Everything About Backache

Back pain is one the most common medical problems experienced by 80% of people. Most people might have had a back pain at some point in their lives. For those who have been through a back ache, it seems like hell might be better then being engulfed by the pain. Back pain is called chronic when it stays for more than 3 months.

Unfortunately, we see some myths about back pains prevailing in the society. You may think slouching has a negative impact on your back, but remember that sitting up straight for a long time can be worse. Lifting heavy objects does not hurt your back but it is the way how you lift them. Never lift object twisting your body or bending straight. It is better to squat close to the object with the back straight and the head up and stand-up using your legs and not your back. Back pain can affect any one - skinny or overweight. It is not always true that sleeping on super firm mattresses can be a relief to the back. What is more important is the way you sleep. Depending on the reason or cause of pain and sleeping habits the types of mattresses used may differ.

Back ache comes in many forms like the upper back pain, middle back pain and the lower back pain. Common causes of back pain can be nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. Accidents, strain or sports injuries can also be the causes.

It might be dull ache or a severe pain, many people find relief with some simple over the counter medicines like pain killers and pain massage creams. But if the pain continues for three days or increases, better call your doctor.

The two major types of back pain are spondylolisthesis and cervical radiculopathy and they have their own types of symptoms and medications. Spondylolisthesis is the slipping of vertebra that occurs at the bottom of the spine. It is a defect or fracture of one or both wing-shaped parts of the vertebra. Cervical radiculopathy is a result of a damage or disturbance of the nerve function when one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. This can cause severe pain or loss of sensation in some cases.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis include pain in the lower part, buttock or pain radiating down to the legs, tightness or stiffness in the muscles around the waist. This type of back pain can be treated through physical therapy by strengthening the supportive abdominal and back muscles. If this does not improve the pain, surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of the vertebra can be done.

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can be - pain spreading into the arms, neck, chest and shoulders. Some people may also experience weakness in the muscles or numb and tingling effects in the fingers and hands. Lack of co-ordination particularly in the hands may also be another symptom. This may be treated with pain killers combined with strong anti-inflammatory drugs or non-steroidal pain relief drugs along with physical exercises. Steroids can be prescribed orally or epidurally injected.

There are also women who would develop back ache during pregnancy. The posture change due to the size and weight of the abdomen can cause back injuries if proper care is not maintained. Proper posture is the key to avoid back ache during pregnancy.

Lastly, I would like to say that "prevention is better than cure". Don't be satisfied by the exercise you do or just by the thought that they can prevent several medical problems including back pain. Always try to follow the correct way as the wrong type of exercise can only reward you with severe back pain. For specific exercises or yoga of the right type for you, talk to your doctor who knows best for you. Acupuncture is also a proven therapy that helps in relieving the back ache. It will be wise to ask your doctor if they can be tried on you.