About Strained Backs

Strained or aching backs are a common affliction these days. There are many causes for this type of pain, but fortunately a wide range of treatments and procedures are available. This article will detail some of the causes, effects and treatments of strained backs and what you can do to help alleviate your pain. As with any medical condition you should always consult a doctor before starting any treatment plan. This article is to give you some basic tips and explain the condition but is no substitute for proper medical treatment.

Causes

• There are many causes of back strain, which is perhaps why it is such a common ailment. A large number of muscles are connected to the spine and back and are involved in almost all of a person's basic movements. Heavy lifting, rigorous exercise, sports and even basic chores such as raking leaves and mopping the floor can cause lower back strain. The pain you feel is caused by pulled muscles or, in worse circumstances, torn ones on the back and lower back. When these muscles are damaged in this manner it causes them to swell and results in chronic pain that is exacerbated by movement and exercise.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of back strain are obvious. They can range from a dull constant ache in the back to sharp shooting pains. The amount of pain is usually but not always proportional to the strain that has been placed on the muscles. If medical attention is not sought out quickly symptoms can remain for lengthy periods of time and affect your daily life. See a doctor as soon as you can to prevent a much longer recovery period.

Contributing Factors

• Aside from the obvious factors, such as hefting a large television off the ground, there are several more subtle factors that can increase the risk of back strain. These are not direct causes like the above activities. Instead, these are chronic problems that may go unnoticed for years while slowly contributing to back strain.
  Weak Core Muscles:
  While your abdomen is on the other side of your body from the back, weak core and abdominal muscles are a huge factor in back strain. When your abdominal muscles are strong they act like a counterbalance on your back. However, if they have gotten weak through inactivity they loosen, and damage can be caused to your back much more easily.
  Poor Posture:
  Slouching or poor posture can also cause a great deal of back strain, and this adds up over time. Sitting incorrectly for long periods of time in an office chair or in your car can cause the muscles of your back to stretch and pull in ways that are uncomfortable and damaging.
  Being Overweight:
  Being overweight leads to many health risks, but that beer gut may be causing more problems than you realized. It's the same principle as having weak abdominal muscles. If you have an excessive amount of weight on your belly, this pulls at your back muscles and causes back strain.

Prevention/Solution

• There are many ways to prevent back strain, and many of these are simple steps that over time can alleviate your risk for back pain.
  Lift with your legs. You may have heard this before plenty of times. Never lift with your back. The muscles in your legs are much stronger than your back. Squat with your back straight, grab the object and slowly extend your legs. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or stop if something is too heavy.
  Sit up straight. You may have also heard this one many times from your mother or an elementary school teacher. Sitting up straight is a great way to reduce your risk of back strain. In today's world, more people are working at desks, sitting in front of computers. Therefore, more time is being spent with potentially bad posture. Sit with your back straight and your head comfortably at the top of your spine. Relax your shoulders and have both feet touching the ground. Adjust the height of your chair if you need to.
  Get more exercise. Everyone could probably do with some more exercise, and if it helps prevent nagging back pain then it's definitely worth it. Exercise increases your overall health. There are specific exercises that will also strengthen your back and core. Sit-ups as well as lateral pull downs are an excellent way to help ensure back health. However, as with any exercise regimen, consult a physician before starting.

Warning

• If you are having chronic back pain, you need to talk to your doctor. Seemingly simple back strain might not be simple at all. You could have torn a muscle, resulting in serious long-term damage. It should not be a matter of cost, either. Back strain could put you out of work for days, which in turn will cost you money.