Essential Things You Should Know: The Basics of Back Pain

Back pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It means you have pain from somewhere in your body that the nerves in the lower, middle, or upper back bring to your brain. The nerves that run through the spine and the bones in the back make up what we call the spinal column. Many things can cause back pain, including:

  • Common injuries, like muscle strains or bone spurs from arthritis
  • Overexertion, like lifting or running
  • Improper lifting or lifting heavy items
  • Common conditions, like kidney stones or endometriosis

If you are experiencing back pain, it’s best to find out why it is happening and then get effective treatment.

Today, let’s explore some of the most important things you should know about back pain. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Back Pain

Back pain is the pain you feel when your back hurts. This can come from many injuries, conditions, and diseases. If you are having trouble identifying your pain, it is very difficult to get proper treatment.

  • The most general type of back pain people experience are the following:
  • Low back pain is the most common type of back pain and is where you have pain in the lower back and buttocks.
  • Mid-back pain is between the shoulder blades, while upper back pain occurs in the upper third of the back.
  • It’s important to find out what type of back pain you have since different types of back pain have different treatments.

Common Treatments for Back Pain

Massage Therapy

Back pain gets better in many cases with simple self-treatments, like using heat, a cane, or a walker. Other times, you need more treatment, like massage therapy. Back pain gets better in many cases with simple self-treatments, like using heat, a cane, or a walker. Other times, you need more treatment, like massage therapy.

One of the most common treatments for back pain is massage therapy. Massage therapy is when a trained healthcare provider rubs your muscles and joints to help improve movement.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can help properly use your muscles and the proper way to do activities. This can prevent further injury and help you live a more healthy lifestyle.

You may need physical therapy if back pain doesn’t get better with self-treatment and massage therapy. Physical therapy is a common treatment for back pain because it focuses on proper posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and stretching.

Exercise

Another treatment for back pain is exercise. Exercise is best when done with professional help. An exercise program helps with physical and mental problems, like depression.

When used in conjunction with other treatments, exercise can help your back pain. Exercise is a great way to get moving, relax and get the blood flowing to your muscles. You can also engage in sitting exercises, which teach proper posture for sitting at your desk and in your car.

Better Posture

Many people have poor posture, which can lead to back pain. Bad posture is often caused by bad ergonomics at home, at the office, or on the road. You can help reduce your risk of back pain by improving your posture.

Learning how to sit or stand properly is essential for preventing back pain. Many people have poor posture because they don’t know how to sit or stand properly. Your posture can help reduce back pain, improve mood, and make you more confident.

The Bottom Line

If you experience back pain, you must get proper treatment. Do not just treat the pain, but also find out what is causing the pain. If your back pain doesn’t go away with self-care, it’s time to consider something more. Make sure to consult a professional and get the right treatment.

If you are interested in achieving body balance, we can help you. Metatouch offers sports and therapeutic massage therapy. We offer customized personal training sessions to help you achieve the strongest, most stable version of yourself! Visit our Culver City location for a session today! Contact us today to learn more and get started!

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