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Key Highlights
- Acupressure may help in alleviating chronic pain symptoms
- Epsom salt bath helps in reducing pain
- Socioeconomic factors are also another cause for back pain
A large section of the world population experiences low back pain at some point in their lifetimes. Incorrect sitting posture at the workplace and sedentary lifestyles are ruining people’s backs. Smartphone addiction, eating habits, weight gain, and mental stress are also some of the factors which invite backache problems.
Causes of back pain in females
Socio-economic factors are in a huge way responsible for back pain in both men and women. Women with lower economic status are at big risk of developing back pain as they are constantly engaged in major household chores and childcare. Similarly, women from higher economic status are also at risk of back pain due to their work culture.
Causes of back pain
Physical job: People who are involved in heavy work, such as labourers working in real estate sectors, or the people who indulge in long-standing working hours are more prone to develop back pain.
Smoking/alcohol: Many studies have suggested that excessive smoking and alcohol consumption also lead to back pain.
No exercise: People who don’t exercise regularly are prone to back pain.
Spondylitis: It is the most common cause of back pain. It is a condition that results in inflammation of the vertebra. Spondylitis affects the cervical region of the neck, shoulder and lower spine. There are three main types of spondylitis Cervical spondylitis, Lumbar spondylitis, Ankylosing spondylitis.
Disc Rupture: People indulging in hard labour that involves lifting disproportionate weights and indiscriminate flexing of the spine are more prone to develop disc rupture.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: In this condition, the lower part of the aorta becomes enlarged, which ultimately results in back pain.
Sprains and strain: These are the common factors for acute back pain. Sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments, while strain leads to tears in tendon or muscle.
Spinal stenosis: In this condition spaces within your spine narrow down and which further results in extra pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
Kidney stones: It might sound strange but people having kidney stones do suffer from back pain.
Mental stress: Lack of sleep and mental stress aggravate backache. People who do not have a good sleep at night develop muscle fatigue and back spasms.
Acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, may also help in chronic pain symptoms in the lower back.
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Home remedies for back pain relief
Exercising: Doing exercise or performing yoga asanas help in keeping muscles, tissues and bones strong and in the right posture. Exercising regularly helps in keeping back pain problems at bay.
Here are some exercises which one can opt for during bouts of back pain: Bottom to heels stretch, knee rolls, partial crunches, hamstring stretches, knee to chest, back extensions, pelvic tilts, press-up back extensions are some of the exercises that one can safely undertake after learning them from professionals. One must listen to the signals that the body is sending out. Do not undertake excruciatingly painful and strenuous exercises when you are already in pain. train your back to stay healthy when you are pain-free.
Important note: Always consult a certified yoga instructor, physiotherapist or an orthopaedic before performing any exercise or asanas.
Quick fixes at home for back pain:
Ice packs: Applying ice wrapped in a cotton cloth or towel reduces inflammation. This is one of the best of options available to the people suffering from a sprain.
Hot water bag: This is one thing, which is common in almost every household. However, one shouldn’t apply too much heat as it might burn the tissues.
Prevention is better than cure:
Furniture: Check your posture. Check the chair and bed you use to sit and recline/sleep, respectively. Choose function over form, supportive design over beautiful looking furniture. The furniture should be firm.
Mattress: The mattress on the bed should be medium-firm to let the spine come to rest in a natural position.
Spring/foam/cotton-stuffed mattresses: Some spring mattresses or foam mattresses may feel soft and bouncy, but they are not a good option for a hurt back. Cotton-stuffed mattresses that our parents’ generations swore by are far healthier and good for support.
Natural remedies to treat back pain
Gentle rubs with some essential oils and aromatic oils have helped some people to alleviate backaches. Oregano oil, laurel oil, myrtle oil Hops, wood betony, passionflower, comfrey root extract ointment, Devil’s claw and Willow bark are very helpful for getting relief from back pain. Also, taking Epsom salt bath also helps in reducing pain. Take care of your back, we all have only one spine each.
Important note: Always talk to your doctor before starting to use any herbal medicines.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
