Low Back Pain: New Health Information for Patient Education

What is Back Pain? Low back pain is pain and stiffness in the lower back. Some studies showed that one of the most common reasons for missing work. How does it occur? Low back pain is usually caused when soft tissue and tightens the muscles and ligaments attaching a vertebra. Vertebra is the bone that protects the spinal cord inside. When these muscles or ligaments become weak or forced, the spine loses its stability, resulting in pain. Low back pain can be caused by several reasons: 1) Lifting and carrying heavy objects 2) the static positions like spending much time sitting or standing in a position 3) Injury caused by fall or by unusually intense exercise 4) The tension and stress that even cause headaches in some people 5) violent sneezing or coughing 6) Excess weight 7) An infection or an immune system problem 8) arthritic disorders, congenital and degenerative diseases, If you find the pain is accompanied by loss of bowel or bladder control, weakness in moving the legs, or tingling or numbness or tingling in the legs may indicate an injury to his spinal cord and nerves. Immediate medical treatment may be needed. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include: pain in the back or legs stiffness, spasms, or limited movement The pattern of pain may be continuous or intermittent. It may be aggravated by certain factors, such as certain movements or positions, coughing, sneezing, straining, bending or straining during defecation. The pain can be localized (ie, one can point to a point of pain) or diffuse (ie, the pain spread to other areas). If pain is below the knee, involving a herniated disc or nerve compression is suspected. In the next situation, be sure to seek immediate medical attention: Significant weakness 1) leg: Can prone to the problem of nerve damage. 2) The problems of toilet training: Serving the spinal cord injury is suspected. 3) Despite treatment, the pain worsens. How long the effects last? The studies showed that 80% of back pain recover within two weeks. How do I take care of myself? With the exception of professional treatments may be necessary to consider the following suggestions: Maintain good posture. Stand with your head up, relax your shoulders, chest forward, weight evenly balanced on both feet, and pelvis inwards Manage weight if overweight Try an ice pack wrapped in a towel and put on his back for 20 minutes, 1 to 4 times per day. Use a timer to avoid freezing the use of the ice pack too long. If back pain lasts longer than 48 hours, thermal therapy using an electric blanket or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel for about 30 minutes was used. Be wary of getting burned by overheating. Do not fall asleep. When extending the front, put a pillow under your knees. When lying on your side, place a pillow between your knees. Sleeping without a pillow under his head. Early mobilization (activity and exercise) is usually recommended. Pain is used as an indicator of how much the mobilization must be done. In normal situation, minor aches and pains would not be a problem. However, stopping their activities for a time if: 1) the symptoms reappear. 2) The pain increases when more active. 3) The pain increases within 24 hours after a new or higher level of activity. When can I return to my normal activities? Return to your activities will vary from individual to individual. The studies showed the soft tissues that normally requires 6 weeks to recover. In general, the longer the symptoms you have, the longer to heal. If you return too soon, your body may not be ready and get injured again. Importantly, have fully recovered from his back problem before returning any strenuous activity. You should be able to return to their pre-morbid conditions (same range of motion is, as before, no pain). What can I do to help prevent back pain? You can reduce the strain on your back as follows: 1) When you wake up: Bend your knees to bend. Avoid lifting heavy objects over the waist. Bend your knees and hips and keep your back straight when lifting a heavy object. 2) When you feel: Every time you sit down, sit on a chair with back straight and keep your spine against the back of the chair. Use a footrest for one foot when you sit in one place for long. This keeps your back straight. Sit close to the pedals when driving and seat belt use and a backup drive or a pillow. 3) Where the dream: Lie on your side with your knees bent when you sleep or rest. You can help put a pillow between your knees. Place a pillow under your knees when you sleep on your back. Raise the foot of the bed 8 inches to discourage sleeping on your stomach unless you have other problems that require you to keep your head elevated. 4) Other tips to rest your back: Lie on your back, bend your knees and put pillows under your knees. Lie on your back, place a pillow under your neck, bend your knees at a 90 degree angle and your legs and feet on a chair. Lie on your back, bend knees and bring one knee toward your chest and keep it there. Repeat with the other knee, then both knees to chest. When holding your knee to your chest, grab your thigh rather than the bottom of the leg to prevent knee flexion.