Understanding Back Pain
It’s hard to fully appreciate how much your back is involved in nearly any and all movement. Until you have back pain, that is. Then you know! Here we look at the different types of back pain, what causes it, and how you can get some back pain relief.
What are the different types of back pain?
On the basis of duration, back pain may be classified as acute or chronic.1
Acute back pain lasts for three months or less, and heals within an expected amount of time.2
Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is continual or recurring and lasts for three months or more.
What are some of the common symptoms of back pain?3
Some of the symptoms associated with back pain include soreness, stiffness, tingling, inability to stand up straight without pain, decreased range of motion from side to side or an inability to flex your back.
Soreness and stiffness in the back
Inability to stand up straight without pain
Tingling sensation
Decreased range of motion from side to side or an inability to flex your back
Soreness and stiffness in the back
Tingling sensation
Inability to stand up straight without pain
Decreased range of motion from side to side or an inability to flex your back
What are some of the common causes of back pain?4
There are numerous causes of back pain that range from physical injury to infections. Some of the common causes are:
- Strained, pulled, or torn muscles
- Infection in the spine
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis or other skeletal irregularities
- Slipped or bulging disc
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Trauma from an injury or fall
Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home or at work due to a wrong posture.5 This could include slouching in chairs, bending awkwardly, or lifting incorrectly. Sitting or standing for long periods without a break can also lead to back pain.
Some tips to prevent back pain
In most cases, much of prevention requires behavioural changes in how we move about our day-to-day lives. The basics of preventing back pain can be summed up in two words: move well!
Most back pain causes and symptoms stem from not moving well. Moving well breaks down into four broad principles: lifting well, standing well, sitting well, and sleeping well. Please seek advice from your Healthcare Professional for information that is best suited for your situation.
Treatment for back pain
Back pain treatments can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of the back pain you experience. Your Health Care Professional is the best advisor depending on the cause of your back pain . However, some treatments to consider are:
Medications6
Depending on the type of back pain and how severe or mild it is, medication can be considered. Severe cases may require doctor prescribed medication, while in other cases, over the counter medications could help relieve pain.6 Anti- inflammatory drugs, painkillers like Paracetamol, muscle relaxants, topical pain relieving gels like Iodex UltraGel, medicated patches are some of the OTC medications for mild back pain.
How does Iodex UltraGel work to relieve back pain?
Iodex UltraGel is clinically proven to shorten your time to pain relief7 and provide relief from pain. Reason for back pain generally is internal inflammation of muscles.9 Iodex UltraGel contains diclofenac, which works by reducing chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. Its Emulgel technology helps the gel to penetrate deep through the skin to enhance delivery of the active ingredient, diclofenac, to the site of pain and swelling, making it an effective pain reliever for back pain.8 Iodex UltraGel’s Emulgel formulation allows it to permeate the skin 7 times deeper,9 thus treating the pain at its root. Gently massage the gel into your skin and it provides additional cooling and soothing effect at the site of pain and inflammation.
Back pain treatment at home10
1. Sometimes, all your sore back needs, is some good rest in order to heal
2. Applying ice to your sore back can help reduce inflammation
3. Mind your posture
4. Wear good shoes
5. Exercise
6. Massage
When to see a doctor about your back pain ?
In milder cases without any specific underlying disease, back pain may resolve on its own with home care and rest. This can take a few weeks. However, if your back pain is severe and doesn't improve with rest, see a doctor.
It is to be taken into consideration that this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reference:
- https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/chronic-pain/types-back-pain-acute-pain-chronic-pain-and-neuropathic-pain
- Acute vs chronic pain. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12051-acute-vs-chronic-pain Accessed May 2020
- Back pain” The Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906 Accessed June 2020
- Back pain” The Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906 Accessed June 2020 Acute pain treatment. JAMA Network
- Brumagne S, Janssens L, Janssens E, Goddyn L. Altered postural control in anticipation of postural instability in persons with recurrent low back pain. Gait Posture. 2008;28(4):657–662. Via https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966636208001100 Accessed June 2020
- Voltaren Global CSS, Pg. 27
- Voltaren Global CSS Topical Gels p. 67
- Voltaren Global CSS, Pg 20
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/back-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050878https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319985#possible-causes-of-body-aches
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https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/manage-low-back-pain-home
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