BACK PAIN CLINIC
If lower back (lumbar region) pain has ever stopped you from carrying out your responsibilities or doing what you want, you are not alone. Lower back pain is one of the most common medical conditions globally. It is one of the primary reasons why people visit a doctor since it is always affecting many adults at some point in their lives.
Studies by the Global Burden of Disease reveal that lower back pain is the primary cause of disability. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) seeks to find fundamental knowledge of the brain and nervous system and utilize it to minimize the burden of neurological diseases. Also, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases fund research on low back pain. Nonetheless, this article strives to expound more on the low back pain fact sheet.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Back pain can vary in intensity from a dull, persistent ache to a sudden, sharp, or shooting sensation. It can develop over time as you age or begin suddenly because of an accident or lifting heavy objects, the rigorous exercise followed by a strenuous workout can also result in back pain. Back pain can make it hard for you to move or stand straight. There are two types of lower back pain symptoms:
- Acute – short-term back pain that comes on suddenly. Acute back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. It may happen because of heavy lifting or during sports. Acute pain resolves on its own with proper self-care.
- Chronic back pain – pain that lasts more than 12 weeks, even after an underlying cause of acute low back pain or initial injury has been pain treated.
If pain persists, this does not imply that there is a serious underlying medical condition or one that can easily be recognized and treated.
If your pain does not reduce after 3 days, consult a doctor. Visit a health care expert any time you have severe pain after a fall or an injury. Similarly, if you have back pain with bladder control issues, fever, leg pain or weakness, or pain when peeing or coughing, you should consult a health care professional and let them provide medical advice that you can execute.
Dos and Don’ts with Lower Back Pain
Back pain varies from individual to individual. It may be something you endure constantly or something you struggle with after a very hectic weekend. However, the back pain individuals experience has similarities too. Back pain symptoms tend to show as you age. This is especially true if you have other uncontrollable risk factors. In most cases, back pain medications and lifestyle changes can ease your symptoms.
However, some simple mistakes can interrupt your low back pain relief when you have a bad back.
· Ignoring the pain
Sometimes, low back pain from an injury resolves itself without a doctor’s care. This often happens within a few weeks. So, when should you visit a health care professional for back pain? If the pain lasts longer, make an appointment. You could have a spinal cord condition that may worsen without treatment. Your health care provider can recommend the appropriate treatment plan to ease your symptoms. They may suggest internal medicine prescriptions or over-the-counter medications to manage or relieve pain. Additionally, they may suggest lifestyle changes and exercises that could help relieve chronic low back pain.
· Avoiding a diagnosis
Back pain may be caused by muscle strain or sciatica pain (something pressing the sciatic nerve), spina bifida (incomplete development of the spinal cord), sprains, traumatic injury, degenerative problems like intervertebral degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. Spinal nerve compression, ruptured or herniated disc(s), and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves), and smoking – restricts blood flow and oxygen to the discs. Any type of low back pain causes long-term discomfort. Nevertheless, if you have been in pain for more than 12 weeks, this is chronic pain and diagnosis is very crucial. Identifying the cause is crucial as it may be something treatable.
· Not taking enough breaks when sitting or standing for long periods
Sitting or standing for long hours without taking breaks can result in serious musculoskeletal injuries. The lumbar spine supports the upper body when standing or sitting. Hence, it is advisable to take enough breaks so as not to exert too much weight and pressure on the spine.
· Having poor posture
Poor posture puts additional strain on your back. If possible, take daily breaks. Shift your weight from one foot to the other. Rest one foot on a stool to reduce back strain. Take regular breaks when sitting too. Use a pillow for support around your bony lumbar spine. Sit up straight with your knees forming 90 degrees with your hips.
· Lifting heavy objects without properly warming up and stretching beforehand
You may experience acute pain if you try lifting something heavy without proper warmups or beforehand stretching. To properly lift something heavy, do not use your back muscles for the lifting. Do not bend at your waist. Keep your feet wide apart. Bend at the knees and lift the object using your core and leg muscles. While straightening up, do not twist.
· Doing excessive amounts of exercise that may cause more harm than good
The core muscles: stomach muscles, abdominal muscles, back muscles, and muscles around the pelvis are integral in managing back pain. Doing excessive amounts of exercise or strenuous activities can do more harm than good. The body cannot easily conform to too much in a particular period. Hence, you need to do small bits of exercises as you progress to enable your body to adjust to the new schedule. Also, you need to flawlessly control body movements to minimize stress.
If you experience intense pain, it is better to seek medical attention rather than embrace the mistakes above. A health care expert can conduct a physical examination such as an MRI or CT showing bony structures and soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, hence easily identify the cause of the pain and implement an effective solution for it.
Can a Chiropractor Fix my Lower Back Pain?
Chiropractors can also help in alleviating low back pain. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to pain management and relief. Here at Longview, LA, we have licensed chiropractic practitioners with many years of experience. They utilize advanced techniques and their prowess to treat low back pain. Chiropractic care is a better and more long-lasting treatment option as pain and other problems are usually maddened by some lifestyles or diet choices.
Lower Back Pain Treatment in Longview, WA
A plethora of complementary and integrative health techniques can be executed at Family Chiropractic Care to help relieve pain caused by falls or injuries:
All these can help reduce your stress levels which are known to cause muscle tension. So, why not contact the best health care practitioners at Longview, WA to have your pain treated? At Family Chiropractic Care, we have a licensed team who can help lessen the pain as well as increase your overall well being. Call us today and get to boost your health.