Overview
One common issue that affects many people at one point or another in their lifetime is back pain. This is something that can arise from a myriad of issues, such as bending over in an awkward manner, lifting things incorrectly, and taking on a bad posture while either sitting down or standing up.
Oftentimes, back pain is something that can be dealt with within a period of a few weeks or a few months; however, there are some individuals who claim that they experience pain for a longer amount of time, as well as pain that never seems to go away at all.
Back Pain Types
A backache is most commonly felt in the lower back, or lumbago. However, this is a pain that can also be felt virtually anywhere along your spine, ranging from your neck to your hips.
Back pain can also be caused by issues such as a disease or an injury, such as the following:
*Slipped disc
*Sciatica
*Whiplash
*Frozen shoulder
*Ankylosing spondylitis
What You Should Do
Many cases involving back pain typically get better on their own, meaning you won’t have to worry about seeing a doctor. On the other hand, if your pain has only lasted for around either a few days or a few weeks, here are some pieces of advice that you should consider following:
*Stay as active as you possibly can and try to keep up with all of your normal daily activities
*Take ibuprofen or over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol if you feel you need to
*Use a compression pack that is either hot or cold
*Remain positive
Treatments for More Long-Term Pain
If you’re either worried about your back or the pain you’re experiencing hasn’t improved within a period of six weeks, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor. They may prescribe you a variety of different treatments for your condition, including the following:
*A stronger set of painkillers
*Exercise classes
*A form of manual therapy
*Acupuncture
*Counseling
*A visit to a specialist pain clinic to obtain advice and support
Signs of a More Serious Issue
There are also signs that you should seek the help of a medical professional if you are experiencing more than just back pain. These other issues include the following:
*A high fever
*Weight loss that can’t be explained
*Any type of deformity or swelling in your back
*Pain that doesn’t ease up one you start to lay down
*Chest pain
*Inability to control either your bladder or bowel
*Inability to urinate
*Your back passage, buttocks, and/or genital area feeling numb
*Pain that is worse during the nighttime hours
*Pain that started after an accident of any kind