Back pain

Pain in the back. Could be upper or lower back. The pain could be dull pain, persistent but mild pain, or absolutely agony.

Causes:

• Stress on the muscles
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Strenuous sports or hard manual labor

Prevention:

• Regular exercise
• Stretching and warming up before heavy exercise
• Losing weight
• Maintaining correct sitting and sleeping posture.
• Changing posture while working standing. One posture too long is no good.

Treatment:

• Moderate rest and mild exercises under supervision is the main mode of therapy. Swimming will generally alleviate back pain. It is a form of exercise encouraged by doctors to soothe back aches.
• some anti-inflammatories and analgesics may help.
• Even anti-depressants help.

Note:

Rest is good during back pain. But too much bed rest is no good as the muscles weaken further.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

There is no generalization possible in medicine. The pages included in this website are purely educational and have been presented for information purpose only. Each section has been prepared with utmost care but should not be used as a substitute for your own physician's advice and care. Please see conditions for use.