Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Relief Methods
SHARE THIS ARTICLE:
If you’ve ever experienced back pain, you are in good company. Back pain is one of the most common causes of body pain, is a top reason people visit the doctor or take time off work, and it's a major cause of disability around the world.
...
It’s hard to fully appreciate how much your back is involved in nearly any and all movement. Here are the different types of back pain, what causes it, and how you can get some back pain relief.
Types of back pain
Back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute back pain lasts for three months or less, and generally heals within an expected amount of time. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is continual or recurring and lasts for three months or more.
Back pain is usually classified based on the area of your back that is affected.
| Thoracic | Pain in your upper back |
| Lumbar | Pain in your lower back |
| Sacral or coccyx | Pain in the lowest vertebrae of your back in the region between your hips (sacral) or pain in your tailbone (coccyx) |
Causes of back pain at work
If your job involves the following tasks and they are not performed properly, this can lead to back pain:
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
- Sitting or driving for long periods without taking a break
- Standing or bending for long periods
Everyday activities that can cause back pain
Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home including:
- Bending awkwardly
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
- Slouching in chairs
- Standing or bending for long periods
- Twisting
- Over-stretching
- Sitting or driving for long periods without taking a break
Symptoms and signs of back pain include:
- Soreness
- Tingling
- Inability to stand up straight without pain
- Decreased range of motion from side to side
- Inability to flex your back
Simple ways to take care of your back at home
- Keep moving, even if you don’t feel like it
- Stretch and strengthen your back muscles over time
- Keeping a good posture keeps the pressure off your back muscles
- Keep a healthy weight – this can reduce the pressure on your back
- Try ice and heat
- Get enough rest and be careful to not strain your back lifting heavy items
- Use Voltaren – Voltaren Emulgel Back & Muscle Pain relieves pain and reduces inflammation
Voltaren Emulgel Back & Muscle Pain brings relief for pain and inflammation in the back & muscle. For more information about how Voltaren can help click here.
Preventing back pain
Often, preventing back pain requires behavioural changes in how we move about our day-to-day lives. The basics of preventing back pain can be summed up in two words: move well!
There are a number of tips to stave off back pain. But don’t worry. These tips can both help prevent back pain offer some back pain relief:
- Maintain a healthy weight
Extra kilograms put a strain on your posture, which strains your back muscles. Maintaining a healthy weight may ease your pain. - Stay strong
Strengthen your muscles – especially your core muscles in your abdomen and back – can go far in preventing back pain. - Stay flexible
Stretching can keep your back muscles loose and warm, so they’re less prone to pulls and injuries. Look into stretches and exercises for back pain that target upper back pain or lower back pain specifically. - Quit smoking
In addition to its other negative health effects, smoking is a risk factor for back pain. In fact, studies have shown that there is a higher prevalence of back pain among people who have been exposed to cigarette smoke. - Wear proper footwear
Support starts from having a proper base. The shoes you wear have a big impact on your back. Wear shoes that provide good support. Avoid wearing high heels for any length of time.
Explore Voltaren’s products for pain relief
SHARE THIS ARTICLE:
Health, wellness & your pain
Voltaren is your ally in helping you take more control of your pain journey, from the way to sleep, to mental wellbeing and complementary pain relief therapies.
