The reasons for back pain ¤ Injury, Aging, Genetics, Over use, Excess Weight, Incorrect Posture
Types of pain ¤ Acute - pain that is directly related to tissue damage and lasting less than 3 to 6 months ¤ Chronic – pain due to an identifiable source such as an injury and also then setting its own pathway and becoming a problem in its own right ¤ Neuropathic – nerves continue sending pain messages to the brain long after event
Treatment ¤ Exercise ¤ Medication ¤ Surgery ¤ Acupuncture ¤ Thermotherapy ¤ Manual Therapy - manipulation, mobilisation and massage performed by chiropractors, osteopaths or physiotherapists usually up to nine sessions in about 12 weeks.
Things you can do to reduce pain and protect yourself ¤ Exercise better by dropping the abdominal crunches and trying yoga ¤ Improve your diet as healthy circulation takes nutrients to the spine, removing waste and inflammation ¤ Avoid wearing high heels for extended periods of time ¤ Avoid sitting for too long at your desk as sitting increase pressure on your spine ¤ Assume a neutral position when driving, don’t lean on the door and get the natural spinal curvature of you r back to hug the seat ¤ Keep your spine in a straight and neutral horizontal position when sleeping and check your mattress supports you correctly ¤ Face your television straight on and don’t lie on the sofa (Feng shui maybe?) ¤ Don’t slouch or hunch at your desk. Sit at a 110 Degree angle ¤ Don’t ignore the pain, it will only build up and bring you down