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Five Easy Steps to Back Pain Relief

Causes of Back Pain: The Usual Suspects

The most common causes of back pain are muscle strains. A muscle strain occurs whenever a muscle is damaged by tearing or bruising. Muscle strains are caused by everything from bending or stretching the wrong way to using bad posture when sitting. The back and spine support all the systems of the body. The constant stress on the spine means that most people will experience some form of back pain in their lifetimes.

Some other "usual suspects" commonly causing back pain are: slipped or herniated spinal disks, torn ligaments or tendons, nerve compression, osteoarthritis of the spine, incorrectly lifting heavy objects, moving the body in a sudden or unusual manner, obesity, and- for the ladies- wearing high heels.

Just as lifting a heavy object can cause back pain, so can carrying around too much body fat. Obesity is a leading cause of chronic back pain. Pregnancy commonly causes lower back pain for a similar reason. Pregnancy can also, like high heels, change the body's center of gravity, causing the body to tilt and apply more pressure to the spine.

Back Pain Relief Strategies

There as many ways to provide back pain relief as there are causes of back pain. Back pain relief strategies can be grouped into five categories: hot/cold application, oral medications, topical analgesics, strengthening exercises, and complementary methods.

The quickest and easiest way to ease a strained muscle or sore back is to apply a heating pad or 20 or 30 minute intervals. For pain with swelling, rotating ice for 20 to 30 minutes is also beneficial.

Non-prescription medications can reduce swelling and pain. Aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all good pain relievers. Prescription pain relievers and muscle relaxants may be required for more severe back pain relief. Topical creams like capsaicin cream, which is made of hot chili peppers, and aspirin creams can be rubbed into sore muscles to ease pain.

Yoga, physical therapy, and other exercises are helpful in long-term management of back pain. Exercise makes muscles stronger and less likely to suffer strain. Eastern and Western methods can be added to manage back pain. Acupuncture, massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help back pain sufferers manage pain and experience relief.

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