Back pain part 2: What to do if you already have back pain

1. Click below to read Part 1: Back Pain Part 1: Different Types and Causes of Back Pain

1. Back pain is not an immediate reason to visit a physician. In most cases the pain will go away on its own. But there are a few things you can do yourself, and you need to watch out for, to keep the pain bearable and aid recovery.

2. Back pain is not an immediate reason to visit a physician. In most cases the pain will go away on its own. However, there are a number of things you can do yourself, and you need to pay attention to, to keep the pain bearable and aid recovery.

When to see a doctor

1. In most cases, low back pain is not an immediate reason to see your doctor. But it is a good idea to keep a close eye on the symptoms of the pain, as there are cases where you need to see a doctor right away because there is probably more to it than “just” back pain. So, as soon as you feel any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:

2. In most cases, low back pain is not an immediate reason to see your doctor. However, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on the symptoms of the pain, as there have been cases where you need to see a doctor right away, as there is probably more to it than “just” back pain. So, as soon as you feel any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:

1. How long does low back pain last?

1. Fortunately, in most cases, the back pain will go away on its own. This can vary from a few days to a few weeks. Little by little you get less pain and you can move again without that stabbing pain. It is rare for low back pain to last longer than 6 weeks. If this is the case for you, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately. Perhaps there is more to it then. If the complaints persist for 12 weeks or longer, we speak of a chronic back pain.

2. Fortunately, in most cases, the back pain will go away on its own. This can vary from a few days to a few weeks. Little by little you get less pain and you can move again without that stabbing pain. It is very rare for low back pain to last longer than 6 weeks. If this is the case for you, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately. Perhaps there is more to it then. If the complaints persist for 12 weeks or longer, we speak of a chronic back pain.

1. But even though the back pain disappears quickly, the chance of the pain coming back is greater after the first time. About 70% of people who have previously had pain complaints, will have to deal with the same complaints again within a year. It is not known why this occurs regularly, but it is generally believed that, in addition to physical factors, it also has to do with the following psychological factors:

2. But even though the back pain disappears quickly, the chance of the pain coming back is greater after the first time. About 70% of people who have had pain complaints before, will have to deal with the same complaints again within a year. It is not known why this occurs regularly, but it is generally believed that, in addition to physical factors, it also has to do with the following psychological factors:

1. What can you do for low back pain ??

1. There are many practitioners who can help you get rid of the pain. While this is sometimes successful, it has never been conclusively proven to be effective. In some cases, the treatments even counteract the healing process. Basically it is very important to keep moving, so do not lie on the bed like a plank! Here is a list of what you can do yourself to relieve the pain and get rid of your back pain as quickly as possible:

Don't lie on the bed like a shelf!

1. As mentioned, it is important to keep moving and not to take excessive bed rest. Sometimes the pain is so severe that you have no choice, but do not do this for more than 2 days. After that, try to be on the move every now and then. This will hurt, so don't force anything! If you stay in bed too much, the muscles will be weakened and the eventual recovery will take longer.

Stay active

1. Even though it is difficult, sometimes painful and very tiring, it is important to continue your daily activities as much as possible. Perhaps adjusted and at a slower pace. As long as you don't force anything, moving with pain isn't harmful at all. Research has shown that avoiding movement, or even not moving at all, ultimately does more harm. In addition to a slower recovery, it is also more likely that the back pain will return soon.

2. Even if it is difficult, sometimes painful and very tiring, it is important to continue your daily activities as much as possible. Perhaps adjusted and at a slower pace. As long as you don't force anything, moving with pain isn't harmful at all. Research has shown that avoiding movement, or even not moving at all, ultimately does more harm. In addition to a slower recovery, it is also more likely that the back pain will return soon.

Painkillers

1. Although painkillers are not a solution for the back pain itself, it can still help to relieve the pain so that you can move better and less cramped. Take regular paracetamol at first, and if that doesn't help, you can switch to anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen. Take these medications for a few days, then see if you can manage without it by taper off slowly. Muscle relaxant drugs are of little use unless your doctor prescribes them.

2. Although painkillers are not a solution for the back pain itself, it can still help to relieve the pain so that you can move better and less cramped. Take regular paracetamol at first, and if that doesn't help, you can switch to anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen. Take these medications for a few days, then see if you can manage without it by tapping it off slowly. Muscle relaxant drugs are of little use unless your doctor prescribes them.

Heat can relieve relief

1. Many people enjoy warming the back to make muscles more flexible and in some cases to relieve pain. Take a hot shower or bath, for example. A heat compress or a hot water bottle can also be useful here.

2. Many people enjoy warming the back, which makes muscles more flexible and in some cases relieves pain. Take a hot shower or bath, for example. A heat compress or a hot water bottle can also be useful here.

Massage

1. A massage is not recommended as a treatment. A light massage by your partner may be a nice idea, without treating the spine. In case of back pain, treatment of the spine is only reserved for professionals! In any case, make it clear where it hurts, what you like and what has a relieving effect.

Acupuncture

1. Opinions about the effectiveness of acupuncture vary widely. The one will notice a difference immediately, it will not work for the other. You can try it, because if it doesn't help, it won't hurt either!

Chiropractor

1. Opinions differ on this too. The 'bone cracker' is not very popular with some people, mainly because of this negative-sounding name. This designation is incorrect, because nothing is cracked at all. The sounds you hear are escaping gas that comes from between the spinal discs. In many cases, the chiropractor can immediately relieve the pain, but multiple treatments are required. Even if you don't have back pain, an annual check-up of your spine may not be such a bad idea at all. This way you avoid unnecessary back pain. You also go to the dentist for a check-up every 6 months, don't you? Then why not for your (important) spine?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

1. If you have chronic back pain, you can take cognitive behavioral therapy. In this therapy, solutions are sought to relieve the fear of moving and the pain to be able to move normally. Often a lot of work is done on your general body posture and working posture.

Exercise therapy

1. There are all kinds of exercise therapy. They all have the same goal of relieving the pain and preventing new back pain in the future. This is mainly done through muscle strengthening exercises and stabilization exercises.

Special tips for pregnant women

1. A pregnant woman is a special case of back pain. There is, in most cases, a clear cause: The weight of the baby, which changes the center of gravity in your body. You will move and walk differently, so that you use and strain your muscles in a completely different way. [! 171039 => 1140 = 18!] Low back pain is in many cases unavoidable when you are pregnant, but there are things you can do to make it as bearable as possible:

1. Prevention is better than cure!

1. Of course, the best way to avoid back pain is to think carefully about everything you do with your body, especially your back. Read about preventing back pain in the third part of this special. In other words: How do I use my body sensibly?

1. Click below to read Part 3: Back Pain Part 3: Preventing Back Pain