It began as a twinge Whether you're a couch potato or an elite athlete there's a strong chance you'll eventually deal with back pain. Often it begins as a twinge that radiates and makes movement painful. In the past back pain was less frequent. Today it ranks as the second most common reason people see a doctor and a leading cause of disability and missed work days. While back pain can be from traumatic injury, disease or degenerative conditions, most back pain happens with no specifically identifiable cause. Granted, we may suspect a specific cause, however, despite our “certain self diagnosis”, the actual cause usually remains unknown. When you feel that suspicious twinge, don’t ignore it. By beginning muscle relaxation quickly, the onset of back pain can often be averted without lost days for recovery. The good news is that most non specific back pain will resolve in a week or two. In general, the best way to minimize the likelihood of non specific back pain will sound remarkably similar to advice you would expect for good general health: • Exercise often and keep your back muscles strong • Maintain a healthy weight • Get calcium and vitamin D for strong bones • Pay attention to posture (walking and sitting) • Avoid heavy lifting when you can • If you must lift, bend your legs and keep your back straight. As you might expect, walking ranks among the best exercises for preventing the likelihood of back pain. It’s also one of the best when recovering from back pain. Even if you haven’t had a ‘twinge’ lately, join me for a little back pain prevention and a beautiful sunrise. Nancy Neighbors, MD Physical Health vs. Mental Health Back pain can take a toll on your mental health – especially with depression. The reverse is also likely. People with major depression are four times as likely to develop disabling low-back and neck pain. Poor coping skills related to depression, such as withdrawing or avoiding problems can trigger the release of cortisol, causing back and shoulder muscles to tense and spasm. Untreated, the result can become a cycle of chronic pain and depression. Downside of Nicotine Smokers also have a higher incidence of recurring back problems. Nicotine restricts blood flow to vertebrae and disks, so they break down more quickly. It can also interfere with absorption of calcium, leading to osteoporosis. When Should I See a Doctor for Back Pain? You should see a doctor if you have: • Numbness or tingling • Severe pain that does not improve with rest • Pain after a fall or an injury • Pain plus any of these problems: Trouble urinating Weakness Numbness in your legs Fever • Weight loss when not on a diet. • Trouble controlling urine or stool sphincter A Few More Tips About Back Pain Back pain is something we're all vulnerable to. It helps to have a coping strategy when it sneaks up on us. In an eleven minute video, Dr. Evans offers a survey of what you need to know and a reminder that for the health of our back, “correct movement is good medicine.” Click here to view this educational video. |