Back injuries affect over 80% of us at some point in our lives. In the workplace, over 2 million workers experience back injuries and it costs employers over 30 billion dollars annually. Not only do back injuries affect our work lives but our personal lives as well. The back is part of virtually every movement we make and injuries to it can affect quality of live dramatically – sometimes resulting in debilitating pain that results in unemployment.
When we think of back injuries we think of heavy lifting that results in a traumatic one-time injury, however, most of the time this is not the case. Back injuries are the result of repeated stress over many years and surprisingly it’s not always heavy lifting that causes it. The sedimentary lifestyles that are so prevalent today are also a factor.
The back is a complicated grouping of bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves which are amazingly strong, yet easily damaged. Most workers don’t take precautions to protect the back, yet injuries can be prevented if we understand how the back works.
If you are a sufferer and your back pain does not need any medical attention, then there are some things you can do yourself if you have simply over exerted your muscles.
Some examples of treatment you can use are:
• Resting in bed
• Medical or herbal pain treatments
• Hot or cold compresses
• Massage and relaxation
• Exercise
Bed rest on a firm mattress that supports the back is often a good place to start. I usually find lying on the floor helps me.
There are numerous over the counter medicines you can buy, and there is an increasing move toward natural herbal remedies today. These can be used to relieve pain and also to relax the muscles. Always seek the advice of a doctor and do not self-diagnose.
Heat and cold can be a tremendous help too. For some people heat can bring quick relief. This could be with a hot water bottle, a bean bag or a nice hot bath with some herbal additives.
For others, a bag of peas from the freezer wrapped in a cloth, so that the skin is protected, is a good solution. I use a gel pack we keep in the freezer. Cold packs work well, but if you have conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or related symptoms you should avoid using cold packs.
If you just have a stiff back and you feel that your muscles are tight, you might find that a gentle massage works wonders for you. Do make sure it is a gentle massage though. Your partner can help here. Using something like baby oil is a good idea when having a massage.
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