How I Cured my Lower Back Pain
What would happen if you had back problems for years, and never knew it? Painful back conditions such as sciatica can become chronic, leaving sufferers in agony. Find out more about the causes and treatments of back pain.
Back pain is defined as discomfort or stiffness in the lower part of the spine. The most common cause of back pain is muscle strain, nerve damage, injury, or disease. Other causes include osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, tumors, fractures, infections, and congenital defects.
Back pain can range from mild to severe, affecting everyday activities. There are several types of back pain, depending on where they occur. Sciatica is a type of back pain caused by compression of a nerve root, usually in the leg.
Causes Of Lower Back Pain
The most frequent causes of lower back pain include muscle strains and sprains (tendinitis), herniated discs, bony abnormalities, arthritis, nerve root compression, fractures, infections, tumors, and kidney and bladder stones. Less frequently, the cause may be related to a serious disease process, such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
The location of the pain often helps pinpoint the underlying problem. Lumbago (also called sciatica) refers to pain radiating down the buttocks to the back of the legs and sometimes the feet. Muscle strains and sprain-related injuries usually occur around the low back, pelvis, hips, and thighs.
Herniated discs tend to affect the lumbar region, just above the hips. Arthritis tends to focus on the knees, ankles, and feet; inflammation of the intervertebral disc (discogenic pain) occurs mainly at the thoracic level, between the shoulder blades and ribs.
Back pain is an extremely common complaint among people working or playing physically demanding jobs. It affects about 80 percent of adults sometime during their lives. While many cases of lower back pain are mild and resolve without treatment, some people develop chronic back problems. If untreated, they can lead to disability and even permanent damage to the spinal cord.
In addition to a physical examination, imaging tests (X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, bone scans, etc.) are performed to determine if a condition is causing the pain. A variety of diagnostic procedures may be used to evaluate the severity of the injury, including blood tests, urinalysis, and electrodiagnostic testing.
More invasive tests such as sacroiliac joint injections, facet joint injections, myelography, or epidural blocks may be necessary. When the cause cannot be determined, the diagnosis is termed nonspecific. Nonspecific back pain is considered to be a symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Lower Back Pain Solutions
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the body’s meridians (energy pathways). These acupuncture points correspond to different organs and have been shown to help relieve pain. In addition to being effective at relieving chronic pain, acupuncture may also reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, increase appetite, and promote general well-being.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a mind/body exercise that combines stretching, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Practicing yoga helps strengthen muscles and joints, reduces tension, and increases flexibility. Studies show that regular yoga practice can decrease anxiety, depression, insomnia, and lower blood pressure.
3. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy uses gentle touch to relax tense muscles and ease pain. A massage therapist might use his or her hands, knuckles, elbows, forearms, feet, knees, or thumbs to apply deep pressure to various muscle groups. Massage therapy can be helpful for people recovering from surgery, those who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, neck pain, sports injuries, and many others.
4. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors manipulate the spine to treat musculoskeletal problems. Spinal manipulation is believed to work by restoring proper nerve function. Most chiropractors specialize in treating low back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
5. Meditation
Meditation is a mental technique that focuses attention and calms the mind. Many people meditate to cope with stress, find inner peace, and achieve a state of tranquility. Research shows that meditation can benefit people suffering from hypertension, migraines, asthma, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
6. Reflexology
Reflexology involves applying firm pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, ears, face, and scalp to stimulate nerves and release toxins. Reflexologists believe these points correspond to certain parts of the body.
There are three basic types of reflexologies: classical, Chinese, and Swedish. Classical reflexology stimulates the entire foot, while Chinese reflexology focuses on only one area of the foot. Swedish reflexology is similar to acupressure and applies pressure to specific points on fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet.
7. Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a type of trance induced by verbal suggestions. Hypnotists guide patients through a series of guided imagery exercises to trigger subconscious responses. People undergoing hypnotherapy often report feeling relaxed and refreshed after sessions. Hypnotherapists use hypnosis to treat a variety of conditions including smoking cessation, weight loss, and stress management.
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