Back pain is defined as either acute or chronic. Practitioners diagnose low back pain as acute if it lasts less than a month and is not caused by serious medical conditions. If the pain persists, it is considered chronic back pain. Almost 20 million (2 in 3) Canadians will have at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.
Warning Signs of Chronic Back Pain?
- If the pain lasts longer than month.
- The pain can be anywhere in the back. It can be in one area only or spread across a wide area.
- Your back might be stiff and the muscles swollen. This combination of pain, stiffness and swelling is called inflammation.
- Some injuries will cause muscles spasms in the back, and pain or weakness in a leg.
Back pain can develop anywhere from the neck to the lower spine. The pain can be localized or spread across a wide area and radiate from a central point. Muscle spasms may occur at the site of the pain. Some people also get pain or weakness in a leg as a result of back injury.
What causes Chronic Back Pain?
- Poor posture is the most common cause of back pain.
- Injury due to lifting heavy objects is also a frequent cause of back pain.
- Being overweight and not exercising enough can increase your risk of back injury.
- If your back is weak you can get back pain when you get upset or feel stressed.
- Some types of arthritis can cause chronic back pain.
How to prevent Chronic Back Pain
- When you lift a heavy item keep it as close to your body as possible. Keep your back straight and use your legs to do the lifting.
- Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags.
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra stress on your joints.
- Be aware of your posture
- Wear shoes that support your feet; this will help keep your back and legs straight.
- Sleep on a firm mattress and support your neck properly with pillows.
Disciplines that treat Chronic Back Pain – Acupuncture | Chiropractic | Massage | Physiotherapy
Treatments for Chronic Back Pain – eToims | Laser | Spinal Decompression | Shockwave Therapy