Back Pain: Daily Annoyance or Serious Problem?

Many people suffer from regular back pain. Whether it be from age, weight, sleeping improperly, or sleeping on a poor quality mattress, back pain can crop up for many different reasons and have serious effects on your day to day life. Regular back pain, however common, is not something to be ignored. If you are experiencing regular back pain, is it extremely important to visit your doctor to make sure that your back pain is simply muscle tension or stress and not something more serious. Even simple muscle strain or back pain caused by stress, however, can affect your daily life dramatically.

What is causing your pain?

If you begin experiencing back pain on a regular basis, it is important to visit your primary care physician in order to determine the cause of the pain. Some of the most common causes of back pain are associated with stress, poor posture, sleeping in an insufficient mattress, and even dehydration. However, there are some more serious causes of back pain that must be ruled out by your doctor. For example, back pain could be caused by a problem with your kidneys. If you are experiencing bladder discomfort and localized pain and tenderness in your mid to lower back, you may have some form of kidney infection. Common kidney infections can be treated with oral antibiotics, but it is important to treat them quickly so that no other complications arise. Also, back pain could be cause by a cyst or tumor on the spine. If you have undiagnosed back pain, you may need an MRI to make sure that you do not have either of these conditions. While tumors and cysts can be surgically drained or removed, it is important to make sure that they are not indicators of a more serious problem like cancer.

How does back pain affect your daily activities?

Having chronic back pain has many effects on day to day activities. Just getting out of bed in the morning can be painful and troublesome. Often, driving in your car for long periods of time can exacerbate back pain, as car seats tend to not be ergonomically advantageous for the back. Similarly, back pain can be made worse by uncomfortable office chairs. This pain can be agitating and troubling. Experiencing constant pain can cause you to lose energy quickly, making you feel tired and depressed.

What can you do?

If your physician has determined that your back pain is not caused by any more serious problem, you can begin to treat your back pain at home by taking an over the counter pain medication. Also, apply heat to your back to help to ease and relax your muscles. Painful muscle spasms in your back can benefit greatly from a gentle massage. Also, consider purchasing a memory foam lumbar or back support for your car and/or office chair in order to provide you with appropriate support while sitting for long periods of time.

Back pain can be disruptive and annoying. After having you back examined and ruling out more serious causes, simple back ache can be treated at home in order to prevent some of the effects that it can have on your life.

Methods for Treating Back Pain

Back pain is a common ailment, affecting most people at some time in their lives. The majority of cases will be short term but some will become chronic, requiring medical intervention. There are different methods of back pain treatment, which may bring pain relief and a return to normal life.

The main symptom of back pain is an aching located in the spine, shoulders or neck. Upper and lower back problems often respond well to chiropractic adjustment, although it does not address the immediate pain issues. This may lead to a slow recovery and frustration for the patient, who may then seek relief from a physician.

A doctor may prescribe medication, such as painkillers and muscle relaxants, to ease the discomfort of back pain. While this method will help in the short term, the medications can become habit forming and are not an option for extended treatment. Medications also treat symptoms and not the cause, which is why it is vital to see a doctor and have a complete battery of tests to pinpoint the source of the pain.

Lifestyle adjustments may be helpful in cases of chronic back pain. Poor posture can cause bone and muscles to move out of place, creating an environment for pain. People who work desk jobs are very prone to this issue, which can be avoided by using an ergonomic chair and getting up often to stretch. Sitting up straight will improve circulation and prevent too much stress being placed on the lower back.

Back exercises can strengthen muscles and alleviate pain, as well as stop pain from recurring. A doctor or chiropractor can recommend a regimen and many can be found on the Internet as well. It is best to start out slowly and add more exercises as the pain improves. Overdoing it may cause an injury and make the problem worse.

Another consideration is body weight. Obese people tend to suffer from back pain, due to their large body mass. The extra weight puts undue stress on bones and muscles, and may cause tissue damage. The best back pain treatment for an overweight person is frequent exercise. Reducing weight will remove the excess pressure on the spine and improve overall health.

