Do you ever feel as if there’s a knife sticking into your spine, causing stabbing pains in your back? Is it sometimes difficult to stand or sit, or impossible to find a comfy position to sleep in? Back pain is a very common occurrence, and can seriously interrupt your daily activities.
Causes
At times you will know what caused your back pain – a strain from lifting a heavy object, a sports injury, a car accident, or possibly an injury sustained on the job. Then again, there will be times when you haven’t a clue as to what caused your agony.
Lifting objects incorrectly is a major cause of back pain and disc injuries. Or maybe your posture could use some improvement as you sit in front of your computer all day. Another common cause of back pain is a mattress that is either too hard or soft for your body type and sleeping style.
Cures
When you overexert or abuse the muscles in your back, you will likely feel some pain and discomfort for several days, followed by a gradual improvement. When back pain hits, you should cut back on demanding tasks and get plenty of rest. Try using a heating pad or ice pack, whichever one provides the best relief.
If you’ve been taking it easy and using non-prescription pain killers, but your back pain doesn’t disappear after a few days, then it’s time to visit your doctor. You could have a more serious ailment that needs medical attention.
Prevention
If you experience back pain on a regular basis, you should assess your daily habits and make some changes that will help to both decrease your pain and prevent more damage. Try these tips to keep your back pain at bay:
* When sitting, always choose a chair with a firm, straight back. Keep away from over-stuffed sofas or chairs.
* When driving, adjust your car seat so that it’s straight. Move closer to the steering wheel so that your knees are bent in order reduce the strain on your back muscles, especially if you spend a lot of time in the car. If you drive a lot, pull over once in a while to move around and stretch.
* When sitting at your desk, get up often to move around and stretch.
* If you have to stand for long periods of time, keep a low stool nearby to rest one foot on. Keep your back straight, and alternate feet occasionally.
To learn more about back pain, visit Cure Your Back Pain, a great source of information on the causes and cures of back pain, exercises to give you relief, and much more.