Back pain relief!
Many of us suffer from back pain at one time or another. And when it hits us, we just want to get relief. Relief from all the pain and discomfort it brings.
It is a fact that eight out of ten of us will suffer back pain at some time during our lives.
When we think about how our back is constructed, it is not surprising that we have problems. Especially when we consider how our back gets treated!
Vertebrae, Discs and Muscles
Our spines consist of a series of small bones called vertebrae, each one separated from the next by a disc. The discs act as shock absorbers and expand and contract as we bend from side to side and from back to front. Holding everything together is a series of muscles and ligaments. And running down through the centre of our spine is the spinal cord which connects each part of our body to our brain.
Your back really is a wonderful and a complicated thing.
Back Pain Relief Even When It Is Chronic
Back pain is classified according to how long we have been suffering from it.
Simple back pain usually comes and goes within just a few days, but if we have had back pain for up to six weeks we are described as having acute back pain.
Between six and 12 weeks we are suffering from sub-acute back pain.
And if we have been suffering for longer than three months then we are said to have chronic back pain.
We can get back pain by:-
* Sitting, standing or working in a bending-down position for long periods.
* Trying to move objects improperly, especially when they are too heavy for us.
* Falling or tripping and jarring our muscles.
* Having a bad posture and moving while our back muscles are out of line. Being overweight can cause this to happen.
* Suffering from anxiety or being overstressed.. Our muscles carry tensions which in turn cause unwanted stress on the muscles of our backs.
And when it hurts, the pain can affect every single thing we do.
When a movement gives us pain it is a sign that something is wrong. To simply carry on doing what we do, hoping the pain will go away of its own accord, can often just cause it to get worse. Much better to do something about it, just as Christine Holmes did.
In my opinion, the first thing to try would be one of the complementary therapies… A specialist back pain relief massage and trigger point check-up could be just the answer you are looking for.
If you are suffering from back pain or lumber pain, whether it is acute or chronic, consider contacting me for a free no-obligation consultation.
I specialise in back pain relief, and will be able to give you an honest opinion as to whether or not I will be able to help you have a pain-free life.
Six Ways to Prevent Back Pain Problems
Here are some effective suggestions to prevent back pain problems recurring. In my massage Granada practice I will normally teach these principles to you as my client.
1. Be aware of your body and your back.
Be careful not to “sit out your day”. When we sit down too much (sometimes difficult to avoid if we are “desk bound” because of our job or life-style) our core muscles gradually soften and lose their ability to support the back. Thus giving us back pain. Yet, by simply getting up out of your chair, at least every half hour or so, and moving around, you can help keep your muscle tone strong and supportive.
2. Sit properly.
Many chairs and seats are not ergonomically designed and it can be very easy to slouch down and negatively curve the spine. Sitting like this for long and frequent periods is just asking for problems. Our spines become unsupported and lose their stability. The solution is to learn to sit properly.
3. Get the right height.
Try not to sit and work where you have to hold your head in a forward position, for instance working on your computer, texting, writing or working on a hobby etc. Over time the strain this brings to your neck, shoulder and back muscles will cause shortening of the muscles and subsequent problems and pain.
4. Lift effectively.
Since injuring myself when I picked up that ventilator fan awkwardly, I now keep in mind the correct way to lift a heavy object.
Think before you lift and keep the object you are picking up close to the body. Have a solid stance by putting your feet a shoulder width apart, bending your knees – not your back.
Keeping your spine straight keeps it strong. Use your legs to lift and lift in a straight-up motion without twisting. Reverse the procedure to put the object down again. If you often need to lift heavy objects, consider buying and using a back supporting belt. They are not expensive and, once bought, will last you a lifetime.
Job done and your back is still strong. Well done.
5. Exercise your core muscles.
Your core muscles are in the mid-section of your body and serve to support your spine as well as supporting your internal organs. They give you a stable and strong base from which to move. Having a strong core will drastically minimise your risk of injury and lower back pain. Graduated exercises incorporating swimming, pilates or yoga are ideal for building up a strong core section. But make sure you consult a doctor before starting out on a health regime if you have problems with your back.
6. Stretch your muscles.
When the muscles in your mid-section, glutes and upper legs tighten and shorten they cause problems by pulling your spine out of line. Doing some gentle lower back stretching exercises, as well as stretching your glutes, quads and hamstrings will prevent this happening.
Look after yourself. Look after your back. Let me help you get on with your pain-free life.
