LOW BACK PAIN
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Pain in the back usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. It can sometimes be experienced as a stabbing or a burning sensation, occurring constantly or intermittently. It may stay in one place or migrate to other areas. Acute back pain that suddenly turns up usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. In some cases it may subside on its own. But if it lasts for more than three months, it definitely is a matter to be worried about.
Conditions commonly linked to back pain include-
! Bulging or ruptured disks (PLID)
! Diseases such as Arthritis or Osteoporosis
! Skeletal irregularities
! Regular stress during journey (rickshaw)
! Muscle pull or ligament strain from injuries
! Symptoms that are commonly felt-
! Muscle ache
! Shooting or stabbing pain
! Pain that radiates down to your hips , on or both thighs and legs
! Limits flexibility or range of motion of the back
Contact a doctor if-
! Spreads down one or both hips, back of thighs and legs
! Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you are resting
! Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
! Swelling or redness on your back
! Pain is Interfering your daily life style
If you start having back pain for the first time after age of 50, or if you have a history of cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, steroid use, drug or alcohol abuse then it's a must to consult a physician.
Who are more prone to Back Pain-
Anyone is at risk to develop back pain, even teens and children. But it is usually noticed in obese people or those who lead a sedentary life style. People with psychological issues such as excessive stress, depression and anxiety disorders also develop back pain. In some instances improper lifting, standing, sitting or sleeping are also responsible for back pain.
Diagnostic tests
Depending on the history, most back pain patients won't require any tests to be done. But if there is reason to suspect a specific condition, doctors may order tests such as X-ray, MRI or bone scans.
Treatment
Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Mild pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse. Continue your daily activities as much as you can, but with care. A light activity, such as walking and daily activities is usually fine. But, if an activity increases you pain, stop doing that.
Prevention
! Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. Hence trim down to avoid back pain, as well as thousands of other diseases.
! Exercise: Best prevention for back pain is regular low-impact aerobic activities that don't strain or nudge your back. Exercises such as walking and swimming show wonderful results.
! Build muscle strength and flexibility: The core muscles, such as abdominal and back muscle are needed to be strong. These muscle work together as a natural corset for your back, Hence, core building is a natural process to prevent back ache.
! Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for a long period of time, you can place your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load away from your lower back. Avoid leaning for a long time.
! Seats should be chosen with good lower back support and arm rests. Keep your knees and hips level while sitting. Change your position frequently, at least every half an hour. Learn some stretches, while you work at your desk, and do them in breaks.
! Let your legs do the work while lifting objects. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously.
! While sleeping, avoid a straight lying posture. Try leaning on sides or use a pillow below the knees.
! At the initial phases of developing back pain, a lumber corset can be used from time to time to avoid pain getting worse.
! Avoid painkillers, as their long term use can harm your kidneys. Rather, try natural remedies such as warm therapy, or a simple massage with Clofenac gels.
The writer is a Research Physician of CCAH, International centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr'b)
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