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If you have lower back pain, you are not alone. An astonishing 31 million people of almost all ages- in the United States suffer from back pain everyday. Lower back pains are responsible for at least 25% of all sick leaves and absenteeism accounts for approximately $20 billion and climbing-per year in medical costs, and this is just statistically in the United States alone. The causes and symptoms and degree of pain intensity of lower back pain are diverse. Most treatments only offer a band-aid solution to this problem. In other words they mask the problem by giving temporary relief, but do not treat to rid the person of the underlying problem. Successful treatment can be very hard to find. Therefore, if you suffer from severe and/or of a continuously returning back pain, you really should seek out a professional medical advisor. In the traditional Western world, treatments for lower back pain mostly involve painkillers (masking the pain) and of course the mostly dreaded word…surgery. Sometimes these methods have worked, but in general-they don't. Knowing the basics on lower back pain prevention and treating a minor back pain on your own, can help to alleviate some problems.
Even if you're the king or queen of stocking painkillers and other medicines, you won't be able to eliminate back pain from your life unless you also use some good old-fashioned common sense and start treating the problem at the core, and not just a few hours of a quick fix. Here are a few good common sense hints: Your bed's mattress: Worn-out springs and soft mattresses wreak havoc on bad backs, it can actually create or make your back pain worse. Correct driving position: Simply lean slightly forward while you're driving. Knees should be even with your hips (if possible, even higher than your hips). Long distance driving requires a short 'pit-stop' and talking a short walk. Standing: When standing, notably more for long periods of time try to lean forward slightly, thereby shifting some of your weight off your back. Shifting your weight from one foot to the other can help a great deal. Lifting Correctly: It is strongly advised not to bend over without bending your knees to lift anything, even if it's lightweight. Small, incorrect moves can strain your back, especially as you get older. The best manoeuvre without hurting your back is to do it from a squatting position (knees bent) to make sure your legs do the work. Try to avoid lifting heavy objects, and using possibly a dolly (if you can), much lower back pain can be prevented. Moving Around: Any kind of lengthy sitting, standing of lying down can cause or create a lower back pain. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
Enough Rest: It is generally recommended to sleep an average of 8 hours per night. The “S” Sleeping Position: This relieves pressure on your back while your sleep: A neck roll behind your head (or plump up a pillow under your neck to get a similar effect) and another pillow tucked between your knees. Basic Warm up procedure: Stretching for at least 5 minutes before you attempt any exercise, even for just activities like mowing the lawn, washing the car or cleaning the house. Are you a sloucher?: Remember when your mother told you not to slouch? Well it is not just because it looks like your confidence is low, but this may cause injuries to your back. Sit up tall and straight and proud with a 'straight-back' chair. Both feet should be firmly planted on the floor, with your knees level with (or higher than) your hips. It is strongly recommended not to sit on those soft, mushy couches and/or chairs. The answer is right under your feet: A strong sturdy shoe, the better the support; the better the back. Often flip-flops, high heels or no heel at all, are especially contributing to lower back pain. Recommended are low-heeled shoes, or therapeutic insoles or certified orthopaedic shoes.
Dr. Madeline F. Barnothy:
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