MAIN Health Pain Back Pain

Acute back pain, especially lower back pain, is common to many people in all walks of life. It may be brought about by overexertion during physical activity or heavy lifting, improper posture while sitting at a desk job, or simple everyday stress and strain.

Fortunately, with proper care and exercise, most back pain can be prevented or eased.

Even in the most chronic cases, surgery is a rarely recommended cure (except in cases of a herniated disc in the spine), but is often best treated with prescription or over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, acupuncture or stress management.

To relieve backache pain, experts usually advise to keep lightly active - since sitting or laying down for long periods only worsens the condition and exacerbates pain. A heating pad or wearable "heat strip" eases tightened muscles, and non-presciption pain relievers helps reduce swelling.

Avoid the risk of strains and back muscle spasms by also following these recommended tips:

• When lifting and moving heavy objects from the floor, avoid putting undue stress on your back by bending your knees and lifting up. Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift.
• Observer proper posture when sitting at a desk by keeping your back straight and feet firmly placed on the floor.
• Keep active by walking or light jogging to keep back muscles strong. Swimming is another excellent low-impact exercise.
  

Around the Web, learn more about the topic at sites offering more information, tips & advice on proper posture, exercise techniques, traditional treatments and when to seek professional care, along with alternative and complementary therapies for common, everyday back pain ...

Handout on Health - Back Pain - Excellent introduction to the topic with a comprehensive overview on how the spinal cord works, related injuries, common medical diagnostic tests and treatment, therapeutic exercises, related glossary of terms, and links to additional information.

Category Page -> Spine - Portal page from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons with extensive tips, advice & information on how to prevent back pain at home or at work, causes & treatment of related conditions including fractured vertabrae, sciatica, scoliosis and more, with related instructional video.

Back and Neck Care Guide - Pages of illustrated exercises for relieving pain and strengthening back and neck muscles, tips on proper posture, information on common causes of back strain, and advice on when to see a doctor.

WebMD Back Pain Health Center - One-stop browsing for the latest news headlines and feature stories, daily blogs and community forum posts, plus patient guides to types of back pain & related symptoms,, diagnostic tests, treatments, glossary and FAQ.

Back Pain - Mayo Clinic - Information on causes & treatments including tips & advice on risks and prevention, home care, complementary and alternative therapies including chiropractic treatment, related links.

Lower Back Pain - Self-diagnostic chart describing symptoms and suggested home care treatments and pain relievers, related diseases & conditions and when to see a doctor.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Back Pain - Good overview of alternative and complementary therapies including acupuncture, deep breathing & physical exercise, herbal treatments and stress management, with related articles on relieving back pain.

also see in Pain -> Alternative & Complementary Pain Treatment

also see in Diseases & Conditions -> Sciatica | Kidney Disease

also see in Office Life -> Exercising at Your Desk

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.