Are you frustrated with back aches and constant pain?

Back pain can flare up when least expected and threaten how fully you enjoy and live your life.

 If you cannot bend your back without pain, you will have trouble doing everyday things.

A sudden sharp pain shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation in your back can stop you in your tracks. Pain symptoms can range in intensity from mild to severe. 

Back pain could be sharp and localized in the neck, upper, or lower back. The pain can radiate from the back into the buttocks, legs, or hip. Pain occurs due to problems with any of the structures of the back.

Causes can Stem from: 

• Muscle strains, muscle spasms,
• Damaged ligaments,
• Accidents, fractured vertebrae, 
• Herniated disk
• A pinched nerve, 
• Inflammation, infection. 
• Tumors or sports injuries,

Experiencing An Aching Back:

You may be unable to stand straight without experiencing pain or muscle spasms in the lower back. After sitting or standing for prolonged periods, you experience recurring aches and pain in the middle or lower back. Also, feelings of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs can crop up. 

Nighttime lower back pain arises from a problem with your spine as ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that causes lower back pain. Symptoms include pain and stiffness from the neck down to the lower back. This may lead to spinal changes of a stooped-over bent-up posture.

Repetitive movements over an extended period can aggravate the back muscles, resulting in injury and pain. Constant pain and stiffness may be experienced in the lower back, buttocks, and hips. 

Pain can also develop from a lifetime of poor posture habits.

Treatment Options:

Take action to deal with the aches and misery of the back pain that negatively impacts your well-being. 

Treatment for back pain depends on whether the pain is acute or chronic. Talk with your doctor to determine the cause and get on a treatment plan.

Treatment can include hot or cold packs, pain-relieving medications, exercise, physical therapy, alternative therapies, and surgery.

 Self-Care Tips for a Healthy Back:

• Take notice of how you move your spine. Be attentive to any warning signs such as pain, tension, or stiffness in your back. 
• Try to improve your posture when you sit, walk, or stand without slouching. 
•  Use correct body mechanics when lifting, 
• Do not lift objects that are too heavy or a far-off distance from your body.
• Never twist when lifting.
• Flexibility is a key to a painless back. Improve your mobility and flexibility with an appropriate exercise program. If your back condition is painful or debilitating, it is best to get exercise advice from a physical therapist.
• Yoga helps to relieve back soreness and improve function. However, if you have severe pain refrain from yoga.
• Always provide lumbar support for your back.
• Stay active because extended bed rest can stiffen your joints, weaken your muscles, and increase pain sensations. 

Other alternative therapies that help alleviate back pain include Massage therapy, Acupuncture Tai Chi, and TENS.