Back pain is one of the most common pains that anyone can experience. The fact that it is such a common pain is due to several factors. Firstly, it is a pain that begins to occur more frequently as we age and, secondly, it is caused by various factors.
As we will see later, there are different types of back pain depending on the area where the pain occurs. On the other hand, it is also important to take into account the intensity of the pain when consulting a doctor or not.
We can have pain due to bad posture. If we are in a bad posture for a long time, for example, if we work sitting down and we get used to sitting incorrectly for many hours, we could have back pain.
A bad sleeping posture can also cause this type of pain, or simply having made a certain effort. In this case we would be talking about a muscle or ligament strain. Back pain can also be caused by different pathologies, for example, osteoporosis.
Regardless of the type of back pain we have, it is important to know the cause and find a remedy. This is because these back pains are one of the main causes of disability in the world.
As with any other type of pain, finding a remedy for back pain in time is essential to prevent it from getting worse. This type of pain usually subsides over time when the appropriate treatment is carried out. If the pain you suffer in your back spreads throughout your body or you see that it is getting worse, you should contact your doctor.
Types of back pain
Back pain can be classified into three distinct groups depending on where the pain is located.
Upper back pain occurs in the neck area , in the cervical spine. This pain is known as cervicalgia. Pain can also be found in the lower back and is known as lumbar pain. Finally, back pain can also occur in the middle part of the back just around the thoracic vertebrae and is known as chest pain.
Depending on where the pain is located, we may not only encounter different types of pain, but it may also be due to different causes. Knowing the origin of the pain is essential to establish a diagnosis, so we will explain each type of pain separately.
Upper back pain
This upper back pain manifests itself around the cervical vertebrae and the muscles surrounding them. This pain usually extends to the upper part of the shoulder and also the shoulder blades.
Due to the area in which this pain is located, it is also often called neck pain. It is one of the most common pains and is usually caused by poor posture . One of the main causes is usually a bad sleeping position. It usually disappears within a few days.
Depending on the degree of injury to the upper back, it may even cause pain when breathing. This usually happens when there is a severe muscle contracture due to the body moving when breathing.
Lower back pain
Although upper back pain is common in people who sleep poorly, it is estimated that 8 out of 10 people suffer from lower back pain throughout their lives . Lower back pain is associated with the lumbar area , which is quite sensitive.
One of the problems with this type of pain is that it affects daily life quite a bit. Due to the area in which it is located, it makes movement very difficult, which is why it is usually one of the main reasons why people cannot go to work.
As with the upper back, this pain can be caused by poor posture. Other factors that can cause it include overexertion, sciatica or scoliosis. Because the pain is usually stronger and can be caused by several factors, it is always important to have a doctor's opinion to help with the diagnosis.
Lower back pain, right side
As far as the lower back is concerned, we can differentiate the pain depending on which side it occurs on.
If the pain is on the right side of the lower back, this may be due to muscular or renal disorders. It is important to bear in mind that this pain can also be caused by other pathologies, so it is important to visit the doctor in order to address any problems.
In addition, this pain can also be indicative of appendicitis. In the case of women, it can also be due to endometriosis or directly to pregnancy. In the case of men, it can be due to testicular torsion .
Lower back pain, left side
Unlike the right side of the back, pain on the left side is usually less alarming . It may be just as painful, or even more so. However, pain that occurs in the lower left side of the back is due to very common everyday situations.
In this way, we can have these pains if we lift heavy objects, make movements that are quite repetitive or also due to bad posture. This type of problem can be tackled directly thanks to home remedies and also with a little rest.
Of course, if the pain is quite severe or you cannot find a remedy to relieve it , a visit to the doctor is necessary to rule out other problems such as kidney stones, a heart attack or a whole series of dangerous, but less common, diseases.
Remedies for back pain
Before starting with the remedies, we strongly recommend that if you have severe back pain, you go to the doctor. Likewise, if these remedies do not work for you and the pain does not subside over time, it is important to go for a check-up.
