Is Back Pain Relief Achievable?

2010-07-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Back Pain affects 4 out of 5 people in the UK or about 80% of people over the age of 16. About 79% of which reported a disorder caused by work-related discomforts (from Self-reported work-related illness in 1995, Jones et al). Among the 80% who experience back pain, 50% of those affected are office workers or those who spend much of their time at their desk. The other 50% include age related back pain, back pain in pregnancy, sports injuries and other illnesses and accidents.

Chronic back pain recurs and can become more than a common discomfort. Lower back soreness is often felt by people who are in one position for long hours. Back pain relief can be assisted by an active lifestyle, alternating positions and stretching before and between exercises and activities.

Although often caused by bad posture, back pain is also caused by injury to the muscle, bones or nervous system, abnormalities of the organs in the pelvic area, pregnancy, and stress.

Finding the right back pain relief may take a few second guesses, but one could achieve adequate respite if the cause has been thoroughly identified. A few recommended lower back pain remedies that you could try:

Get the right sleep. - Sleeping discomfort account for most of the back pains felt by the majority. Sleeping in the wrong position curves the spine and puts pressure on the muscles of the back area. Choose a firm wooden bed base and a firm mattress to correct your sleeping posture. Others find that sleeping on the back with a pillow under the knee helps relieve the pain and ensures a good night rest.

Exercise - Staying active and promoting a healthy lifestyle reduces the episodes of back pain. Although no specific exercise is recommended, as moving about and staying physically active is effective in helping people with chronic back pain return to their normal activities, most opt to try yoga, as this exercise and meditation creates a body balance and develops muscle and joints flexibility and strength.

Load up on Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 deficiency is also considered as one of the leading causes of back pain. Pregnant women suffer from lower back pains due to the weight of the growing baby and a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Doctors recommend a healthy diet of Vitamin B12 enriched food like meat (liver, kidney and chicken giblets), legumes (almonds, soya and lentils) starches (potato, wheat flour and whole grain breads) and fruits and vegetables (spinach, beetroot, broccoli and peaches).

Take in more sun - Vitamin D deficiency is also a cause of chronic back and muscle pains. The deficiency can stem from a long-term use of glucocorticoid medications for asthma and allergies and improper diet. Enrich your diet to include fish, fortified milk and cereals. And don't forget to soak up the early morning sun.

Back pain relief cannot be achieved overnight, but finding a reprieve from the chronic pains will come when we consistently practice a healthy and active lifestyle.

Regular chiropractic treatment can also help with back pain relief, to find out how click here.