Back pain and solutions to ease it

Back pain can be a symptom of several different conditions or illness. The leading cause of the pain could be the back itself or a problem in another body part altogether. Doctors can find the cause, and when they do, common explanations are injury or stress involving the back muscles, degenerative arthritis, injury or disease involving the backbones and injury or disease involving the spinal nerves. Other rarer causes are the infection, spinal tumor, inflammatory arthritis, or cancer that has spread to the spine from another part of the body.

Common causes of back pain

Back pain can be caused by a number of issues. At times, it comes without any warning, and one cannot tell the reason. When it strikes, performing normal daily activities becomes a problem. So, what could be the cause? Some causes include but not limited to:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament sprains
• Bulging or herniated spinal discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis
• Bone weakening disease
• Fibromyalgia

Symptoms of back pain

Common signs and symptoms of back pain can be:

• Stabbing or shooting pain
• Worse pain when you bend, stand, lift something or just walk
• Muscle ache
• Fever
• Pain down the legs
• Numbness around the genitals and anus
• Swelling and inflammation on the back
• Blow, trauma or a recent injury at the back

When to seek medical attention

Sometimes, back pain may go on its own or after some rest. Using some of the best recliners for back pain may also help. However, you should consider seeking medical help if you experience any form of numbness, tingling or your back:

• Is not improving even after taking a rest
• Having a fall or any other kind of injury
• Numbness in the legs
• Feeling weak
• Unexplained weight loss

Back pain diagnosis

The first thing your doctor would want to know is the symptoms you are experiencing and also your medical history. The doctor will also examine your spine and the muscles. You may be moved in certain ways, with the aim of checking the pain, weakness, stiffness, abnormal reflexes, numbness, or muscle tenderness.

The doctor may be able to gather enough information to diagnose the problem from your symptoms and the physical examination. You may not even need additional tests if your doctor discovers that your back pain is caused by issues such as pregnancy, muscle strain, obesity. However, if your doctor suspects a more serious problem, some more tests may be conducted to discover the cause. This normally happens if your back pain has lasted for more than 12 weeks. Furthermore, if your doctor suspects that the problem is involving your spinal nerves or vertebrae, the following tests may be conducted:

• Blood test
• Urine tests
• X-rays of your back
• Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Electromyography or nerve conduction studies ( to rule out the possibility of nerves, muscles or both being injured)
• Bone scan (to people with a history of cancer)

Possible solutions to ease back pains

Exercises

Certain forms of workouts are normally the best solutions to back pain. Did you know that walking is a form of exercise? Well, it is, and it can be very helpful. It is the easiest way to get out of the sitting posture to an upright position. So long as you move in moderation, and avoid strenuous activities, you are good. Make sure you avoid the motion that is causing the pain in the first place.

Good posture

Even when you are having back pains, it is important to maintain a good posture. For instance, a long workout at the gym may have triggered the pain, but the strain could have been due to a possible buildup over the years. The little things you do have a lot of impact in the coming years. You should avoid having a poor posture when walking, sitting, sleeping, or any other activity you do. Get the right recliner chair and other essential items to help you maintain a good posture on the Sweet Living Room’s blog. They have most of the items you would need to live a comfortable and healthy life.

Limit bed rest

According to studies, people who experience short-term back pain and rest end up having more pain as compared to those who stay active. They are not even able to their usual daily tasks. If you can, avoid more than three days of bed rest, it may do you more harm than good. Whenever possible, stay active.

Book an appointment with a specialist

There is not a specific back pain solution to everyone. While there are people who will benefit more from improving flexibility and stretches, someone else will be better off with more core strengthening. Instead of try and error, why don’t you find an exercise physiologist, physical therapist, or a chiropractor specializing in back care? They are in a better position to match you with the right exercise plan.

Strengthen your core

Stronger abdominal muscles are very beneficial to people experiencing chronic back pain. The most impressive thing about strengthening your core is that the strain on the lower back will be reduced. As a result, back pain will be kept at bay.

Improve flexibility

Sometimes, back pain may be caused by too much tension and tightness. Put an equal load to the whole body right from the feet up to the head. One of the best exercises is to sit on the edge of your bed, extend one leg, and leave the other leg on the floor. Keep your back in a neutral position and lean forward. It is a nice way to give your hamstrings a stretch.

Right sleeping posture

Learn to sleep the right way. Resting is very good for your body. But to get maximum results, you should do it in the right position. Sleeping on a mattress without support or in a bad posture will only increase your back pain.

Quit smoking

Smoking won’t only harm your lungs. It can also contribute to back pain. If you are already experiencing back pains, forget about lighting up. It could be the solution you are seeking for your back problems.