As we have seen, back pain can have its origin in various causes . With these remedies you will find a little relief that is necessary until the pain subsides over time. You should keep in mind that, depending on the origin of the pain, the remedy will work to a greater or lesser extent.
Massages
You don't need to be a professional to be able to help with a good massage. In this case we recommend that you use rosemary or sandalwood oil and also a little alcohol. It will be enough to rub the affected area lightly and try to relax the muscles.
You can carry out a series of circular movements to help you relax tensions and, in doing so, anesthetize the nerves and reduce inflammation if there is any. Be very careful not to force the area . The purpose of this massage is relaxing since at no time is it intended to fix the muscle in particular since you run the risk of causing more damage.
Cold-heat technique
The hot and cold technique is one of the most commonly used when there are muscular pains. This technique is mainly used on the back due to its effectiveness and also because it is so easy to use.
You will need to place a few ice cubes in a towel to cool the towel down. Once it is cold, place it on the painful area and apply pressure for about 20 minutes .
After this time you will have to repeat the process, but in reverse. In this case you will need a second towel that you will have previously moistened in hot water and you will leave it to act on the affected area for another 20 minutes.
This technique is really effective in relieving back pain . However, you should never use it if you have inflammation in your back. This is because heat can help increase the inflammation.
Stretching
Stretching exercises are designed to warm up your muscles and prevent injuries when playing sports. However, depending on the pain you have, these stretches can also help relieve pain .
The good thing about these stretches is that you can do them anywhere. If your pain increases at work or on the street, you can take a break and do these stretches, holding them for 30 seconds.
Any stretching exercise that involves the affected area of the back will be effective. From trying to touch your toes without bending your knees to getting into a fetal position and stretching your back .
Analgesic cream
In addition to home remedies, turning to science is also an option for treating back pain . At the pharmacy or supermarket you can find a wide variety of painkilling creams to treat back pain.
These special creams often contain capsaicin , a compound that helps relieve pain, and they also have cooling properties that help combat pain. We recommend that you read the contraindications of the creams first and do not overuse them .
When the pain is severe, they can provide immediate relief. However, they are not a recommended long-term solution . You can combine the use of the cream with the massage technique.
Vitamin C
Although it may seem incredible, it is possible to treat back pain by eating, in this case, foods that contain vitamin C.
This is because vitamin C has antioxidant properties. These properties are great for reducing inflammation, which is often the case with this type of back pain.
If you are looking for vitamin C, you can find it in citrus fruits such as oranges, kiwi, strawberries or lemon . You can make juice with these fruits if that makes it easier for you.
A little peace of mind
Despite injuries or any other type of problem that a sore back may have, one of the most common reasons why it hurts is because of restlessness, because of nervousness.
Taking this into account, the remedy is very simple: rest and tranquility . Avoiding stressful situations or trying to take different everyday situations calmly will be essential to avoid these pains and for the problem to subside over time.
You can relax however you like. Take advantage of this time to lie down in bed and listen to music, watch your favourite film or enjoy reading a book. Avoid stressful situations and anything that makes you nervous. Tranquility is essential for back pain to gradually subside over time.
Practice some physical activity
Just as stretching can help you, so can physical activity. The activity you do should be conditioned by the degree and type of pain you suffer. By this we mean that you should never force the situation and, if it hurts, don't do it.
You can choose to walk, cycle or you can also opt for other disciplines such as swimming. In fact, swimming is very good for preventing pain in the spine. This is one of the things that should be taken into account. In addition to the fact that this physical activity is good for treating back pain , it is also good for preventing it.
In most cases, the best way to treat back pain is to prevent it from occurring. If you already have experience and know the reason why you have suffered from it, try to remedy certain habits or eliminate certain behaviors .
Correct your posture, sit with your back straight and avoid unnecessary strain. By changing all of these things a little, you can have a much healthier back, free of pain.