Four out of every five people will experience back pain at some point in their lives and one in three people over 30 suffer from chronic back pain.
Many of us don't always sit and stand properly. So when we pull, lift, or bend we can end up hurting our back. Most back pain is caused by minor strains in muscles and ligaments, which usually heal fairly quickly without treatment. However, mild back pain is a warning that you need to take special care to prevent a more serious problem.
Anybody can develop a back problem. You maybe at greater risk than you think!
If you:
There are seven spinal vertebrae in your neck. They are in constant movement and have to support the weight of your head. Ligaments and muscles mainly support these vertebrae. There are nerves in the neck that run down the shoulders and arms.
This is why problems that develop in the upper spine or neck can cause problems in other areas of the upper body such as the shoulders and arms. Your neck is very vulnerable to stress and strains and can react badly to even minor accidents. Usually a day's rest and a good night's sleep will help to alleviate any discomfort. However if the pain persists for more that 24 hours it would be wise to consult a registered chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath.
You neck can be affected by muscle tension caused by fatigue and personal tensions and stress. This can lead to headaches or migraine.
Manipulative treatment by a Chiropractor, osteopath, or physiotherapist can restore spinal mobility and reduce the build up of pressure on the nerves. Chiropractic therapy can help to relax muscles, which will give relief from pain.
You may also benefit from a regime of exercise to help improve and strengthen your neck muscles.
The loss of spinal mobility in the upper vertebrae will cause neck pain. It can also cause pressure on the nerves which in turn can lead to pain in the arms, or even numbness and 'pins and needles'.
(The information above is for general interest only and does not claim in any way to be medical advice.)
The following exercises are recommended by back pain therapists:
![]() Start each exercise lying flat on your back with your palms facing downwards. | ![]() Raise your left leg, with your knees slightly bent. | ![]() Gently cross your leg over the right side of your body, lifting your lower back and buttocks off the floor while keeping your upper body flat. |
![]() Start lowering your leg towards the floor. Hold this position for four seconds. Repeat with your right leg. | ![]() Raise your left leg, with your knees bent. | ![]() Grasp your knee with both hands and gently pull it toward your body. Hold this position for four seconds. Repeat with your right leg. |
![]() Raise your left leg, with your knees bent. | ![]() Gently cross your leg over the right side of your body, lifting your lower back and buttocks off the floor while keeping your upper body flat. | ![]() Start lowering your leg towards the floor while keeping your knee bent. Hold this position for four seconds. Repeat with your right leg. |
An exercise program is an important part of caring for your back. Remember to consult a back care professional before embarking on any exercise program. The last thing you want to do is make your back pain worse.
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