What Are The Most Common Causes Of Back Pain?
What triggered your back pain? There is one thing most back pain sufferers have in common – they don't know what triggered their back pain. Both upper and lower back pain is now so common we often ignore early warning signs.
We have forgotten to listen to our bodies. In addition to that, we don't look after our backs as much as we should. The focus is very much on cardiovascular medicine and mental health. However, looking after your back and getting back pain help is just as important.
What Triggers Back Pain?
Back pain has a wide variety of triggers. The most common trigger of back pain is a sedentary lifestyle. When you visit your local GP complaining about back pain, the first thing your GP will do is to ask a series of questions.
Most importantly it is crucial to establish if you have an active lifestyle or less than an active lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle is more like to trigger back pain.
As you sit, the spine is compressed. This will almost certainly at some point lead to lower back pain. In fact, the most common form of back pain is lower pain which is associated with sitting in front of a screen.
Unfortunately, most of us also sit slightly leaning forward when we sit in a chair looking at our computer. This makes the situation even worse as it puts even more strain on our backs and spines.
How To Deal With Back Pain
For most of us, avoiding screen time is not an option. Homeworkers as well as office-based staff are both at risk of back pain as almost all jobs require us to spend extended periods of time in front of a screen.
However, that does not mean your job needs to lead back problems. There are numerous remedies and self-help steps you can take to avoid the problem.
A Mini Guide To Lowering The Risk Of Back Pain
Lowering the risk of back pain associated with work is easier than you think. But, first of all, you need to acknowledge there is no one solution to the problem. Putting a range of measures into place will decrease your risk of work-related back pain.
- A back support – using the right kind of back support can help to reduce the risk.
- Invest in a standing desk – these types of desks are becoming more popular and you can buy them online.
- Exercise for your back – stand up at least once an hour and do some easy exercise. Tai-chi can help to ease the pressure on your lower back.
- Wear a heated back support when you come home from work.
Health Benefits Of A Heated Back Support
Heated back supports are something we should turn to more often. You may not necessarily want to wear them during the day. But, when you come home from work, they should be your go-to home remedy for back pain.
They work by reducing inflammation in the muscles of the back, and at the same time, they help to relax the tendons. When you put the two together, a heated support is effective in reducing the inflammation caused by long periods of sitting still.
Of course, if you do have a specific problem, you can use them throughout the day and night as well. There is a variety of different kinds and it is a matter of choosing the one which is right for your own personal needs.
Exercising For Lower Back Pain
Companies providing their employees with exercise classes such as yoga, pilates and tai-chi often see a reduction in staff taken time off with back problems. All three disciplines are associated with a reduced incidence of health problems including back pain.
Yoga is perhaps the most well-known form of exercise and the one you can practice safely at home. It helps to stretch muscles and re-align the spine. At first, some of the moments may feel a bit unnatural, but you will soon become used to both breathing and holding certain poses to help to reduce your back pain.
Pilates, although increasingly popular, is slightly more “technical” and is best practiced in a class environment. If you suffer from severe back pain, Pilates is a great alternative therapy and you should consider taking one-to-one sessions with a qualified instructor.
Tai-chi, along with yoga, is one of the most ancient forms of movement. It is often thought of as an energy healing system and can help to improve your overall quality of life.
Alternative Natural Remedies For Back Pain
Although a back support is essential to treat your back pain, there is no reason why you should not explore alternative methods.
Osteopathy For Posture Problems
Physical injury and poor posture can affect the musculo-skeletal system This is one of the reasons back pain supports work so well. But, in conjunction with your support, you may want to try osteopathy.
This holistic approach was developed in the late part of the 19th century. It is now well-established alongside conventional treatments and is one of the most respected alternative therapies.
Chiropractic Treatments
Chiropractic treatments were developed by David D. Palmer and is a great tool to use to diagnose and treat disorders of the spine, joints and muscles. Practitioners follow a system which leads to improved “harmony” in the body.
Most doctors now firmly believe chiropractic treatments have a role to play when it comes to dealing with back pain, headaches and injuries.
Massage And Back Pain
Massage has been used in many different forms for thousands of years. As a therapy, it is used to maintain and improve good health including skeletal and muscle condition. It is incorporated in many health systems including chiropractic and osteopathic treatments.
Massage is, perhaps, the first alternative remedy you should turn to when you find yourself suffering from a problem with back pain.
Along with using a back support, there is no reason why you should not a complementary therapy to help you to combat your lower back pain and help to improve your general health.
Brought to you by Your Back Pain Relief
