Back pain can come in a range of severities, from achiness that goes away in a few days to a pins-and-needles feeling that does not go away. It can cause people to miss work and stop activities they once enjoyed. Luckily, there are ways to relieve and prevent it.
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Back pain can be caused by many different things: lifting heavy objects, sudden awkward movements, bulging disks, arthritis, or even osteoporosis. Bad form when lifting heavy or odd objects and sudden movements can lead to muscle strains that cause pain. Other factors such as age, activity level, excess weight, and disease can also contribute.
What Are Ways I Can Prevent Back Pain?
Staying in good physical shape is a good start. Regular exercise and mobility work strengthen your back muscles and keep them flexible. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking also help — excess weight puts more stress on the back, and smoking can reduce blood flow to the spine.
Being smart with how you move throughout the day helps too. Avoiding awkward positions while sitting, standing, and lying down keeps your back muscles from causing issues, and knowing when to get help lifting heavy or odd objects avoids situations that can cause back pain. Know your limits and you can prevent issues that keep you away from things you enjoy.
What Can I Do if I Have Back Pain?
If you have persistent back pain, talking to your doctor or physical therapist is a good start. They will be able to find the cause and develop a plan to alleviate the pain.
Related service: Back Pain