If none of the above methods bring relief, surgery may have to be considered. This is a treatment of last resort, as it has a very long recuperation time. The patient will have to take time off from work and will not be able to participate in many activities while recovering. The long term result from surgery is usually positive, and it enables those with stubborn cases of back pain to resume their lives when other treatments have failed.

Anyone who is suffering with chronic back pain should see a doctor as soon as possible. The earlier treatment begins, the better chance of the condition being cured. Between simple exercise and surgery, there are many back pain treatments to choose from. No one should have to suffer with chronic back pain.

If you are suffering from back pain be sure to visit you local CBI Health Centres and see what they can do to treat your back pain.

Starting a Career in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists, commonly referred to as physical therapists, diagnose and treat patients having difficulties with mobility or physical movement. Patients often visit the physiotherapist at the recommendation of their health care provider. After an initial assessment, therapists develop an individualized care plan, which indicates the patient’s diagnosis, treatment options and short and long term goals along with progress notes. Physical therapists often visit patients in hospitals and nursing homes. When able, patients also visit physical therapy clinics. Physiotherapist wages vary depending on years of experience and occupation location. On average, physiotherapists earn $25.00 to $38.00 an hour.

Occupation Description

A physical therapist uses years of professional medical training in treating patients of all ages who suffer limited movement because of illness, injury or the natural aging process. Working alongside other members of the health care team, therapists initially review the patient’s medical history and visit with the patient before performing a physical assessment. Therapists then assess patients by having them demonstrate the specific problem while evaluating muscle strength and range of movement along with any signs of discomfort.

The various treatment modalities include massage, heat, hydrotherapy and simple exercises. Massage, heat and other varied treatments encourage muscle relaxation and increase blood circulation in affected limbs. Exercises improve balance, extend range of motion and increase muscle strength. Physiotherapists might also recommend the use of braces, crutches or wheelchairs along with other assistive devices. After receiving training from the therapist concerning the use of these devices, patients gain increased independence and greater mobility.

Therapists treat patients having a wide range of physical difficulties including athletes suffering from sports injuries, elderly patients experiencing limited function after suffering from a stroke, or individuals with chronic syndromes that include cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.

General Requirements

Excellent communication skills are a must as therapists work directly with many members of the health care team, patients and their families. Physiotherapists also possess compassion, empathy and patience. Seeing many patients throughout the day, and sometimes in numerous locations means physical therapists must manage their time wisely. In working with patients who hope to attain function and mobility goals, therapists usually generate a positive attitude and the ability to stir confidence, courage and motivation.

Educational Requirements

Becoming a physiotherapist initially requires a bachelor’s degree with a major in the health sciences. Therapists generally need anatomy, physiology and biology along with chemistry and physics. Acceptance into a physiotherapy program evolves around grade point average and any previous experience. Some students work as a physical therapy assistant prior to schooling. Acceptance boards also review community service work and letters of recommendation from professional therapists and other health care providers.

After entering physiotherapist programs, students combine classroom lectures and studies with hands on clinical training during the course of their education. Students have the option of obtaining a master’s or a doctorate in physiotherapy and may specialize in cardio/respiratory, neurological or orthopedic care. Therapists also require state licensure, obtainable by paying the state fees and taking a board exam. Physiotherapists must also acquire the recommended number of continuing education hours annually and renew licensure every two years according to individual state requirements.

Natural Remedies for Back Pain

It is estimated that as many as 31 million Americans suffer from chronic and debilitating back pain. This unpleasant condition can be influenced by a number of factors such as age, injury, obesity, scoliosis, bad posture and poor lifestyle habits. Back pain can manifest as dull aches, burning sensations or sharp pains. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this problem without the use of potentially addictive drugs or risky surgeries.

Exercise

Many people today spend the vast majority of their time sitting down. This is often because they have a desk job or spend too much time in front of the television. As a result, their back muscles become weak and prone to injury and discomfort. Exercising regularly can help to not only keep people in shape but also to strengthen the back muscles. Some exercises that will help with this include swimming, walking and twists.

