If prolonged back pain is keeping you up at night with no signs of improvement, it’s time to see a specialist.
Back pain that lasts more than 3 months ischronic. Sudden back pain lasting more than 72 hoursshould be examined by a physician, particularly if you strained it by heavy lifting, an accident or a fall.
Don’t try to self-diagnose the cause of your back pain. X-rays, and in some cases an MRI scan, are necessary to determinethe source of your pain.
Why does my back ache?
There could be many reasons. Back pain is sometimes the result of a curvature of the spine (scoliosis); a pinched nerve (often causing sciatica); slipped vertebrae (herniated disc); a heavy chest, or tension due to stress.
How can I manage or cure muscle tension in my back?
- Take notice of your posture at work. Pressure points can create tension in the shoulders, and mid to lower back.
- Learn to relax using soothing music, meditation, yoga or Pilates.
- Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods of time and stretchfrequently.
- Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve flexibility and relax muscles. Health professionals likekinesiologistsand physiotherapists can show you the right exercises to do at home.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs sold in pharmacies are a temporary but effective treatment to ease tension and muscle pain.
How can I relieve chronic pain?
Overall, back pain is one of the lead causes of employee absenteeism from work. Constant discomfortcan bealmost intolerable and if it affects your ability to earn a living, then itmust betaken seriously.
- Traditional medicine will help relieve pain. Depending on the pain's intensity, your doctor may prescribe a range of analgesics and morphine derivatives. In some cases, steroid injectionsarerecommended.
- Clinics specialized in treating dorsal andlumbarpain offer treatments including lumbar traction and inversion therapy etc.
- Physical therapy and alternative medicine approach pain a little differently. The focus is primarily on treating the underlying cause of the pain, not the symptoms. Chiropractics, osteopathy, orthotherapy, physiotherapy and massage therapy offer methods which improve movement of the body and its many components. Regardless of how deeply rooted the pain is, whether the painis causedby external,congenital,or skeletal problems; alternative medicine will unblock the underlying source of your discomfort.
