FAQ and Answers for Back pain

1. What is back pain?
Back pain is the pain of the back, usually the lower back, as the muscles of the back become weak and tender. It indicates strain of the back muscles.

It is caused by degenerative changes, injury, swelling or rarely, cancer and age-related changes. Some triggering events like carrying heavy weight and lifting from an awkward position cause back pain. Old age and overexertion of the back muscles, which directly injures the back bring about degenerative changes in the bones of the vertebral column.

 

The pain usually lasts for a few weeks. Recurrences are common and require rest, medicines and physiotherapy.

 

In most cases, a doctor’s consultation is not necessary, especially if the pain is less as it usually subsides without treatment or with some mild analgesics. It is important to consult the doctor if the person has pain along with any of the following problems:

 The above symptoms could signal a serious problem that requires immediate treatment soon.

5. What is the treatment?
Pain relief medicines, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol reduce swelling. Local application of heat by a hot water bottle or heating pad helps to relieve pain. Physiotherapy in the form of diathermy or ultrasound may help in pain relief.

Complete bed rest is not required. Exercise and exertion must be avoided until recovery. The sleeping position should be comfortable. The mattress or bedding should provide a firm support.

 

Abdominal exercises, sit-ups, leg raises, flattening the back and tucking the legs to the chest strengthen the muscles and prevent back pain. These exercises should be avoided during active back pain, but the stretching exercises can be continued.

It is one of our society’s most common medical problems. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people are affected by this problem.

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Do and don'ts to avoid back pain 

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 05, 2011