Hot and Cold Treatment

An alternating hot and cold compress has long been a popular way to treat back pain. This can be done by using ice and a heating pad or one of the many hot and cold patches available at drug stores. The cold numbs painful muscles while reducing inflammation. The heat then relaxes sore muscles and improves blood flow, which deliver nutrients and oxygen to the area to promote healing. While doing this treatment, it is advisable to remain immobile for 15 to 20 minutes. Muscles that are stiffened by cold temperatures are easily injured.

Massage

There are a number of establishments dedicated to medical massage, but this method of treatment can also be done at home with the help of a willing partner. Massage, regardless of the technique, will soothe stiff and sore muscles and improve blood flow. Furthermore, massage tends to have a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on the entire body that will fight pain and tension for days afterward.

Spices

Most people mistakenly believe that spices are only good for flavoring food, but many of them also work as potent medicines. For example, turmeric and cayenne, two very common and inexpensive spices, can reduce back pain through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Spices like these provide a wonderful alternative to drugs like NSAIDs, which are being now blamed for conditions like stomach ulcers and failure of the liver and kidneys.

Improve Posture

People who work in jobs that require long periods of sitting usually develop back problems over time as a result of poor posture. When the strain of the work day starts taking its toll, slouching and slumping is inevitable unless conscious effort is given to maintaining an upright position. Fortunately, there are a number of ergonomic chairs and back supports available on the market that will help users correct this problem.

Firmer Bed

One of the biggest causes of chronic back pain is sleeping on a bed that is too soft. A soft mattress does little to support the spine during sleep, causing the surrounding muscles to become weak and strained. To remedy this, it is recommended to purchase a firmer mattress or skip the mattress entirely. Many people who once complained of chronic back pain have found that sleeping on the floor quickly resolved their issues.

Bend, Stretch, Rub Away Your Pain

Have you been moving a little slower lately? Not quite ready for the rocking chair, cane or motorized scooter? Well, you may just be suffering from dorsalgia. Don't let that word scare you. It means back pain and you are not alone. Approximately 80% of all people will suffer from back pain sometime in their lives. Your back may experience an injury or just need relief from being overworked. Whatever the cause, you want to get rid of the pain and get back to everyday movement.

Let's say that you consulted your doctor, and the good news is, you have no internal damage or disease. Great! Now, before you start thinking that you may have to go under the knife, consider first some simple exercises. By simple I mean you can do these routines at home, at work, in the park, or even while shopping. If you're not sure what to do, your doctor can refer you to physical therapy, where a trained therapist can help you with the best exercises for your symptoms. They will evaluate your current condition, develop a routine for your treatment, and track your progress. After a few sessions with them, you can continue to relieve the pain and restore your full range of motion, on your own.

Here are a few things you can do that will save you time and money. Rest your back for a day or two. Who doesn't deserve a little rest and relaxation, every now and then. However, don't lie down too long as inactivity may only stiffen your muscles and increase the pain. So grab a good book or the TV remote and take it easy.
Next, get those muscles in motion. Bend, stretch, reach, and don't be afraid of the little pain you will suffer. Remember that saying 'no pain, no gain'. The pain will start to ease as the muscles relax and your blood freely flows. For those of you who are internet savvy, there are websites that show and describe various exercises to enhance your health. You probably already have everything you need to accomplish these tasks. Chairs, towels, pillows, ropes, comfortable clothes and shoes are some of the main items you need. You can be sitting, standing, or lying down. There are methods suitable for all kinds of positions. As a matter of fact, you probably did some of these exercises today, while you went about your daily functions!

When was the last time you treated yourself to a massage? That long? It's not just about the pleasure of having trained hands rub warm oil on your body. Massages are also therapeutic, reducing tension and stress. This will put those muscles in such a relaxed state, that, you may just grab a little nap while the therapist is at work!

So save your money for Heli-Hiking in British Columbia or skiing the Blue Mountains of Ontario. Move your way to freedom and a pain free life.

Welcome to Physiotherapy & Back Pain

Hello Readers,

This is a simple blog that will highlight the benefits of physiotherapy. We will also discuss back pain as it is one of the main complaints of people who see physiotherapists, or chiropractors.

Enjoy the posts, and let's all learn something fun.