As a chronic back pain sufferer I am always looking for ways to help my back pain and stop it getting worse and I know I am not alone. According to The American Physical Therapy Association nearly two thirds of Americans suffer from low back pain. For many it affects their ability to engage in work and tasks of daily living, affects their ability to exercise and interferes with sleep. Nearly three in four sufferers use pain medication, half use heat and cold packs. Back pain is an unpleasant and expensive business.
Causes of low back pain
Lumbar strain stretch (ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles), nerve irritation (due to mechanical pressure), lumbar radiculopathy (nerve irritation that is caused by damage to the discs), bony encroachment, and conditions of the bone and joints. Much low back pain is either caused or exacerbated by poor posture caused by many of us sitting for long periods.
Treatment of low back pain
Evidence based treatment for low back pain depends on the cause but includes:
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Oral pain relievers
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Accuncture
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Rehabilitation
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Exercise therapy
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Massage
Prevention is better than cure: Ergonomic Chairs
Finding the right chair can reduce pain and prevent worsening of back pain. Spinehealth.com recommends that “the user should sit up straight, with the head, spine, and buttocks in alignment. Then sit all the way back against the seatback. The curve of the ergonomic chair should naturally follow the curve of the lower back”. I recently had the pleasure of testing driving an awesome ergonomically designed chair from Against the Grain in New Canaan. This stunning Flat-Arm Swivel Glider designed and made by local Amish designers was a perfect fit for me! Not only is it beautiful and comfortable, it swivels, it rocks and it helped me sustain perfect posture for hours at a time. The only problem was fighting off the rest of my family who wanted to sit / play on this lovely chair. This chair is perfect for nursing moms, through to older people with mobility problems, and everyone in between! And the even better news is that because it looks so great you won’t have to hide it away: it can take pride of place in any living room. To learn more visit Against The Grain, New Canaan.
Sources
http://www.apta.org/Media/Releases/Consumer/2012/4/4/
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/types-lumbar-support-and-ergonomic-office-chairs