Updated: 2/7/2022
Do you find yourself constantly suffering from back pain issues? It turns out that you are not alone. Many people report that they struggle with a bad back and have to make frequent chiropractor appointments to try to get some relief.
We still don’t know everything there is to know about back pain, but we know enough to understand that many people suffer from it and that there are some common causes of these pains. For example, it seems like jobs that require someone to sit or stand for extremely long periods of time will always lower back pain issues for people working those jobs. The human body was not designed to do tasks like that long term, and it will rebel against those who put themselves through this anyway.
Those who are suffering from back pain need to look at alternative back pain management as a potential new approach. When all else fails, it is nice to know that there are people working on perfecting the treatments that can help back pain sufferers get the help that they need. If you have tried everything else and nothing is working for you, why not try to get help from an alternative source? This is the way that you could potentially put back pain to bed, and finally get on with your life.
Back pain is a terrible experience, and it?s one that many people suffer from. A recent survey reports that almost 70 percent of Americans? lives are affected daily by back pain. However, over half of these people rely on exercise or home remedies to relieve the pain, and do not see a doctor or physical therapist. No matter the cause of your back pain, it is important to see a medical professional or local doctors.
The lower back, or lumbar spine area, consists of bones called lumbar vertebrae. In between the vertebrae are disks that work as shock absorbents. Pain in this area, called lumbago, can occur anywhere between the bottom of the rib cage to the base of the spine. This area of the body is most likely to be in pain because it bears most of your body?s weight. It can easily become strained through simple everyday tasks. In fact, muscle strain is the most common cause of lower back pain.
Other causes of lower back pain include disc herniation, vertebral fractures, genetic conditions, and arthritis. Some of these conditions can worsen, affecting other systems such as the nervous system, and cause a sudden increase in the intensity of the pain. In these situations, local doctors can help, either at an emergency room, urgent care, or private practice. If the pain worsens at an unusual time, after hours urgent care is likely your best choice for finding local doctors and quick attention.
The symptoms of back pain differ depending on the cause, but have a range of descriptors, from dull, to sharp, achy, tight, cramping, or throbbing. It may be sharper in one area than another, and there may be shooting pains that affect the legs and feet. The type of pain related to muscle spasms are like painful knots that ache and cause shooting pain simultaneously. Sufferers may also experience numbness or tingling sensations.
Low back pain is often due to the strain in a ligament or muscle holding a vertebra in its position. If you job includes heavy lifting and carrying, or, almost the opposite, a lot of sitting or standing in one position, you are at risk for lower back stress. Proper lifting techniques and frequent stretching can help prevent this type of injury, but again, if it happens, get to a medical clinic right away before things get worse.
So what are the signs that you should see local doctors for your back pain? Quite frankly, all of them, but indications that you should go to your nearest medical center emergency room or urgent care facility are as follows:
? Weakness, numbness, tingling, in your leg, or inability to lift or move your leg.
? Pain that is intense enough to cause nausea, headaches, loss of focus.
? Sudden bowel or bladder problems that began with back pain.
? Inability to stand up straight; inability to bend over.
During the visit, ask the doctor about treatments and healing time, and be sure to follow their advice. Some of the best doctors work at urgent care facilities, and they are a wealth of knowledge.
Depending on your situation, diagnoses may occur through the use of X-rays, a bone scan, an MRI, or even simple movements that can reveal the source and cause of your pain. Many urgent care facilities have on site X-ray development and other lab capabilities, and diagnoses, as well as pain relief, are delivered quickly.
Some potential treatments and healing regimens that may be prescribed include:
? Use of an ice pack on the area, 4 hours, 20 minutes at a time, for two to three days. Or,use of heat instead, from a heating pad or hot water bottle.
? Rest on a firm mattress. Use pillows strategically to be sure your body is kept straight.
? Take the medicines, whether muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory, as recommended.
? Do the exercises your provider suggests, but don?t push yourself. Slow, short walks are usually encouraged after a day or so. In addition, physical therapy may be necessary.
Keep in mind that recovery rates vary, from days to weeks. It is crucial that you allow your back to heal as fully as possible before returning to normal activity.
