BACK PAIN
Back pain is a common complaint. In fact, most people in the Philippines will experience low back pain at least once during their lives. Moreover, back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work.
On the bright side, you can take measures to prevent or lessen most back pain episodes. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics will often heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional for the long haul. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
Symptoms of back pain may include:
* Muscle ache
* Shooting or stabbing pain
* Pain that radiates down your leg
* Limited flexibility or range of motion of your back
* Inability to stand straight
Back pain that lasts from a few days to a few weeks is considered acute. On the other hand, pain that lasts for three months or longer is considered chronic.
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. Although the pain may take several weeks to disappear completely, you should notice some improvement within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, see your doctor.
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Contact a doctor if your back pain:
* Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down
* Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below your knee
* Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
* Causes new bowel or bladder problems
* Is associated with pain or throbbing (pulsation) in your abdomen, or fever
* Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
* Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Also, see your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse.
What causes back pain? Your back is an intricate structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks. Disks are the cartilage-like pads that act as cushions between the segments of your spine. Back pain can arise from problems with any of these component parts. In some people, no specific cause for their back pain can be found. Back pain most often occurs:
* From strained muscles and ligaments
* From improper or heavy lifting
* After a sudden awkward movement
Source: www.mayoclinic.com
For more information on physical therapy, visit us at www.bodytherafix.com.
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