Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Lower back pain - Keeping your back healthy

I frequently have problems with my back. Initially I was worried and though that it may be due to Slipped disc (herniated disc) or may be a simple muscle stretch. The problem was with my lower back and I was having lower back pain.  I visited the Doctor and on his advice I took X-ray and it was fine.  But the back continued to create problems for me. Finally doctor recommended me to take MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).  The MRI is also fine.  The doctors are unable to provide any cause of pain. Please advise me how to keep my back healthy.

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About 80% of the people suffer from back pain one time or another during the live time.  It may be due to various reasons from muscle pull, slipped disc to kidney stone.  But everyone should take care of their back and neck.  The following are some of the measures which can be taken to keep your back healthy.

Weight – Now a days one of the major causes of almost all the diseases is obesity.  If you are over- weight try to reduce it and if you are of normal weight then try to maintain it.  Doing regular exercises and walking does help in maintaining the weight and health.

Lifting  - While lifting any weight make sure that your back is straight and if you are lifting an heavy object try to seek the help of others. There are procedures for lifting the weight and procedures for avoiding strain on your back which should be strictly followed.

Back Exercises – There are many back exercises, which will help in strengthening the muscles of the back and overall muscles of the body.  Healthy Muscles will provide a healthy back and you will be able to relieve your pain.

Flexibility – Doing regular exercises will give you an overall flexible body and help in avoiding pains associated with stiffness. Remember you have to always do some kind of warm-up exercises before you go after heavy exercises. If you have back pain or any exercise is hurting you then avoid doing exercises.  When there is little or no pain then you may continue with your exercise regimen.

Drink more Water – Water is good for healthy functioning of organs.  Drink as much water as you are comfortable with.  Drinking more than 8 glasses of water is better.

Comfortable bed – You spend 6 to 8 hours on your bed, see to it that your bed is comfortable.  It should not be soft and should not be hard enough to cause pain.  A semi soft bed is good for avoiding back pain.

Comfortable Chair -  If you are doing office job then see to it that your seat has proper back support and comfortable and does not become the cause of pain.  Try to do back stretch after long sitting. 

Stress – Stress is also one of the major causes of pains and other diseases.  Try to avoid stress, follow the religious or moral guidance for reducing the stress.  Relaxation exercises, meditation and prayers help in reducing stress.  Having a nice bath also sometimes reduces stress.  Stress free life is a boon and helps in keeps different kinds of pains away.

Excessive indulgence – Don’t indulge in excess.  Anything in excess is harmful.  Excessive walking, sitting, sleeping and even eating is harmful to the body.  Avoid excesses.

Sitting cross legged – Don’t sit cross legged for long.  This may be one of the causes of back pain.

Please note - In case of any difficulty always consult a Doctor.  A Doctor is the right person to find the solutions to our health problems.

Key words - Back pain, Sciatica, slipped disc, herniated disc, lower back pain.