Sunday, September 28, 2008

How back pain is caused and what you can do about it

By David R Kinsley

For many people who suffer with back pain, they live in constant agony; some medications can provide back pain relief in the short term, although none currently exist that remove pain completely. Whilst prescription pain relief pills may in fact dull the pain to a manageable degree, they do not treat the root cause of the problem.

Medication should be used sparingly and under the strict supervision of a medical professional. Back pain is often caused by muscle strains, repeated strenuous exercises and poor sitting posture.

A lot of spinal problems can be caused by lifting even light weights incorrectly, the pain is usually experienced in the lower back. More recently people are willing to try natural back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication. Stretching can be effective at reducing back as it relaxes the muscles which are often tense.

Reflexology is an alternative medical practice now used a lot in back pain relief. Pressure is applied to the feet to relieve pain in different parts of the body, it works very well in relieving back pain. Relaxing muscles and increasing the effectiveness of the circulatory system are two other reasons to use reflexology.

Acupuncture is now providing back pain relief with people suffering spinal problems in the West. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the theory that all people have this energy which flows through them called 'chi' or 'qi'. Chi can become blocked but can be released by using thin needles inserted into various points on the body. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.

Tai Chi is also another ancient Chinese discipline which is basically a type of exercise similar to yoga except it is slower. Tai Chi is however very gentle and easily performed by young and older people. It focuses on breathing exercises with additional stretching movements.

A good preventative form of back pain relief is to actually exercise more regularly. This not only conditions the back but is an excellent preventative measure.

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