Experiencing pain in any area of the back is a usual complaint. So many people around the world have this problem. This is the reason why some individuals take days off from their work and visit their doctor for a checkup. Sadly the problem is persistent in people across all age groups. Thus making the term “chiropractor” so common making it naturally roll off anyone’s tongue.
Although back pain occurs at any age, adults in the 35 to 55 age group have a higher risk. If you’re experiencing pain in the upper back, it could be due to many reasons. This includes spine inflammation, chest tumors, or even unknown aorta disorders.
Risk Factors
Risk factor means having a higher chance of developing a particular disease or condition. In this case, here are factors that might put you at risk for developing back pain which you should be on the lookout for:
Pregnancy, Sedentary Lifestyle, Having a Mentally Stressful Job, Anxiety, Age (particularly the elderly), Suffering from Depression), Gender (mostly females), Smoking, Being Overweight/Obesity, and Strenuous Physical Exercise/Work.
Signs and Symptoms
Any form of uneasiness that you experience is what is known as a “symptom.” The doctor detects the signs that you have as a condition or a disease. For back pain, the obvious symptom comes is the pain in different parts of your back. In most instances, these signs and symptoms are usually gone after a short time. However, there might be instances when the pain persists over a long period.
If ever the pain in your back has the signs and symptoms we talk about in this article, then it’s time that you should see a doctor.
Fever, Weight Loss, Pain Down the Legs, Persistent Back Pain (Even resting doesn’t help), Pain that Reaches Down the Knees. Events like a recent Injury or Trauma on the Back (Before the Back Pain), Incontinent Urinating, Incontinent Bowel Movement, Difficulty in Urinating. One might also experience numbness around the genitals and buttocks.
Also, the following people should seek out medical advice if they are experiencing back pain:
People below 20 years old and above 55 years old, patients taking steroids for more than a month, individuals who are dependent on drugs, people with a history of lung cancer, cancer patients, and patients suffering from a low immune system.
Ways to Avoid or Prevent Back Pain
To prevent back pain, you need to address some of the risk factors that you may be doing in your everyday life. This includes:
Make sure to do regular exercises. It will reduce your weight, make you flexible, and increase your core strength. The possibility of a back pain relapse is also less if you exercise regularly. Low-impact aerobic exercises are the best thing to do according to experts. There is much information that you can find online, as well as tutorial videos, that teach you how to do this type of exercise.
Lifestyle Changes:
Smoking increases your risk of back pain. So, avoid doing it. Make sure to always stand in an upright and a straight back position to maintain a neutral pelvic position. When sitting, make sure to have back support on the chair and it will be ideal if it also comes with an armrest and a swivel base, especially if you’re working.
When lifting things, make sure to always use your legs instead of your back. This will reduce the pressure on your back and channel it to your legs instead.
When sleeping, make sure to lie on a mattress that will help you keep your back straight and will also support the weight of your buttocks and shoulders. Also, use a pillow that won’t make a steep angle on your neck.
There’s no such thing as “just a little pain.” Especially when it comes to your back. Make sure to have your back checked if you’re experiencing any sort of pain. While medication can give you temporary relief. You will need medical advice for the best treatment. Your doctor can also guide you towards developing a healthier lifestyle, exercising, and a few others. Following these will ensure you do not develop any further problems in the future.