Back pain is a very common problem.
Whether you are young or old, physically active or not, most people suffer from it at least some of the time.
Is Your Back Hurting? • At least 10 to 20% of adults experience back pain at any given time.
• Back pain is generally not due to illness or injury.
You often recover naturally even without any medications.
• Back pain presents differently for different people.
Sometimes it comes on suddenly and is sharp in nature.
Other times, it is a dull, aching pain.
• If it lasts longer than 6 months, you are suffering from chronic back pain.
Most of the time, it can be managed at home.
However, there are times when it is important to see your doctor to check there are no medical problems that may be contributing to the pain.
Time to knock on the doctor's door when: • Severe pain lasting for more than 6 weeks.
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs.
• Pain shooting down your legs.
• Pain shooting down your neck & shoulders.
• Fever, loss of weight.
• Experienced fall or injury to your back.
• Difficulty passing or controlling urine.
I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your back.
Because your back serves to: 1.
Support the body.
Therefore, it must be solid.
2.
Allow movement.
Therefore, it should be flexible.
3.
Contribute to maintaining a stable center of gravity at rest and, especially, when in motion.
4.
Protect the spinal cord with a bony encasement.
it must be taken well care of to keep it in optimal condition.
How to Protect Your Back? • Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight, even an extra 5kg, can exert additional force on your back.
• Exercise regularly.
Do strengthening and stretching exercises to keep your back and tummy muscles strong and elastic, so that they can support your back.
• Beware of wardrobe offenders.
Stay away from high-heeled shoes, heavy briefcase and handbags as these throw your back out of balance.
• Maintain correct posture.
When standing, make sure you lift up your chest, tuck in your stomach and tilt your hips forward.
When working on your computer or driving long distances, do not slouch and use a cushion or rolled-up towel to support the small of your back.
(more on correct posture in another article) • Tension and stress reduces blood supply to your muscles, causing muscle spasm which can lead to back pain.
Massage can help to relieve neck and back pain caused by muscle spasm.
Whether you are young or old, physically active or not, most people suffer from it at least some of the time.
Is Your Back Hurting? • At least 10 to 20% of adults experience back pain at any given time.
• Back pain is generally not due to illness or injury.
You often recover naturally even without any medications.
• Back pain presents differently for different people.
Sometimes it comes on suddenly and is sharp in nature.
Other times, it is a dull, aching pain.
• If it lasts longer than 6 months, you are suffering from chronic back pain.
Most of the time, it can be managed at home.
However, there are times when it is important to see your doctor to check there are no medical problems that may be contributing to the pain.
Time to knock on the doctor's door when: • Severe pain lasting for more than 6 weeks.
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs.
• Pain shooting down your legs.
• Pain shooting down your neck & shoulders.
• Fever, loss of weight.
• Experienced fall or injury to your back.
• Difficulty passing or controlling urine.
I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your back.
Because your back serves to: 1.
Support the body.
Therefore, it must be solid.
2.
Allow movement.
Therefore, it should be flexible.
3.
Contribute to maintaining a stable center of gravity at rest and, especially, when in motion.
4.
Protect the spinal cord with a bony encasement.
it must be taken well care of to keep it in optimal condition.
How to Protect Your Back? • Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight, even an extra 5kg, can exert additional force on your back.
• Exercise regularly.
Do strengthening and stretching exercises to keep your back and tummy muscles strong and elastic, so that they can support your back.
• Beware of wardrobe offenders.
Stay away from high-heeled shoes, heavy briefcase and handbags as these throw your back out of balance.
• Maintain correct posture.
When standing, make sure you lift up your chest, tuck in your stomach and tilt your hips forward.
When working on your computer or driving long distances, do not slouch and use a cushion or rolled-up towel to support the small of your back.
(more on correct posture in another article) • Tension and stress reduces blood supply to your muscles, causing muscle spasm which can lead to back pain.
Massage can help to relieve neck and back pain caused by muscle spasm.
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