Back Pain Tips You Can Use

by Marlene Baliss

Imagine that every movement you make, and practically every breath you take, causes searing pain to radiate throughout your body. That’s what it’s like to suffer with severe back pain.

In 2002, a study was conducted that showed back pain as a leading cause of doctor’s appointments and missed work. Back pain is, in fact, second only to headaches as the most common neurological ailment suffered by people in the United States.

Most people suffer with back pain as a symptom of an injury or other underlying problem related to your spine. Pain may be caused by the bones, muscles and other soft tissues in the back.

When back pain strikes, it strikes hard; affecting your ability to work, take part in recreational activities and simply lead a normal lifestyle. Fortunately, back pain rarely signifies a serious underlying condition. In fact, most cases of back pain are relatively short term, lasting anywhere from several days to a few weeks. There are a number of treatment methods and remedies available for back pain, although there is no one method that will promise relief for every patient.

If you are prone to back pain, it’s important to take steps to avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting. When back pain hits you hard, there are some tips that can help you to find relief:

Rest and Relax Your Back

When your back is injured and you are in pain, the best way to find relief is to lie on your back, on the floor. Slightly bend your knees and hips and place pillows under your knees for support. This position is helpful because it alleviates the weight and pressure normally placed on your back. Some people find relief assuming the same position, but with the feet propped up on a chair. Try lying with your back flat against the floor, and use a pillow to support your head. Bend your knees so that the backs of your lower legs are resting on a pillow placed on top of a chair.

With this type of rest, it can be possible to achieve back pain relief after a day or two. If the pain does not stop, see a doctor. Resting in this manner for more than two days may cause your muscles to weaken, leading to even longer recovery period.

Feel the Heat

Mother always did know best. Researchers have yet to provide medical proof, but many people with back pain still swear by a simple hot compress. A heating pad can deliver a relaxing effect on muscle spasms, which are leading contributors to back pain.

The best way to relieve back pain with a heating pad is to leave the pad in place for 20 to 30 minutes on the painful section of your back. Some people also use ice packs in this same manner. Following a hot or cold pack treatment with massage can be especially soothing.

Pain Relief Medications

If you want fast-acting pain relief, you may choose to turn to medications. Most drugstores, supermarkets and department stores carry non-prescription medications to reduce pain and swelling and provide welcome back pain relief. Common over-the-counter remedies include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin).

If you are one of the millions of people who miss work and play due to back pain, you need to take your life back. Try one of these methods of relieving back pain, or speak with your doctor about other treatment options.

About the Author:

Marlene Baliss contributes articles to a variety of Internet magazines, such as http://healthy-line.com and http://www.solveaproblem.com. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.