Do you know what is the most prevalent cause of missed work? Low back pain! About 50% of all working people have this problem. About 31 million people in the USA have low back ache at any moment, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
The same institution says that as much as $50 billion every year is spent on back pain treatments in the USA alone.
Causes of Low Back Pain
Here are the most widespread causes of back pain (not counting accidents and sports injuries):
Poor postureObesityPoor physical conditioning due to inactivityOsteoporosisEmotional/psychological stress
Preventing Low Back Pain
The best way to prevent this pain is to keep your back and ab muscles strong. Do this by exercising regularly.
Other tips include:
Any strenuous physical activity must be preceded by stretching.When lifting heavy objects, do it with your legs while keeping your back straight.Support your back when bending over.Avoid slouching when sitting or standing.Get chairs and car sits with lumbar supportWhen sitting for prolonged time, try switching sitting positions frequently. Also, walk around from time to time.Sleep on a firm surface and make a habit to do it on your side to prevent curve in your spine.You must control your weight.Get enough vitamin D on a daily basis to keep your spine and other bones strong.Wear low-heeled shoes.Stop smoking because it causes the spinal discs to degenerate.
Treating Low Back Pain
Your first step when experiencing acute back pain is to visit a qualified chiropractor. Chiropractors have excellent knowledge of musculoskeletal management. They are much safer, and less costly than standard medical treatments that include drugs and surgery.
According to an article in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2007, if self-care treatments do not produce any results, people with acute low back pain should opt for spinal adjustment.
The same source also said that in case of chronic pain, the following remedies should be tried: exercise therapy, massage therapy, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, yoga, intensive rehabilitation.
Another cure people with this problem can try is NST or neuro-structural integration technique. This non-invasive technique stimulates your body to heal itself. This safe method produces visible and long lasting results after just 2-3 sessions.
You can also make use of massage to ease pain. Massage triggers your body to release endorphins that not only brings on relaxation and reduces levels of stress but it also relieves pain.
One more very effective way to relieve back pain is to use this portable TENS unit. This FDA-cleared TENS unit is available without prescription and it provides instant pain relief - the very first time you use it, your pain will go away. Find more at: http://www.squidoo.com/portable-tens-unit-for-sale.
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