Back Pain

People who suffer from back pain can live life in chronic pain. Often time they have to ‘learn’ to live the pain day in and day out.  Back pain is extremely common in North America, and in most cases is due to years or heavy lifting, degenerating discs in the elderly and back issues stemming from improper lifting or back injuries.  For some, moving around causes stabbing pain, while sitting for prolonged periods causes an aching feeling deep in the back. Living with back pain is no picnic, which is why many people seek natural back pain treatment.

Diagnosis

Back pain is a symptom, not a disease. Therefore any amount of pain in the back can be considered back pain. Chronic back pain refers to back pain that persists indefinitely – either non-stop or in constant spurts. If you experience pain when getting up or lying down, or if your back hurts when you walk or sit for long periods, you suffer from back pain. It is best to see your physician and/or chiropractor right away to find out what the underlying cause of the symptoms are.  Once the cause is clear, take methods to alleviate it. In many cases, even when the cause is known, pain management treatment must be administered for dealing with the back pain.

Symptoms

The symptoms of back pain are –well –back pain! Usually when people talk about back pain they are referring to chronic back pain. In these cases, the underlying cause is usually known, but there are no treatment options, or the treatment options take time. Pain can be stabbing and severe, or a dull aching pain. Here are some common back pain symptoms:

•    stiffness of the back when waking up
•    sharp pains when getting up, down or bending
•    jarring pain with certain movements (stepping on your right side for example)
•    dull aching pain after sitting or standing in the same position for a certain time
•    aching pain when sleeping or lying down
•    pain or stiffness when walking
•    searing pain down the back and into the legs

All of the above back pain symptoms can be cause by many different issues, so it’s best to see your doctor before attempting any treatment, natural or otherwise.

Natural Back Pain Treatment

Traditionally, back pain relief involved a lot of lying and resting. In the last few decades, doctors and physiotherapists have realized that excessive rest can actually do more harm than good! It is now suggested that small, minimal exercises for the back can help the back heal itself and resolve pain issues over time.  Don’t overdo it, but people who suffer from back pain should go for a walk a day if possible, and avoid lying around ‘dealing’ with the pain. Along with light exercise, here are some other pain management and back treatments you can try:

•    Ice packs: Ice packs are great for immediate back pain relief, numbing the painful areas.
•    Heat packs: Those who don’t care for ice packs sometimes use heat packs or hot water bottles to alleviate pain
•    Massage: getting a massage once a month can help alleviate pain by easing the tension in your back muscles. Muscles tense as a result of back pain, causing further pain (in the muscles along with the spine)
•    Stretching: stretching is a great way to avoid back pain, but can also help alleviate it. Careful stretching (consult your physiotherapist) in a regular routine can get your back in shape, particularly after an injury.
•    Posture: Many people with back pain tend to bend their back in a way that makes the pain more manageable. In many cases this can exacerbate the back issue. Practicing proper posture (back straight) when walking and sitting can help reduce back pain over time.
•    Acupuncture: A common back pain remedy, acupuncture has been used for many years for myriad of conditions and illnesses including back pain.
•    Chiropractor: See your chiropractor. In many cases, back pain can be eliminated within a few visits.

Regardless if your back pain is due to injury, age or illness, natural safe back pain treatment will almost always help. If you are experiencing back pain or chronic back pain, speak to your doctor about the methods listed above and get a recommendation.