Back pain is the second most common reason for hospital visits in the US, affecting approximately six to eight out of 10 adults. Its causes are varied, ranging from poor posture and bending techniques to being overweight. The search for a permanent panacea for back pain continues. Still, there are varied ways of managing back pain and lessen its chances of returning.
Natural Ways of Managing Back Pain
There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications for back pain. However, for people who want to manage back pain without resorting to drug therapy, the following simple practices can do wonders:
- Exercise. In the past, people were advised to take a bed rest to take care of their back pain. Today, many physicians advise their patients to take the active route. According to Robert Kell, a lead researcher at the University of Alberta, exercise gradually relieves back pain by loosening the joints and releasing the pressure on the muscles. By strengthening the core muscles, people become more able in countering future injury.
- Stretching. Slumping on your computer desk for eight hours can cause shoulder and pectoral muscles to shorten and become taut. Stretching one’s shoulders, chest, and upper back relieves pressure on muscles and tissues.
- Massage. Massage relaxes the muscles and relieves the pressure that causes feelings of soreness and stiffness.
- Buy a good bed. Good back health starts with a good mattress. Researchers at the Oklahoma State University found that stiffness and soreness of the back is significantly reduced when firmer mattress is used.
New Treatments for Back Pain
In 2007, Reader’s Digest featured some experimental treatments targeted at treating chronic back pain.
- Pain Pacemaker. First introduced in 1969 by Medtronic, the creator of heart pacemaker, pain pacemaker is a type of neurostimulator. This device provides relief by stimulating the nerves along the spine with mild electrical impulses. The nerves then block release of pain signals to the brain. The pain pacemaker is implanted into the hip, but comes with a lead to the spine.
- Lumbar Wrap. This device looks like a support belt. It releases low-level infrared energy that stimulates and improves blood circulation. A 2006 study involving 39 adults at the Rothbart Pain Management Clinic in Ontario showed that the Lumbar Wrap, after use for seven consecutive weeks, could significantly reduce symptoms.
- Stryker Decompressor and Arthrocare Spinewand. Approximately seven million cases of lower back pain are a result of injury or pressure on the spinal disks. Both the Stryker Decompressor and Arthrocare Spinewand promotes healing by “decompressing” or releasing pressure of spinal disks on surrounding tissues and nerve roots.
Back pain is the second most common reason for lost days at work. With the wide range of methods for managing back pain, there’s no reason why one should not suffer from it for too long. A consultation with one’s physician about the best option suited for one’s health is the first step to one's journey to good health.
Cecille de la Cruz - Cecille is a health-oriented individual, and love sharing with other people the results of her research about health and wellness. You can ...
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