HealthWatch: April 2007

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints for people in the U.S., and is the fifth most common reason for health care visits and missed work. Our back is necessary for practically every move we make. This explains why the human back can be easily prone to injury.

According to experts, there are two different types of back pain, acute and chronic. Acute pain approaches suddenly and is caused by trauma, arthritis, fractures, infections around the spine, and internal organ disease and cancer. Chronic back pain continues longer than 12 weeks and occurs from severe conditions of the spine.

Back pain in the lower back or low back pain is a common concern, affecting up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime.
- eMedicineHealth

Below are just a few tips if you experience back pain.

Standing

Keep good posture by standing with your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward, weight balanced evenly on both feet, and hips tucked in.

Sitting

Make sure the chair has good lower back support. The back of the chair should be curved to give support where the small of the back meets the chair.
Keep your knees a little higher than your hips by using a foot rest or stool.
Don’t twist at the waist while sitting. Instead, turn your whole body.

Sleeping

Sleep on your side with the knees bent or put a pillow between your knees.
Try not to sleep on your stomach.
When sleeping on your back, put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under the small of the back.

Lifting objects

If you are lifting an object from a table, slide it to the edge to the table so that you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so that you are close to the object. Use your legs to lift the object and come to a standing position.
Avoid lifting heavy objects above waist level.
Hold packages close to your body with your arms bent.

Resource: Cleveland Clinic Website

In general, back pain can be prevented, treated, and usually does not need immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, in some cases the back can be disabling.

Local Resources

Cleveland Clinic: Coping with Lower Back Pain
Cleveland Seniors: Ten Ways to Maintain A Healthy Back
National Public Radio (NPR): Ah, My Aching Back

State and National Resources

Everyday Health: Preventing Back Problems
Ohio State University Medical Center: Oh, My Aching Back
WebMD: Exercises to Strengthen Your Back