Back pain is a universal human experience — almost everyone in Poole and around the globe has it at some point. It is one of the single leading causes of disability preventing scores of people from going about their day-to-day activities. In this article, we will offer a comprehensive guide to help you understand back pain.
Back pain can attack anyone, regardless of age; however, it’s significantly common among adults aged between 35 and 55 years. Our back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, tendons, ligaments, disks, and bones. Problems with any of these parts can lead to back pain.
There are various types of back pain: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute back pain is a sharp, piercing pain that occurs suddenly due to damage or trauma to the back and lasts less than six weeks. Subacute back pain is more or less the same as acute but lasts for about six weeks to three months. Chronic back pain lasts for over three months and is much less common than acute.
Several factors can trigger back pain, including strained muscles or ligaments, a muscle spasm, muscle tension, damaged disks, injuries, fractures, or falls. Everyday activities often cause these strains. This includes lifting something heavy or awkwardly, an abrupt and awkward movement, or poor or prolonged posture. Certain diseases, for instance, arthritis, back pain poole osteoporosis, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia, among others, may also contribute to back pain.
Understanding your back pain is critical before seeking treatment. If the pain persists for over two weeks or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, swelling in the back, persistent fever, and pain that isn’t relieved by rest, or if you experience back pain following a serious accident like a car accident or a fall from a ladder, consult your doctor right away.
Treatment for back pain in Poole usually depends on the type of pain. Some common treatments offered are physical therapy sessions which involve strengthening the back muscles and improving their flexibility. This might include physiotherapy, a referral to a spine specialist or, in severe cases, even surgery. There are also conservative methods of treatment like medication and pain management, which include painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and sometimes antidepressants are prescribed by doctors to help improve sleep and alleviate pain.
As a resident of Poole, you also have the advantage of seeking treatment from a Chiropractor if you prefer non-pharmaceutical interventions. The town has multiple highly rated professionals such as Alan Scott at Poole Chiropractic Clinic, who specialise in holistic approaches to managing back pain.
However, prevention is always better than cure. It is possible to avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical condition and learning and practising proper body mechanics. Regular exercise, building muscle flexibility, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and using ergonomic furniture are all key to preventing back pain.
In conclusion, understanding back pain involves understanding your body and the signals it sends you. It’s important to act promptly when you feel unease, discomfort or pain in your back. Seek advice and health services offered around Poole. Incorporate habits that promote your overall wellbeing and, most importantly, listen to your body. Always remember, active prevention and timely treatments are your best options when dealing with back pain.