BACK PAIN
Is there a CURE?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people have back pain at least once. The numbers are near epidemic.
If you hurt your back you will more than likely hear your doctor say go home, stay off your feet, do not pick up anything heavier than a pencil, put an ice pack on your back for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times a day, keep it rubbed down with ICY HOT all for only 2 weeks. Yea Right!! Believe it or not it is a good temporary fix – worked for me. Great feeling to wake up one morning and all of the pain is gone. However it happened again and again. My last incident felt like a knife was stuck in my right leg. My back never hurt, only my right leg. This time I went to a SPORTS Doctor. It was a nerve in my lower back pinched. He had me perform specific exercises to build the muscles in my back to lift the bones off of the nerve. My doctor had me lay on my back and simply work my legs up and down as high as possible 2 times a day. WOW!! It worked.
You can avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics to keep your back healthy and strong.
Exercise – Regular low impact activities. Walking or swimming is a good choice.
Build muscle strength and flexibility – This works: Back muscle exercises. Those that provide flexibility in your hips and upper legs to align your pelvic bones.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles. If you’re overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
Remember to avoid movements that twist or strain your back.
- Stand smart. Don’t slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
- Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back can maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level. Change your position frequently, at least every half-hour.
- Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible, but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight — no twisting — and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward. It’s not worth being a show off.
Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain episodes. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics often will heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional.
More information