Back pain is a health condition that many Nigerians suffer from.

To find relief, many people turn to local concoctions (popularly called agbo and opa eyin), while others use over the counter (OTC) medications such as aspirin to combat this pain.

However, none of these methods are safe until you have consulted with a medical doctor. As a matter of fact, using these medications and herbs without proper prescription could be doing more harm than good.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Most of the reported cases of back pain in Nigerian health facilities have been found to be from the lower back area. Regardless of the origin or the severity, back pain is not a good experience.

The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs.

Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected.

The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around.

The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks.

Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear.

Damage can result from a strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.

Determining the sole cause of back pain is not a straightforward task, proper testing and a consideration of some vital question will produce the cause and get patients set for the right treatment.

Causes of Back Pain

There are numerous causes of back pain but  Let’s examine a few:

Movement and posture

Back pain can be as a result of some everyday activities or poor posture such as pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying something,standing or sitting for long periods, straining the neck forward, such as when driving or using a computer,long driving sessions without a break, even when not hunched,sleeping on a mattress that does not support the body and keep the spine straight

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can cause problems with the joints in the hips, lower back, and other places. In some cases, the space around the spinal cord narrows. This is known as spinal stenosis.

Disc Herniation

Each vertebra in the spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.

Osteoporosis

This is when the vertebrae become brittle and porous, making compression fractures more likely.

Pregnancy Induced Back Pain

Back pain is no stranger to pregnant women. The introduction of a baby changes the center of gravity of the body. Also, relaxing; a pregnancy hormone relaxes pelvic ligament in preparation of the body for childbirth. This also causes back pain.

Cancer of the spine

A tumor on the spine may press against a nerve, resulting in back pain.

Back Pain: Tips to Getting Relief

Even if the cause of your back pain is not readily known, it is important that you get relief first. Here are a few hacks to getting out of this uncomfortable situation.

Usage of Pain Relievers: when movement is not enough, consider taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. They disable hormones that make you feel pains (prostaglandins), thereby making you feel at ease.

If you have any medical condition, such as stomach ulcer consult a medical doctor before taking NSAIDs to avoid complications.

Don’t use NSAIDs for too long. See a medical professional if there is no improvement after three days. Also, consult a medical professional or download our mobile app to speak to a medical doctor if you have been on another medication before commencing the use of NSAIDs to avoid cross-reactions.

Hot and Cold Massage: this helps a great deal when done rightly. A hot massage is good for muscle pain and stiffness, while an ice-cold treatment is best in cases of inflammation and swelling.  Obviously, someone has to help you with this.

Ice packs and heat pads are best for this purpose. A towel can sub for heat packs. Seek permission from your health institution before applying these remedies if you are pregnant.

Prevention

You can lower the risk of developing back pain by

1. Exercise

There are two main types of exercise that people can do to reduce the risk of back pain:

Core-strengthening exercises work the abdominal and back muscles, helping to strengthen muscles that protect the back.

Flexibility training aims at improving core flexibility, including the spine, hips, and upper legs

2. Diet

A healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D included is good for bone health

3. Posture

Having a good posture while sitting, standing and sleeping are essential. You should have a mattress that keeps your spine straight, while at the same time supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttocks

 

Secure Easy Healthcare Solution Today

Back pain is not a pleasant experience. Yet, you can manage it from your home. Contact us now for a safe, high-end quality hospital-at-home program. You can be assured of a satisfactory treatment, reduced complication and stress.