Back pain

Back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back and sometimes can spread to buttocks and legs.

Causes:
 Injury or muscle degeneration
 Arthritis of the spine, the slow degeneration of the spinal joints — is the most frequent cause of
lower back pain.
 Poor posture, like slouching or pushing the head forward while sitting or standing, causing
misalignment of the spine.
 Lifting items or children incorrectly.
 Injury to discs, muscles and/or ligaments

Types:
There are two types of back pain:

1. Acute: short-term, lasts a few days to a few weeks, tends to resolve within a few days with self-
care without residual loss of function.
2. Chronic: Lasts three months or longer.

Prevention:
 Do muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2 days a week.
 Stand and sit up straight.
 Avoid heavy lifting. If you do lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
 Get active and eat healthy. Being overweight can strain your back.
Treatment:
 Stop normal physical activity for only the first few days.
 Apply heat or ice to the painful area.
 Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
 Sleep in a curled-up fetal position with a pillow between your legs.