Darrick Robles Back pain can rob us of sleep and take away the fun of sport. In the worst case, they can completely paralyze us so that we can neither stand nor sit. And they are extremely common: Around 540 million people worldwide are affected by some type of back pain. Due to a lack of exercise and poor posture in the home office, the number of people suffering from back pain is even increasing.
Where does lower back pain come from?
Most types of lower back pain have no obvious cause (medically refer to as non-specific back pain). In many cases they are due to wear and tear: the pain then originates in the joints, the bones or the tissue around the spine.
Lower back pain…
- can occur as a result of unhealthy posture or when you lift an object in an awkward position.
- may appear suddenly or develop gradually.
- usually improves within a few weeks (50% of people recover within 2 weeks without treatment).
- often feel worse when you move around — like getting up from a chair.
- can get weaker when you sit or lie down.
- can be caused by minor injuries such as a ligament or muscle strain.
- can get worse when you’re stressed or exhausted.
“Stress can make back pain worse,” says Med-Healths Physician, Dr. Rhianna McClymont. “Especially when sufferers unconsciously tighten their muscles, hunchback, have poor posture, or refrain from activities that would normally relieve back pain, such as doing more regularly Sports.”
In rarer cases, a herniated disc or sciatica can also be behind the back pain. These conditions are usually accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling. In these cases, your doctor will refer you to a specialist practice.
Which medications help with back pain?
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen can help with non-specific, acute pain. However, you should only take this for a short period of time. Always check the package insert as these medications are not suitable for everyone. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants for painful muscle spasms.
Ice pack or hot water bottle?
Use cold packs or ice packs if your pain is the result of a direct injury , such as a head injury. B. after a fall, a sprain or a strain. Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes several times a day. The cold lowers body temperature and helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and inflammation. Cold can also reduce muscle soreness . However, do not place the ice pack directly on the skin as this can cause frostbite – always wrap it in a cloth first.
Warm the area if the pain is prolonged (and there is no inflammation). A hot bath or putting a hot water bottle on the affected area can often help.
Combine cold and heat to reduce inflammation and pain. You can use a hot water bottle to warm up stiff muscles in the morning or before bed. During the day, you can apply an ice pack for pain where inflammation is present. The cold helps reduce inflammation and the heat aids in tissue healing.
bed rest or exercise?
With severe back pain, the first impulse may be to lie down in bed and avoid any movement. However, doctors advise against it. Right now it’s important to stay as active as possible. Bed rest atrophies muscles, while everyday exercise and light physical activity strengthens them – and strong muscles in turn stabilize the spine.
A recent analysis shows that long periods of inactivity can negatively impact recovery in non-specific low back pain. The research shows that regular moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking and swimming, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises , can reduce non-specific chronic low back pain by more than half.
However, in acute cases, you should wait until the swelling has subsided before exercising again. Start with walks and gentle exercises at home and slowly work your way up.
When should I go to the doctor?
If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- New and persistent back pain that does not improve within a few weeks
- Back pain that gets progressively worse over time
- Severe pain that limits your daily activities.
“The doctor will then decide on further examinations,” says Dr. McClymont. “Depending on what he or she thinks is causing the pain, it could be physical therapy, a back x-ray, or an MRI.” Your doctor can also prescribe you special pain relievers if over-the-counter medications are not sufficient.
In most cases, back pain goes away after a few weeks, but sometimes it can become very dangerous. If you have these accompanying symptoms, you should react immediately and go to the nearest emergency room:
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels (urinary or fecal incontinence).
- You have numbness in your legs, genitals or bottom.
- You have severe back pain and signs of paralysis in your legs and abdomen.
