Pain Relief for Joint Disorders

Some back pain is so excruciatingly painful that you may need temporary relief from opiate medications. However, you can limit the use of these drugs to emergencies only by learning about the causes of back pain, being proactive in avoiding them, and treating the pain using natural methods.

What are some of the causes of back pain?

Pain is an indicator of damage to nerves or muscles and can result from overuse of specific muscles. Back pain may be caused by a single incident of trauma, repeated stress, or genetic factors.

Trauma

Single incidences of trauma may include a blow to the spine, a sudden uncontrolled twisting of the back, or the improper lifting of a heavy object.

Stress

Repetitive actions that may cause back pain include sports practice and other athletic activities or passive stressors such as slouching or using poor posture when seated for long periods.

Genetics

Genetics, as well as aging, can cause the flexible discs that are located between the spinal vertebra to fry out and become brittle, reducing their cushioning effect between the bones. These discs may then break open, allowing the gel within them to seep out and irritate the nerves of the spinal cord.

How can you avoid incidences of back pain?

While not all back pain can be avoided, mindfulness and preparation can minimize the number and severity of occurrences. Trauma from accidents cannot be foreseen, but injuries from improper lifting or violent twisting of the back can be avoided.

Lifting must be done with the legs, not the back. Similarly, changing direction, especially when moving a heavy object, must begin by turning the feet, not the waist. Keep the back in a straight line with the rest of the body.

Repetitive stress injuries can be minimized by curtailing activities at the first sign of recurring pain. Some muscle soreness is expected when physical activities are performed, but not recurring back pain.

Slouching and other posture issues can be aided by redesigning your work area to accommodate a healthier posture. Mindfulness is the key to changing bad posture habits.

Genetic and aging factors cannot be eliminated, but can be kept in check by strengthening the core muscles, which are the deep abdominal muscles that support the spine.

Relief from back pain

Many causes of back pain can be helped by chiropractic adjustment, which helps the spinal vertebrae to regain their natural alignment. Most of the problems listed above can cause the spine to suddenly or gradually become misaligned, creating pressure on spinal nerves.

The chiropractor may suggest that a scan be performed to determine if a ruptured disc or other serious injury has occurred before spinal adjustment treatments are initiated. Find a chiropractor through an establishment like Gerleman Chiropractic Office.

Heating pads can cause muscles to stretch, reducing tension. Just remember not to lie atop a heating pad or keep it against your skin for longer than twenty-minute intervals. This will prevent your skin from burning.

After resting for a few days, it is important to resume some sort of physical activity that doesn't impact your back. Even activities such as brisk walking can loosen back muscles and cause the brain to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that produce feelings of well-being and euphoria.

Of course, you must wean your way back into your regular activities gradually, falling back if pain recurs or increases. If back pain is a recurring issue, you should be examined for possible disc problems or even stress fractures in the spine.