Tips to prevent back pain

Tips to prevent back pain
Tuesday August 12 2008 09:57 IST Express Features

WHAT can cause low back injuries?

Many things can cause low back injuries-muscle strain or spasm, sprains of ligaments (which attach bone to bone), joint problems or “slipped disk".

A slipped disk (also called a herniated disk) happens when a disk between the bones of the spine bulges and presses on nerves. This is often caused by twisting while lifting.

What can I do for relief when I’ve hurt my lower back?

The best position for relief when your back hurts is to lie on your back on the floor with pillows under your knees, with your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair, or just with your hips and knees bent. This takes the pressure and weight off your back. You may need 1 to 2 days of this sort of rest for a hurt back.

What else can I do for relief?

Heating pads can help to relax painful muscle spasms. Ice packs and massages may also give relief. Nonprescription medicines that reduce pain or swelling include aspirin, acetaminophen (brand name : Tylenol), naproxen (brand name : Aleve), ketoprofen (brand name : Orudis), and ibuprofen (brand name : Motrin).

You can talk to us if you have:

Your leg, foot, groin or rectal area feels numb

You have fever, nausea or vomiting, stomachache, weakness or sweating

You lose control over going to the bathroom

Your pain was caused by an injury

Your pain is so instense you can’t move around

Your pain doesn’t seem to be getting better after 2 to 3 weeks

Tips for preventing Back Pain

Don’t lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object.

If you must sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch.

Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower).

Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower back pain.

The Back and Neck Clinic

No. 1 B Block 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar East, Chennai - 600102 Phone : 044-26204455.