How to cure back pain

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Finding solutions to your back problems

Back pain is a real pain. If you have ever suffered from any form of back pain you know what a terribly debilitating and painful condition that it can be. Back pain comes in all shapes and sizes and can affect anyone. Causes, cures and treatment vary depending upon the severity and the diagnosis of the back pain.

What causes back pain?

Muscle strains in the lower back usually occur when lifting something heavy. When the actual strain occured might not be remembered but the pain could exist for quite awhile.

A ruptured disc can be caused by heaving lifting or repetitive movements. It can also be caused by deterioration due to age.

Discogenic back pain is when there is damage to the intervertabral disc, with disc herniation.

Lumber spine arthritis affects the joints in the spine. Pain will be felt when moving.

How is back pain diagnosed?

  • A doctor will ask you questions concerning where the pain is and how great it is.
  • The doctor will give a physical examination, looking at your reflexes, muscle strength, and any possible nerve damage.
  • Imaging, such as an MRI or x-rays, can be used but they are not always accurate when determining back pain

It is estimated that at least 80% of the population will have back pain at sometime in their life.

Medication for back pain

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever but doesn't reduce inflammation. Tylenol is the most common acetaminophen.

NSAIDS are drugs that do reduce inflammation that are frequently used by arthritis patients. Brand names of NSAIDS are advil, motrin, aleve and bayer.

Muscle relaxants depress the central nervous system. Brand names of muscle relaxants are Flexeril. Skelaxin and Robaxin.

What causes low back pain?

Low back pain is usually caused by lifting something heavy, bending over continously, or just straining your back. This is probably the most common type of back pain. This type of pain can be temporary or last a lifetime.

Lumbar Muscle Strain
Lumbar muscle strains occur when ligaments are torn. This is quite often the cause of lower back pain.

Upper Back Pain

Although it isn't as common as other forms of back pain, upper back pain can be just as painful. The causes of this type of back pain are usually injuries or poor posture. Physical therapy and back massages have been found to be very helpful in relieving upper back pain.

Physical Therapy can help with back pain

Stretching helps to get the muscles in your back loose. Also low impact aerobics strenghten the back without over exerting it.

Exercises, such as modified situps and rowing exercises, that work the back and the abdominal muscles are best for preventing back pain.

Walking is one of the best and easiest exercises to help the back

Spinal fusion back surgery

I have heard many different opinions on back surgery, but there is one comment that I always hear. Your back pain can be worse after your surgery. So, get at least 2 doctor's opinions before going under the knife.

One common type of back surgery is spinal fusion.Spinal fusion is surgical procedure to alleviate low back pain. Small pieces of bone are used to fill the space between two vertebrae. The surgery can last from 2 to 12 hours and you will be in the hospital for many days after the surgery.
This type of surgery is also used for discogenic pain.

Back pain and weight loss

If you are overweight and have back problems you should consider losing some of that weight. The extra pounds are a strain on the back muscles and the spine so do yourself a favor and watch what you eat.

Is a hard bed or a soft bed better for your back?

There have been studies done to try to find the answer to this question but they have been inconclusive. What do you think?

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Back problem news from google

Derrick Rose to see back specialist
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By Jay Greene Back pain is second only to headaches as the most common neurological problem in the United States, and it is one of the top reasons people visit a primary care physician or chiropractor. Chronic back pain, which includes the neck, ...
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?Back pain, often from arthritis or aging discs in the lower spine. Impact exercise including running, and using the back instead of leg muscles to lift heavy weights can contribute. Most can be treated with things like ice to curb swelling ...

Good posture helps prevent back pain

Riding in the car properly helps prevent back problems. Sit up straight and make sure the wheel is close enough to your body so you aren't reaching. A lumbar support might be helpful

Like riding in the car you should sit straight while working at a desk, once again a lumbar support would help, make sure your arms are supported also.

What is Lumbago?

Lumbago is a general term for lower back pain.

Alternative cures for back pain

  • Vitamin D has recently shown to be successful in fighting back and muscle pain. Most of the vitamin D that we get is from sun but there are also supplements. As always check with your doctor before taking them.
  • This is one that you probably would have never guessed and that is music therapy. The Japanese have found that the release of stress and anxiety from music will also help with back pain
  • Yoga really isn't a surprise as a treatment for back pain. Once again it is all about releasing stress and anxiety to help you deal with any pain. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to try yoga even if you don't have back pain.
  • Getting a good massage is a great way to work out the tightness in your muscles and who doesn't feel better after a good rubdown.
  • Hydrotherapy is like a good massage is loosens and relaxes the muscles. Check with your doctor about this one too.
Doris shares how fusion surgery can help your back pain!
by deukspineinstitute | video info

1 rating | 156 views
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Nerve Block

A local anesthetic is injected into the spine or nerve to block the nerve from sending a pain message to the brain. They can help pinpoint where the pain is or provide short term pain relief.

Chiropractors

Not everyone is enthused about going to a chiropractor. I have known people that have gone their entire life and wouldn't think of giving it up. I personally didn't have any success with them. But you shouldn't dismiss it as help for back pain.

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davidstillwagon

Hi, I'm David Stillwagon. I live in Atlanta with my wife and son. I blog on health and age issues.
I am originally from Uniontown Pa. I have lived in...
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