What Helps with Back Pain? How Does It Pass?

Back pain ranks second globally after headaches, significantly reducing the quality of life for those who work at desks.

Back pain, which ranks second globally after headaches, particularly affects the quality of life of desk workers. This condition negatively impacts individuals' work and social lives and can also lead to many significant health problems. Back pain can manifest as muscle pain and joint pain in the lower back, back, and spine areas, and there can be many underlying causes.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain is a health issue that nearly 80% of the adult population encounters at some point in their lives. It is a type of pain that damages the back muscles, joints, and ligaments due to postural issues and lumbar strain. Causes of back pain include standing for long periods, pregnancy, excessive weight gain, differences in leg length, and wearing high-heeled shoes. Desk workers, heavy lifters, long-distance drivers, and construction machinery operators are at a higher risk of experiencing back pain.

Additionally, the causes of back pain can be listed as follows:

Herniated disc, postural disorders, and lumbar strain
Back stiffness caused by sudden movements or cold exposure
After unsuccessful back surgeries
Psychogenic back pain
Organ disorders such as kidney, liver, and stomach issues
Cancers
Brucellosis, tuberculosis
Calcification of the lumbar spine
Spinal fractures or spinal slippage
Congenital anomalies

How Does Back Pain Pass?

The treatment of back pain is conducted according to its underlying cause, just like with all other diseases. Generally, in the treatment of back pain:

Simple pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-rheumatic drugs are used.
Physical therapy agents such as strengthening muscles and stimulating damaged nerves, pain relief through electrical currents, deep tissue relaxation through laser therapy, ultrasound, and superficial heat or cooling applications are implemented.
Braces and pain patches are used.
Manipulation, mobilization, and massage are performed.
Exercise programs and local injections are applied.
Surgical procedures may be performed.

What Helps with Back Pain?

Back exercises recommended by a physical therapy specialist can strengthen the muscles in the back area and help alleviate pain. Applying a cold compress to the painful area for 5-10 minutes during the first 24-48 hours when the pain starts, and avoiding windy environments like air conditioning or drafts, are among the steps to take for relief from back pain. Short walks without straining the back, swimming, cycling, and performing stretching and flexibility exercises can be solutions for back pain. Using special cushions that support the natural curve of the back while sitting and avoiding sitting in the same position for long periods can also help alleviate back pain. However, if the back pain does not subside with rest, leads to excessive limitations in movement, and causes numbness and tingling in the legs, one should see a specialist doctor without delay.

Last Updated Date: 06 April 2018

Publication Date: 09 April 2018