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Many people suffer from back pain, a common source of discomfort. It can appear in various forms and cause different symptoms. It can be debilitating, so it is essential not to disregard the pain and deal with it immediately.
Back pain is a common cause of work-related absences and work impairments. Around 8 percent of all adults, 16 million adults in the U.S., experience chronic back pain, limiting everyday activities. The annual cost of healthcare and indirect costs associated with back discomfort exceeds $12 billion.
Back pain can force you to become less active and restrict your social activities. In addition, people are suffering from chronic back pain report increasing rates of depression and psychological stress. Medicine, physical therapy, injectable anesthetics, or a combination of treatments can help control symptoms.
However, it is essential to identify the underlying reason and treat your back pain before it worsens. There are several aspects to consider about your back pain and why it is necessary to take it seriously.
How to Know If It’s an Emergency
The most common causes of back pain are muscular strain, lifting heavy objects, disc injuries, sciatica, and arthritis, most of which are uncomfortable but not fatal. However, back pain can also signify a more severe or life-threatening condition, which should be addressed as soon as possible. Symptoms such as sharp acute pain, radiating pain, weakness in the legs, incontinence, numbness, or a prickling feeling can be a sign of a severe condition and should be treated as an emergency.
A ruptured aneurysm, the weakening, and tearing of a blood vessel, can also cause considerable back discomfort. Aortic dissection, pulling an inner layer of tissue in the aorta, can generate back pain and be deadly if not treated promptly. If your back pain is severe, see a doctor immediately. Back pain could signify a more significant medical condition that could be life-threatening, so it should be taken seriously.
Create Comfort
To make yourself more comfortable during sleep, use back support. Maintaining the normal curvature of the spine can aid in faster recovery from acute back pain. In addition, proper back support and posture are essential to have quality sleep.
For example, if a mattress is old or not made for your sleep needs, replace it. Choose a mattress that is firm and does not sag. Being uncomfortable can cause muscle strain and stress in the back, which can result in long-term pain.
Back pain can also be caused by improperly sized pillows or a lack of sleep. This can cause back misalignment that can be permanent. So if there are certain things in your life causing back pain, don’t ignore them. First, it is essential to find out what type of mattress is best for back pain. Next, check if the pillow and mattress are firm enough to keep the back and neck properly aligned.
Common Underlying Conditions
Back pain can be a symptom of another medical condition. For example, vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin D or calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, arthritis, a ruptured or bulging disc, and kidney stones, are expected back pain causes.
Sometimes back pain is caused by an underlying condition that is not spine-related. In women, uterine fibroids and endometriosis are notorious for causing pain radiating into the back. Gallstones and pancreatitis can cause lower-back discomfort that might be assumed to be back pain.
Signal for a Life Change
Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Inactivity is a majorly common cause of back pain. Get up and move every hour, even if it’s only for a quick stretch. Exercise regularly to keep the joints and muscles active and healthy.
Stress can cause painful spasms and muscle tension, particularly in the back, if not properly managed. Repeated deep breathing exercises for several minutes can help reduce stress. Mindfulness routines can also be used to relieve stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can reduce back pain and improve emotional wellbeing by increasing blood circulation to the frontal lobe.
A well-balanced diet is a crucial element of a healthy lifestyle. Inflammation is one of the causes of many diseases. Therefore, it is good to exercise and consume a Mediterranean-style diet, which has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation.
Prevention is Key
Back pain can become a serious medical condition if not taken seriously. Lifting large objects should be avoided as much as possible. However, if you must carry heavy loads, make sure you have adequate footing and proper posture. Avoid sitting in a soft chair or couch since they encourage you to recline and not support the natural curve of your back. Always sleep in a posture that allows you to keep your spine’s natural curvature and enjoy reduced back pain.
