What is Back Pain?

Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

Currently, researchers are examining the use of different drugs to effectively treat back pain, in particular, chronic pain that has lasted at least 6 months. Other studies are comparing different health care approaches to the management of acute low back pain (standard care versus chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage therapy). These studies are measuring symptom relief, restoration of function, and patient satisfaction.

Is Housekeeping a Pain in the Back?

When housekeeping chores mount up you want to be sure that all the work of organizing and cleaning house does not wind up causing muscle strain and back pain. It may be funny to think that the simplest things, like lifting a basket of laundry the wrong way or reaching for something that is just above your fingertips could wrench your back and so cause you back pain. There are so many household chores that include lifting, stretching, standing and bending that you need to know how to move to avoid even minor injury.

One of the most important things you need to learn is the right way to carry things and to move yourself during these chores so you don't get hurt. It is extremely important when you are about to pick up a basket of laundry do not bend from the waist. This is the worst possible way to lift. It is so bad that if it's a heavy basket you are lifting it almost guarantees you'll hurt your back. The right way to pick something up is to bend at the knees, then hold the basket close to your body as you stand up. This way is also better when picking up a small child though very few of us think of doing it in this circumstance.

Other housekeeping tips include a less stressful way to do your dishes. Standing at the sink when you have the dishes from a family dinner to be washed can take you quite a while and you will eventually begin to feel your back hurting. One thing that can help is to lean into the counter for support. As well, if you open the cupboard under the sink, bend your knee and rest your foot on the shelf this will let you shift your weight. It allows you to not be holding all the pressure of your weight in the one spot.

Use a similar stance when ironing or cooking. Something that will put your feet at different levels will help with your weight distribution. You can use a book or a brick for this purpose. Vacuuming can also be made easier. Doctors recommend using what's called a fencing stance. You simply put your weight on the forward foot and then bring your other foot to the front while taking the weight as you push the vacuum ahead of you.

There are other household tips that can help you to diminish instances of backache. These include not talking on the phone while holding it between your shoulder and ear. This is a very common way for busy people to use a phone. This can cause neck strain, which can lead to back pain. When you're relaxing of an evening watching the television don't lie on the arm of your couch or chair. Using the arm as a pillow puts your neck at an odd angle and so can also wind up giving you neck pain as well as shoulder and back pain.

Written by: Scott Parat