At some point in their lives, most everyone experiences back pain. It can be mild to severe, short-lived, or long-lasting, but in either case – it’s a literal pain! The good news is there are some things you can do to prevent back pain before it begins. And if you’re a back pain sufferer, we’ve got some tips on how to manage it.
What Causes Back Pain?
When normal tasks become physically difficult, something in your spine isn’t working properly. Whether it’s in your joints, muscles, bones, or nerves, back pain can be caused by a number of things, such as:
- Repeated heavy lifting
- Overactivity
- Poor posture
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Pinched nerves
- Injury or trauma
- Degenerative disc disease
- Slipped vertebra
Who’s at risk for low back pain?
Back pain symptoms affect millions of Americans daily. In fact, back injuries are the leading cause of disability in people under age 45. There are a few factors that put you at a higher risk of becoming part of this statistic. For instance, if you’re overweight, that can cause extra strain on your spine. And did you know that smokers are at higher risk for back pain? That’s because smoking restricts the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the spinal discs. The risk of back pain also increases with age, but, thankfully, there are things you can do to lower your risk and potentially relieve your symptoms.
How to Treat Back Pain
Treating back pain is unique since there are so many different causes. This should be discussed with your doctor or surgeon. However, to stop a painful spine before it starts, there are life changes you can make today. Whether you’re working, sleeping, or doing some heavy lifting, the following tips will help.
- When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knee and keep your back straight
- Stand up and sit straight, maintaining good posture always
- Watch your weight
- Stay active with regular exercise
- Sleep on your side with your knees pulled up
- Avoid high heel shoes (they can strain your lower back!)
- Stretch daily
At the end of that day, it’s important to take care of your body – and especially, your back. Back pain can stop you from the daily activities you enjoy. That’s why it’s important to stop it before it starts with good habits and preventative measures. It’s never too late to treat your back pain. Contact Dr. Armen Oganesian at Modern Orthopedic Spine Specialists for a consultation today!
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