Back pain is one of the prominent causes of missing work or needing medical attention. Back pain is a significant contributor to disability in New Zealand and globally.
It can feel either dull and persistent or sudden and acute. Back pain might feel like shooting, searing, or stabbing pain in the muscles. Additionally, the pain may travel down a leg. Your range of motion may be restricted, and occasionally the pain may migrate to your buttocks.
It can get worse with bending, standing, or walking. It can sometimes appear quickly due to an accident, a fall, or carrying something heavy, or it might occur gradually due to the spine’s aging-related progressive degeneration. Inflammatory diseases or other medical illnesses can occasionally bring on back pain.
Although back pain is rarely life-threatening and hardly necessitates surgery, it is always best to get immediate medical attention if it does occur. As with any condition, prevention is always preferable to treatment.
Back pain can be acute or chronic, based on how long it lasts. Acute back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks, whereas chronic back pain can last up to many months. We can also have upper back pain, middle back pain, or low back pain, depending on where in the back the pain originates. Depending on where the pain is, back pain symptoms can change.
The causes of back pain can vary. It might include injury, muscle strain, stress, or spasms. Mechanical or structural problems, such as aberrant spine curvature, ruptured or bulging discs, and so on may also be to blame.
An extended period spent in poor postures might also result in back pain. Back discomfort can be predisposed by several risk factors, here are ten factors that can contribute to back pain:
Poor sleeping habits
Getting a restful night’s sleep might be challenging when one experiences back pain. It is a two-way street, though, as insomnia can cause back pain.
Poor sleep can also exacerbate or prolong back pain, just as it can increase stress, induce headaches, make us weary, or make us feel depressed.
Therefore, adjusting your sleeping habits and purchasing the best memory foam mattress to improve your sleep can be highly beneficial in preventing and reducing back pain.
Extreme Stress
The level of pain we experience can vary depending on how we feel. Changes in life stress, attitude, or anxiety levels might cause back pain. As a result, controlling our mood and anxiety levels via relaxing and doing things we enjoy can be incredibly helpful in treating back pain.
Back discomfort appears more common among people prone to despair and anxiety. Backaches may result from muscle strain brought on by stress.
Occupational Activities
People who work hard at repetitive, menial tasks are frequently prone to back pain. Sitting at a desk all day, slumped over a computer, is a sedentary profession that increases the risk of developing back pain.
People who are homeless and have to sleep on the roadside also have the risk of developing back pain.
Older Age
Back pain can affect everyone, even kids and teenagers, but the elderly are more likely to experience it.
Additionally, certain disorders like osteoporosis can manifest and cause fractures as people age. Age-related increases in spinal problems are another factor that might cause back discomfort.
Pregnancy
Lower back pain might result from pelvic changes and pregnancy weight gain. The problem does not usually go away after giving delivery.
Fitness levels and Obesity
People who are out of shape are more likely to experience back pain. The spine is unable to provide support due to weak abdominal muscles. Back pain and aches might be brought on by excess weight and obesity.
Bad Posture
Constantly assuming bad postures when standing, sitting or sleeping is a risk factor that can contribute to having back pain
Smoking
Back pain among smokers is more common, which might happen because smoking makes you cough, and severe coughing might result in back aches.
Poor lifting
Back pain might also result from lifting weights using your back rather than your legs.
Heredity
Hereditary problems are challenging to overcome. Genetics may play a role in several back pain conditions.
Management of back pain
Back pain can be managed via the following ways:
Maintain Good Posture
Hunching is harmful, and incorrect posture can exacerbate back pain, especially if you sit for extended periods.
Avoid leaning back over the keyboard. Try to maintain a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and a body supported by the chair’s back. Maintain a flat foot position.
Sleep Better
Sleeping might be challenging when you have back discomfort. When you don’t get enough sleep, your back pain could feel worse, which can create a vicious spiral.
Additionally, a wrong sleeping position might make back pain worse. Consider shifting to your side. Keeping your spine in a stable position will help reduce back pain. Put a pillow between your legs if you must sleep on your back. Be sure to sleep on a comfortably firm mattress.
Physiotherapy
Your spine will remain in perfect alignment and experience less back pain if you learn how to sit, stand, and move. Physiotherapists can teach you these techniques.
Additionally, they can show you specific workouts that can help you build stronger back muscles. You can also lessen your discomfort by applying heat or ice, taking prescribed painkillers, exercising, or receiving massage therapy.
Wrapping Up
Back pain represents a significant healthcare burden, and generally, prevention is better than cure, but if it does occur, it is best to seek medical attention.
