Category: General Questions

This infographic titled ‘Types of Back Pain That You Should Not Ignore’ explains the different types of back pain, their symptoms, and common treatment. Lower back pain is a very common condition. In fact, most of us have suffered some type of back pain at one point or another. But most back pain goes away with simple measures and some rest. If the pain does not go away, back pain may be the only option to treat the underlying problem and reduce the pain.

There are usually four ways back pain appears in the body:

• Dull, aching pain.
• Muscle spasms and tightening in the lower back.
• Stinging, burning pain that moves from the lower back to the back of the thighs.
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing.

If you are experiencing any of these, you know you have back pain.

Symptoms and treatments of lower back pain:

The treatment will depend on the type of pain, and its duration. There are four types of pain:

• Acute pain: This type of pain lasts a few days or weeks and can usually be treated with physical therapy. A therapist will correct your posture and help to correct the alignment by simple physical manipulation.
• Subacute low back pain: This type of pain can last anywhere between six weeks to three months. When pain seems to be lasting for six weeks or beyond, you should visit an orthopedic specialist. Such pain may require a minimally invasive procedure.
• Chronic back pain: Pain will last more than three months indicates a deeper problem where surgery may be the recommended option. It could range from a minimally invasive procedure to operative surgery.

For more information, please check the infographic below.

Thanks to significant advancements in surgical procedures due to the improvement in technology and equipment, spinal surgery is what it is today. Patients with an extensive history of back pain due to injury in the spine can now get permanent relief from surgical treatment. However, before deciding to undergo spine surgery in Florida, you should have knowledge of the procedure and explore your options before deciding on this procedure.

When you visit a spine surgeon Florida to discuss your spinal condition, the doctor will first take scans of the affected region and analyze the results. Based on the assessment, the spine surgeon may suggest a surgical procedure or other resources for you to consider.

Before deciding on spine surgery, you must understand the procedure as well as the risks associated with it. If you find that the surgeon you are visiting has already performed these spinal procedures and has good reviews, then you can speak with them about moving forward with the process.

Back pain is just as common as it is inconvenient. Typically, back pain is caused by bybad lifestyle choices, such as obesity from eating excess junk food, or lack of exercise. Luckily, if the pain is minor, there are ways to relieve it. Many lower back pain West Palm Beach specialists have varying things that they recommend to their patients to prevent back pain.

Many people will assume that exercise is a fast solution for back pain; however, experts advise against this if you do not know the proper way to do it because certain high-impact and weight-bearing exercises can be damaging when done without supervision.

Here are other ways to potentially help back pain:

Maintain good posture: Having bad posture affects the condition of your back in the long term. While sitting or standing, keep your frame upright without being too stiff. Your posture should be comfortable, but not slouchy. Also, avoid heels when standing or walking.

Keep a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the spine, particularly the lower spine, which leads to lower back pain. Hence, you must maintain a healthy weight by following a balanced diet and a regular exercise regimen.

Sleeping: Avoid both extra soft and extra hard mattresses. Both can be equally damaging. Most experts in lower back pain West Palm Beach recommend a medium firm mattress that gives support to your spine without causing discomfort.

Bending/lifting: Avoid lifting very heavy objects. Be careful when lifting an object, especially when you bend over. Do not stoop over to pick up; instead, bend your knees.

Many people who suffer from back pain do not need spine surgery. Chances are the pain will subside eventually. However, a serious injury or chronic back pain may require spine surgery in Florida. So, when should you visit a specialist? You should visit a specialist even when you have minor back pain to make sure there are no underlying conditions. Most importantly, you should book an appointment when none of the home remedies work.

Some of the home remedies that you can try are:

• Hot/cold packs
• Physical therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Maintaining proper posture
• Regular exercises

If none of these remedies work and your pain does not improve, you should visit a specialist. You may be given anti-inflammatory drugs. However, certain conditions must be addressed by a specialist, such as:

• A degenerative spinal condition that’s showing side-effects.
• An accident where you hurt your back.
• Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg.
• A slip disk that seems to be worsening
• Trouble walking
• Loss of bladder control
• Pain accompanied with high fever
• A dislocated or broken bone in the spine.
• Sharppain that lasts for a long time.
• A tumor.

If you suspect any of these conditions, you must visit a professional who specializes in spine surgery Florida. You may not need surgery, but your specialist may prescribe physical therapy or medication. In more serious cases, such as a severe accident or extreme pain, surgery may be the last resort.

Back pain is common amongst people who work in positions that require them to sit for long periods of time. Most employees who experience back pain will not call out of work because of it; however, it is an extremely uncomfortable situation. You should meet with a specialist if you are experiencing lower back pain West Palm Beach. In the meantime, here are some simple tricks you can try to alleviate your back pain while at work:

Ergonomic workstations: Posture plays a big role in back pain. Bad posture can lead to back pain and may worsen an already existing condition. At work, the chairs should be at a comfortable height, looking at the computer screen should not require extra effort, and the keyboard should also be at an appropriate height. Typing should not cause you to hunch over.

Take regular breaks: Sitting in one position for an extended period will strain your back so it is important to take short breaks. Get up and move around every couple of hours. Make sure you stretch your body and if you can, try some stretching exercises in the break room.

Don’t ignore the pain: While following these simple methods is important, you should never ignore back pain that is severe or lasts over months. Visit a lower back pain West Palm Beach specialist as soon as you can to make sure there is no serious underlying condition.