Back Pain & Healthy Lifestyle

Back pain is one of the most common problem that you will see in recent days. It is estimated that 60% -85% of people in Europe will suffer from low back pain at some point of their lifes. It affects men and women equally and most commonly affected 35 to 55 years old people.

It is important to bear in mind that back pain can also be a symptom of the other medical conditions that should be referred to the doctor. These can include bladder and kidney infections and some gynecological problems, osteoporosis and broken bones.

For many people, back pain can be triggered by doing normal, everyday activities, such as : -
1. Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
2. Slouching in chairs
3. Standing or bending down for long periods
4. Twisting, bending awkwardly
5. Coughing
6. Sneezing
7. Over-stretching
8. Driving in hunched positions

The back pain can be divided into : -

1. Lower back (between the bottom f the ribs and tops of the legs)
2. Upper back (between the bottom of the ribs and tops of the legs)
3. Sciatica ( caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve which travels from buttocks down through the length of the leg.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the lower back pain is they may feel the pain in the buttocks and top of the legs. Whilst, upper back pain can be caused by a sudden injury, for example, by whiplash after a car accident. It can also be caused by strain or poor posture over a period of time; namely, sitting in front of a computer and etc.
The sciatic pain will feel the pain all along the length of the sciatic nerve from the lower back, along the buttocks, to the back of the legs and all the way down to the heel of the foot.

For most of the people, the pain lasts for less than six weeks, if longer then it is called chronic back pain. Condition persists, medical advice is very important.


The exact cause of the back pain is hard to pin down, but what is clear is that there are some things that will increase the risk of developing back pain. These includes : -
1. Lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing movements that require force to be applied
2. Repetitive movements
3. Vibrations
4. Age
5. Being overweight
6. Being pregnant
7. Infections ie. kidney infection
8. Lack of exercise
9. Osteoporosis

There are some warning signs if the back pain also cause the follows : -
1. Those are under the age of 20 or over the age of 55
2. Have pain that has gotten worse over a period of days or weeks
3. Have a fever
4. Pain is constant even lying down or resting
5. Pain that travel to the chest or pain that high up the back
6. Have pain down the legs and below the knees
7. Have recent trauma or injury to their back
8. Unable to control their bladder or pass urine
9. Numbness a round genitals, buttocks or anus
10. Taking certain medication ( steroids)
11. Had cancers
12. Low immune system
13. Drug abuse

Recommendation or treatment
1. Should continue normal activities as much as possible and avoid resting in bed
2. Paracetamol is essential for pain killer but
3. Heat pad

Back pain can be avoided by taking care of the belows  : -
1. Weight management
2. Wearing flat shoes
3. Avoid stress
4. Avoid sudden movements or muscle strain
5. Keep active (walking & swimming, yoga & pilates)
6. Stop lifting heavy items

Some postures awareness : -
When lifting
Keep feet apart with on leg slightly in front
Don’t stoop and squat
Keep the item close to your waist
Don’t twist your back or lean sideways

When standing up
Have your back and legs straight with weight balances evenly on both feet

When sitting down
Knees and hips should be level and feet flat on the floor.

When driving
Make sure the small of the back is supported.

When sleeping
Make sure you have enough support from your mattress.

Healthy lifestyle is corelated to our daily activities, our daily proper posture will bring to the better health. Posture awareness is very important to avoid the sickness of back pain.