back.
Lack of exercise – Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might cause back pain.
Improper lifting – Using your back instead of your legs can cause back pain.
Diseases – Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.
Smoking – Smokers are much more likely to develop back pain than non-smokers. Coughing due to heavy smoking can also lead to increased intra-abdominal pressures, leading to herniated disks which may further add to the back pain. Smoking can also decrease the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the spine, discs, and joints, and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Psychological conditions – People who are prone to anxiety and depression appear to have a greater risk of back pain.

Prevention

You should improve your physical condition and learn and practice proper body mechanics to avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence.

To keep your back healthy and strong:

Maintain a healthy weight – If you are overweight, trimming it down can prevent back pain. Being overweight strains back muscles.
Build muscle strength and flexibility – Abdominal and back muscle exercises strengthen your core and therefore, help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back.
Exercise – Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that do not jolt or strain your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back, allowing your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities you can try.
Quit smoking – Smoking increases your risk of low back pain. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so quitting will help reduce this risk.

Avoid movements that strain or twist your back. Use your body properly:

Stand smart – Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. Don’t slouch. If you must stand for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back. Also, alternate feet.
Sit smart – Choose a seat with a swivel base, armrests, and good lower back support. Placing a rolled towel or pillow in the small of your back can help maintain its normal curve. Keep your hips and knees level. Change your position frequently, at least every half-hour.
Lift smart – If possible, avoid heavy lifting but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight — no twisting — and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. If the object is heavy or awkward, find a lifting partner.