Pain Relief

Back pain has become prevalent in the United States and in some parts of the globe, affecting an approximated eighty percent of Americans at some point in their lives. Back pain can come in several forms and can range from mild to severe. Common back pain includes lower back pain, middle back pain and upper back pain to lower back pain with sciatica.

If you are suffering from these kinds of pain, now is the time to ask for a medical attention. However, if you think you can still get away with the pain, and then try these techniques on how to relieve common back pain. The common treatments are very convenient and inexpensive. You need not to go out and check in to a spa, to enjoy invigorating remedy for your aching back.

Proper posture is the key. Position yourself with your body held upright against the gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body in proper alignment where the least strain is exerted. It does not only contribute to a good appearance, but it also decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.

In case of rheumatoid arthritis or related symptoms, you can use cold packs to ease the pain. Gently touch the affected with the cold pack or leave it for at least twenty minutes. Just make sure that you can stand the cold. However, it can easily reduce your back pain caused by muscle spasms or inflammation.

The whole day has been stressful, a hot bath is recommended at least two hours before bedtime. However, never soak your body for more than fifteen minutes. Aside from washing away stress, hot bath also helps reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Science has proven that it can help relieve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as well as other condition such as blood circulation.

Tight muscles, on the other hand, are best relieved by a full body massage. You can ask your family members if they are willing to give you a hand, guiding him or her to gently rub the affected area. Otherwise, try to refer on a professional massage therapists near you, which offer affordable treatment. During a full body massage, movements are combined to work superficially and then deeper into the body’s tissues, producing wonderful benefits that positively affect every aspect of the body. It helps relieve muscular tension by increasing oxygen flow and the circulation of blood throughout the body.

Lastly, always relax your back if you started to feel your muscles becoming tensed. Relaxation promotes wellness, since the muscles can rest from overexertion. Walk around in intervals if you have a job that requires you to sit for long hours. Try doing these remedies at home or at work. Always exercise proper body positioning. In case these techniques fail, then that’s the time to seek for medical advice.

Labels: Back pain , treatment for back pains

Come to think of it? On your way home, you see a 12- or 14-year old child running around with a large belly sticking out of an almost fitted large shirt. You laugh for awhile, until a sudden pain occurred near your spine and you ache to lie in your nice slouching sofa. You imagined laying your back flat while watching your favorite football team and eating Hawaiian delight pizza. You cut your thoughts and realize you are suffering the same trauma. Back pain and obesity are two worst conditions that anyone can experience.

Obesity has become more and more prevalent because of changes in the holistic standard of living. Now that everything comes very handy and fast-paced, people tend to choose an easy and sedentary way of life. For instance, an employee with a pile of task to do may rather call for a fast-food delivery such as burger and soda, or pizza perhaps instead of going out of his office and take a minute of walk to search for a nice place to spend a short meal for lunch. Mothers that are trying to cut their budget may rather buy corn chips or chocolate cupcakes to fill her children’s lunchbox instead of a healthy vegetable sandwich.

If someone is overweight or obese, this person is surely grappling with back pain, a very common problem for heavy people. Carrying an extra weight can increase the risk for developing several back disorders. As quoted by a clinical chiropractor and founder of Palladian Health, he said that extra weight tend to add more pressure on the spine, which can eventually cause pain. A rise in body weight results in a geometric increase in the pressure on the spine. Obese people add greater risks of injury to their spine. An expert said that this is due to degenerative changes in the vertebral column. The pressure increases the risk of developing herniated disk, degenerative disk disease and the most common – back strain.

On the other hand, back injuries can also lead to obesity. For instance, pain slows someone’s movement, as well as emotional responses to produce symbolism messages, which can alter dramatically. A person can feel helpless and may continue life laying his back, pitying his condition and failing to see how he can relieve his pain. Inactive muscles lead to obesity.

Exercise is the key that opens the door for healthy spines and closes the door to obesity. Stop fat in its track by working those muscles. Set your goals, start at a very light exercises such as crunches and breeze walking. Once you lose weight, you will notice a change in your spine that can eventually reduce back pain. Dance aerobics to help you burn fat quickly. Moreover, it will help strengthens your muscles and spinal column. The health advantage increases the chain reactions natural flow.

Labels: Back pain , obesity

I will discuss different things associated with back pain such as stretching, fractures, shoes, and injuries on my next ten posts, to give you a better understanding of what causes and what cures back pain. For this post, I will tackle back pain and stretching.



Stretching your back promotes healthy joints, connective tissues, muscles, bones, and more. It also greatly reduces back pains. When you do stretching, your muscles expand and thereby straighten out. Most of the stretches require lying down or resting your back on something solid. However, there are some things you must avoid when doing your stretching workouts. Otherwise, you may do damage to your tissues, ligaments, muscles or tendons.

You must avoid abrupt movements while putting pressure and stress on your back. You must also stay away from strenuous exercises if your are experiencing severe back pain or just recently suffered an injury. It is important to consult your doctor if you plan to do some extreme exercises.

To treat back pain you may do the following stretching exercises.

When stretching your back, begin by standing erect. Then, join your hands behind your back, and grip each other tightly. Stay this way for ten counts. Next, raise your hands up and extend them as far as you can reach. After five counts, lower your hands and relax going back to your starting position. You may repeat this exercise for ten to fifteen times.

Another stretching workout is by lying down and doing some stretching. While lying down, raise your hands over your head and reach as far as you can. While doing this, stretch out your feet as far as you can, too. Stay in that position for five to ten seconds, and then slowly return to your starting position. Repeat this exercise for ten to fifteen times or until you feel your back relaxes.

To avoid or to treat mild back pains, you can do this exercise. Avoid doing this if the pain is too much. Lie down on the floor or a mat. Keep your hand flat on the floor to support your body as you slowly lift your waist. While in that position, lift your chin and your head. Slowly return to your original position.

Labels: Back pain , stretching , treatment for back pains

Nine out of ten Americans are having difficulty with back pains. This ailment is one of the most common medical concerns not only of Americans but also of people around the world.

Back pain is only a symptom of another physical condition, usually injuries to the bones, nerves, or muscles of the spine. Irregularities on organs in the abdomen, chest, and pelvis also cause back pains. Painful conditions on these organs can cause back pain, commonly known as referred pain. Hepatitis and cirrhosis, infections on the pelvic bones, disorders on the ovary, inflammation of the appendix, among others may also cause referred pains.

Back pain commonly starts from the lower back area. The pain then spreads to the back and the back of legs. When nothing is done, the pain spreads to the front or sides of the legs. The pain will be great at night and after the patient stood or sat for too long. Some parts of their legs will also experience numbness.

Minor back pain can be treated at home. The patient can lie down and place a pillow under his knees. He must also rest from strenuous exercises that affect the back. He can also take non-prescription drug for pain relief.

Moderate to severe back pains need a doctor’s attention. The doctor will prescribe a stronger medication to ease the pain. Among these medications are non-steroidal inflammatory drugs, oral steroids, COX-2 inhibitors, and muscle relaxants.

Severe back pains may need surgery. This option is only for those who experience severe problems on nerves caused by herniated discs.

Sometime, natural therapies are enough to address the back pain problems in individuals. This option includes chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, and exercises. These natural treatments are effective against back pains.

Back pains can be prevented through constant and proper workouts. When lifting heavy objects, you must use support belts. You must also sit erect. Also, avoid mattresses that are too hard or too soft.

Labels: Back pain , causes of back pain , lower back pain , treatment for back pains