Did you know that sitting is a common cause for backpain and is worse than smoking?
click here to hear it from Dr. Nnamdi
Lower back pain is a very common issue among adults, especially since working from home has become so common.
People now sit at home for hours bent over a desk…..
or are even at work slouching and staring at the computer screen.
It is no wonder back pain has surged in the past year.
In fact, lower back pain is one of the top causes of missed work in Africa
Yes, it is even a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Let’s look into it.
Symptoms
Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation.
In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, lifting, standing or walking.
The pain makes it hard to move or stand up straight.
Pain that comes on suddenly is “acute.”
It might happen during sports or heavy lifting.
Pain that lasts more than 3 months is considered “chronic.”
Always ensure to see a health care professional any time you have back pain after a fall or injury.
The same goes if you have back pain with bowel or bladder control problems, leg weakness, fever, or pain when coughing or peeing.
When to see a doctor
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care.
Contact your doctor if your lower back pain:
- Persists past a few weeks
- Is severe and doesn’t improve with rest
- Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
- Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
- Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
watch this tips on how to treat low back pain at home
Causes
These factors might put you at greater risk of developing back pain:
- Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40.
- Lack of exercise or weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might lead to back pain.
- Excess body weight puts extra stress on your back.
- Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.
- Improper lifting such as using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain.
- People with psychological conditions like depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain.
Treatment
Prevention is better than cure……
Exercise regularly — those that don’t strain or jolt their back —
can increase strength and endurance in the lower back and allow your muscles to function better.
Walking and swimming are good choices.
Talk with your doctor about which activities you might try.
Building muscle strength and flexibility, which strengthen your core, help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back.
Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent lower back pain because being overweight strains back muscles.
Trimming down can also prevent back pain.
Quit smoking because smoking increases your risk of low back pain.
The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so quitting should help reduce this risk.
For more information on low back pain or questions concerning any kind of pain
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