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Who Gets Back Pain?
Four out of five Canadians can expect to experience some type of back pain, but there are some things that will increase your risk. Here are some of the known triggers that cause back pain. You can't avoid aging or disease. However, if you can identify with some of the other risk factors, consider making a lifestyle change.
Aging: Back pain is more common the older you get. Disc breakdown is one of the reasons but an inactive lifestyle also plays a role.
Poor physical fitness: Back pain is more common in people who are not fit.
Obesity: Too much weight can put stress on your back and cause pain.
Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop back problems if a family member also has them.
Bone diseases: Osteoporosis is a disease that causes a progressive decrease in bone density and strength. Brittle, porous bones are prone to fracture, including in the spine. Osteoporosis is most common in older women.
Other diseases: Some types of arthritis and cancer can cause back pain.
Improper lifting: If you lift, push, or pull while twisting your spine, you may injure your back. Injury can also happen if you are trying to lift something that is too heavy.
Poor posture: Working at a computer all day or driving can lead to a posture that puts additional pressure on your lower back.
Smoking: Your body may not be able to get enough nutrients to the discs in your back if you smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate. Smoker's cough may also cause back pain. People who smoke are slow to heal, so back pain may last longer.
Poor diet: If you have not eaten, your back muscles may stop working for you; they can weaken, tighten up, and become more susceptible to fatigue-related injury.
How to Treat Back Pain
Some people choose to ignore their pain, thinking it will go away. However, because we expose our backs to so many risks on a daily basis, if the problem isn't addressed, it could get worse. Chronic aches and back pain can continue to follow you throughout your life. If back pain limits your activities, you should talk to your health care provider.
Some treatments your doctor may recommend for back pain:
Rest: Limit your rest to one or two days. Remaining inactive for any longer could cause your muscles to weaken, and you'll end up with more pain. Getting back to doing normal activities as soon as you can will keep your back flexible and strong.
Low-impact exercise: Staying fit and being active are the best treatments against back pain. Try a low-impact exercise like swimming or walking. Talk to your health care provider to make sure an exercise program is right for you.
Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may reduce swelling and offer some pain relief. Your doctor may also recommend a muscle relaxant.
Massage therapy: A massage can help muscles to relax, and improves mobility and flexibility. It is a good option for relieving stress-related tension.
Spinal adjustment: Using adjustment techniques, a chiropractor physically manipulates the joints of the spine, which can help relieve back pain.
Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can teach you how to move so you can avoid pain and prevent future back injuries.
Most back pain will go away within three months and can be easily treated. However, there are some serious causes that may require surgery to provide relief from the pain. And although it is rare, sometimes back pain is a symptom of bone or spinal cancer, and should not be ignored.
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