The second most common reason people go to the doctor is for back pain, reports the Spine Universe. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly everyone experiences back pain at least once in life, and back pain can affect anyone at any age. Back pain is very preventable with exercise, stretching, physical therapy--and in extreme cases, medication.
Causes
The first step in preventing back pain is to know what can cause it, and your specific triggers. Aging is one of the most common causes of back pain. As we age, our spinal disks dry out, which puts more pressure on the nerves. Stress can cause muscle tension and back stiffness. Daily back pain can be exacerbated by poor posture, including standing or sitting incorrectly, and heavy physical labor that includes a lot of lifting, twisting and positions that stress the back. The back is especially prone to pain after injuries. Obesity stresses the back because of the extra weight on the skeleton.
Regular Checkups
You should have regular doctor checkups and be sure your physician knows your family history (parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, and aunts and uncles). Inherited conditions that can cause back problems include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, obesity and even psychological back pain.
Physical Therapy
Exercise is the best way to prevent pain caused by tension and heavy lifting. Stretching combined with exercise can correct problems created by bad posture. Other therapeutic methods for preventing back pain are yoga, which teaches relaxation, balance and stretching techniques. Pilates is a physical fitness system that strengthens, improves coordination and balance. Pilates was used to treat medical disorders as far back as World War I, when it was used to rehabilitate bedridden soldiers.
Tests
Most back pain is easy to diagnose, especially if it's muscular. Pain related to genetics and a medical condition such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis could linger if you avoid going to the doctor and opt to treat yourself with medication or trips to the gym. Your yearly exam could also reveal a medical problem that, if caught early, can prevent back pain altogether.
Your doctor can evaluate your ability to sit, stand and walk. She'll also test your muscular strength. Blood and urine testing diagnose a disease or infection. X-rays indicate if you have arthritis but won't reveal problems with the spinal cord, disks, muscles and nerves. A bone scan can check for tumors and compression fractures related to osteoporosis. An EMG (nerve test) measures electrical impulses in the nerves and how your muscles respond.
Prevention/Solution
Even if you don't have back pain now, it's important to be aware of your posture, how much tension you carry in your body and overexerting yourself. Many companiesl work with employees to create an ergonomic-friendly workspace. You can also minimize tension on your back by carrying less. Don't overload your purse or backpack.
