Chiropractor Hermosa Beach CA | Lower Back Pain: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
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Chiropractor Hermosa Beach CA | Lower Back Pain: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
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Low back pain is associated with many problems. To fully understand what is happening, you must first know a little about the structure of the back.
Bones, muscles, tissues and nerves intricately connect the back. All this surrounds the spinal column, which is the main part of the back. The spinal column is very complex and controls the majority of the body’s activities. Thus, the reason spinal injuries are so dangerous.
The spinal column is made up of vertebrae, nerves and cartilage. The disc is a squishy material filled with a gel-like substance. It acts as a cushion for the vertebrae. When these cushions tear, you have conditions like slipped disc, bulging disc and ruptured disc.
Causes of Lower Back Pain -
Age plays a large role in back pain. As we age, bone strength and muscle elasticity decrease. Additionally, the discs start losing some of their fluid.
Many people are familiar with osteoporosis. This is where bone density is lost as you age. While this affects women more so than men, it is the same basic principle that causes back pain.
Men and women both are equally as likely to experience back pain. In fact, nearly everyone will experience some sort of back pain at some point in their life. Generally, it happens between the ages of 30 and 50 – and it happens mainly because of a sedentary lifestyle that is interrupted by large amounts of activity.
Back Pain Prevention -
The easiest way to prevent back pain is with regular exercise. Regular exercise helps keep bones strong and muscles flexible. Just be sure to warm up before exercise and cool down afterward. In addition, you will want to stretch.
The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to have a serious back injury. In many cases, had the patient been more flexible, it would have prevented the injury or at least reduced the level of injury.
Treatment Options for Low Back Pain -
While rest is suggested for the first day, prolonged rest can actually delay the healing process. Therefore, if you experience pain for more than a couple of days, you need to seek the help of a doctor or chiropractor.
For minor back injuries, over-the-counter medications are used to treat acute pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are generally your best option. These include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Follow the directions carefully as improper dosage could lead to more serious problems.
Heat, in the form of creams, pads and gels, works well to relax the injured muscles. Many people find soaking in a hot bath or a hot tub very helpful as well. It is important to note that combining heat creams or gels with a heating pad is not recommended and could cause serious injury.
Seeking Professional Help -
With some cases, seeking professional help is required. A chiropractor can help you regain the movement and flexibility of your back. They can offer spinal manipulation, massage therapy, physical therapy and even nutritional counseling.
You will need to speak to the chiropractor to determine the extent of the injury and your treatment options. After a thorough exam, you and the chiropractor will come up with a plan of action that meets your needs and will help you become pain free.
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