How to Manage Back Pain

Back pain is a serious concern affecting more than 30 million Americans. Back pain is among the major causes of disability worldwide. The main triggers of back pain are spine issues such as herniated discs, muscle strain, whiplash, sciatica and more. These problems can be treated through back spine surgery Savannah.

Here are the causes and the best treatment options for back pain.

Muscle or ligament strain: Muscle strain occurs when muscles become overused or injured from work or exercise activities. This can lead to muscle spasms and inflammation around the affected area. Muscle strains are often caused by lifting too much weight or doing repetitive motions, such as running upstairs repeatedly without proper recovery time. The best way to prevent this type of injury is to warm up before engaging in strenuous activity and stretch afterwards to help relax tense muscles

Ruptured or bulging disks (herniated disk): This is the most common cause of back pain in adults over 30. The disks are soft cushions between each pair of vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. When a disk ruptures or bulges from its normal position, it presses on nearby nerves, causing inflammation and pain. The pain typically starts in one spot and spreads to other areas of your body (radiates).

Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is an abnormal spinal canal narrowing that can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck area (cervical spine). It is caused by degenerative changes in bones and ligaments or by injury to one or more vertebrae in your spine.

Osteoarthritis: This condition affects the joints in your spine and other body parts. It is most common in older people but can affect younger ones, too, if they have an underlying joint problem such as rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease). Symptoms include stiffness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, particularly after sitting for long periods.

What is the best treatment option for back pains?

Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your skin to treat various health problems, such as muscle aches and pains and stress-related illnesses like anxiety or depression. Acupuncture helps ease low back pain better than the standard treatment.

Exercise classes for back pain: These include stretching exercises, pilates and yoga. A qualified instructor should supervise them to ensure they are done correctly and safely. Exercise is often recommended for people with low back pain because it improves flexibility and strength in the lower back muscles (hamstrings).

Heat therapy: Using heat pads or hot water bottles on painful areas will encourage blood flow and temporarily relieve pain. Regular use can help reduce stiffness caused by muscle spasms (contractions) in the back muscles.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for a doctor’s visit. It can be caused by many different things, including injury or degeneration of your spine. Back pain can range from mild to severe, and it often goes away on its own with time and rest. If you have persistent back pain that doesn’t improve within two weeks, you may have chronic back pain, and you should contact Spine Center Atlanta.