Americans have sore backs. Nearly 65 million report an episode of back pain at some point, while about 8 million report chronic back pain.
It happens for many reasons: work, rest, or injuries can contribute. There is a diverse array of causes, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Finding the treatment to suit your specific needs is essential to treat, manage, or relieve back pain adequately.
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There are many options to treat back pain, so it can be very confusing. Options include doing nothing, moving more, or having surgery. In some cases, you can see, recommendations have major contrasts!
So, how do you decide on a treatment? Keeping these things in mind can help:
Know what you’re dealing with. When you’ve identified the type of back problem you’re suffering from, you’ll be more equipped to learn how to treat it. For example, if chronic back pain is the result of inactivity, moving more may be the optimal solution.
If the pain is the result of injury or structural issues, rest may be best.
Although there are many options to treat back pain, not all are appropriate for specific conditions.
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Take an active role in your care. Learn as much as you can about the risks and benefits of the treatments you’re considering, and be clear on your treatment goals. You might not want to become a wrestler, but you may want to get up and down easily to play with the grandkids.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to question advice. If a health professional suggests an invasive, experimental, or expansive treatment, think about getting a second opinion from a doctor with expertise in your specific condition.
There are several factors involved in treating and relieving back pain. Taking them all into account will give you the best chance of reaching your goals and restoring your vitality.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
