A bad back may not seem like a big problem, but check out these statistics:
- Lower back pain is the single most common cause of disability.
- Back pain is the most common reason for missing work.
- Back pain is second only to colds and flu as the main reason people visit the doctor.
In fact, some experts say that 80% of Americans will experience back pain during their lives.
Back pain can be the result of health issues like kidney stones, arthritis, or bone loss. Injuries from sports or daily activities like lifting or turning can cause back pain. But most back pain is not the result of obvious health issues like these.
Here are some of the common causes of back pain:
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Overdoing ordinary tasks
- Stress
- Anxiety or depression
In many cases, though, the original event leading to the pain can’t be identified.
Fleeting episodes of back pain can be treated at home. Start with ice (frozen peas work if you don’t have an ice pack) and then go for a hot bath or a heating pad. In order to use these treatments, you need to lie down and rest, and that can be very good for back pain.
But don’t get in the habit of lazing around. Once your back pain has lessened, exercise is your best friend. Stretching and strengthening your back can keep back pain from coming back. Exercise can also help you improve your posture and lose weight, both of which can make a big difference in your experience of back pain.
Ask your doctor about over the counter pain medication if the pain is too much for rest and heat to handle. You’ll want to be sure that your back pain doesn’t have a more serious underlying cause. You’ll also want to make any needed lifestyle choices. Masking the pain with painkillers can keep you from making the changes you need to make.
Consider visiting a chiropractor if the pain is too much for rest and heat to handle. You’ll want to be sure that your back pain doesn’t have a more serious underlying cause. You’ll also want to make any needed lifestyle choices. Masking the pain with painkillers can keep you from making the changes you need to make. Chiropractic care has a great track record for back pain.