|
HealthTales.com |
|
| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.
Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.
If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider. You should also get medical attention if you have back pain following an injury.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
'''Back pain''' is one of humanity's most frequent complaints and does not usually reflect any underlying disease. However, anyone with back pain that does not improve after a few days should first consult a Physician, as back pain can sometimes indicate significant and serious conditions which might not otherwise be diagnosed. Back pain is very rarely a sign of a serious medical problem. It is however important that the treatable medical causes are identified early on. Typical warning signs are bowel and/or bladder function disturbance, severe pain spreading along a nerve ( eg a radiculopathy - pain sprading down the back of the leg to the outside of the foot) or severe pain occurring with other signs of severe illness (eg- very high temperature, confusion). Back manipulation, as performed by osteopathys and chiropractors is thought to be beneficial in some people. Back surgery is only considered to be necessary in very few cases of back pain - around 1-2%. Physiotherapy, and exercise are now considered to be important in reducing back pain. Incidence of back pain in western countries has increased in recent years, and this is now thought to be due to a relatively inactive lifestyle, with people taking less exercise, and doing less physical activity in their work. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, back pain is the most popular condition treated with alternative medicine. Fifty percent (50%) of all patients in the United States use alternative medicine to treat back pain. Medical consensus is now that most back pain isn't caused by damaged disks, or any underlying physical cause other than our modern lifestyle. Postural reeducation or exercises, such as Johnston-Ruyer Back Therapy or the Alexander Technique are known to help. The pain itself is caused by strong muscle spasms severely tightening back muscles. The best immediate treatment for such spasms is now held to be the application of cold, ... [ Read More ]
The Pillow Company - Specializes in all-natural, organic buckwheat and millet hulls, aromatherapy sachets, heatpacks, and organic pillows for to alleviate tensions, and prevent neck and back pain.
Shock-absorbing hip-mounted rifle/shotgun sling - This sling greatly reduces fatigue and back pain. Your gun is held in a ready to raise and fire position. New approach to carrying your gun.
Natural Therapy of Exercises to Relieve Pain and Stress - Exercises for back pain relief and stress reduction. Manual, classes, and online help. Christy Friederich is based in Davis, California.
Making Your Bad Back Better With The O'Connor Technique - Information on neck pain therapy, mechanical back pain, and fibromyalgia. How to become your own chiropractor.
Spinal Publications and Back Care New Zealand - Offers Robin McKenzie's books and back supports for back and neck pain sufferers. Displays McKenzie's clinical textbooks for health care professionals.
Dr. Gary's Low Back Handbook - Understand low back pain and where it comes from.
Herbal Pillows Hawaii - Eye, back, and neck pillows for pain relief.
Zytron Sports Injury Products - Analgesic products for joint inflammation and stiffness, sore muscles, spasms, tendonitis, tennis elbow, fibro myalgia, leg cramps, back pain, aches, pains, strains and restless leg syndrome.
Bio Magnetic Therapy - Mattress and pillow pads, chair back supports, and shoe insoles for pain relief. Includes clinical case studies and expected benefits.
Magicial Pain Relief - Handmade magnetic jewelry. Also offers back supports and insoles.