Upper Back Pain Article

Don’t Contribute to Your Own Back Pain

Many people in the United States today suffer from back pain everyday, due to varying causes. Some of these people could avoid or prevent their back pain, if they would just change some of their habits, etc. Some back pain that you feel may be a sign that there is a problem somewhere in your body, such as your appendix, kidney troubles, ovarian problems, pelvic infections, or bladder infections. These are all fairly easy to fix, with a trip to your physician and a prescription.

Some people experience back pain thanks to their sciatic nerve, particularly women who are pregnant, or have had children. This type of pain radiates from your lumbar, or lower back, and down your leg. In some cases of sciatica, the problem is caused by a herniated disc in the back, which puts pressure on this nerve. It can also be caused by tumors, infections, bleeding, or other spinal injuries.

At one time, if you were diagnosed with sciatica, you were told to stay on bed rest for several days, or until the pain decreased. Most often now, your doctor will prescribe physical therapy, maybe some pain medication, an anti-inflammatory drug to lessen the swelling, and maybe even a muscle relaxant.

You can prevent back pain caused by sciatica by changing the way you do things, particularly things that involve your back. If you have to lift a heavy object, you should do so using the muscles in your legs, not your back. Try not to stay in the same position for a long length of time, if you work in an office, get up and move around every once in a while. Learn some exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles of your back, and do them regularly. When you sleep, avoid sleeping on your stomach, instead lying on your back, pillow underneath your knees, or on your side, with a pillow between your knees; these positions promote proper alignment of the spine. Wear shoes that are comfortable and supporting.

Some cases of back pain are caused by a tilted pelvis, and in this case, you may want to seek chiropractic care to straighten it back out. Heat therapy, in the form of heating pads, heat patches, or hot water bottles applied to the painful area may also help lessen pain. Stretching exercises may also help lessen or prevent back pain as well. When in pain, try to take it easy, and not do any really strenuous activities if you can help it. Drink extra water, and walk around as much as the pain permits. Use pillows to support your knees when lying down, and avoid lying on your stomach. Lose weight, so that your back and pelvis don’t have to support extra weight, causing even more strain and pain.