It is hard to fully appreciate how much your back is involved in nearly any and all movement of your body. Until you have back pain, that is. Then you know!
Let’s look at the different types of back pain, what causes them, and how you can get some relief from back pain.
What are the different types of back pain?
On the basis of duration, back pain may be classified as acute or chronic (1).
Acute back pain lasts for three months or less and heals within an expected amount (2) of time. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is continual or recurring and lasts for three months or more.
What are the common symptoms of back pain? (3)
Some of the symptoms associated with back pain include soreness, stiffness, tingling, inability to stand up straight without pain, decreased range of motion from side to side, and an inability to flex your back.
What are the common causes of back pain? (4)
Strained, pulled, or torn muscles
Infection in the spine
Sciatica
Scoliosis or other skeletal irregularities
Slipped or bulging disc
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Trauma from an injury or fall
Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home or at work, which are done with a wrong posture. (5)
This could include slouching in chairs, bending awkwardly, or lifting weights/heavy objects incorrectly. Sitting or standing for long periods without a break can also lead to back pain.
Tips to prevent back pain
In most cases, prevention of back pain requires behavioural changes in how you move about in your day-to-day life. The basics of preventing back pain can be summed up in two words: move well!
Back pain mostly stems from incorrect movements. The concept of “moving well” can be broken down into four broad principles: lifting well, standing well, sitting well, and sleeping well.
Please consult a healthcare professional for information that is best suited to your situation.
Treatment for back pain
Back pain treatment can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of back pain you experience.
Your healthcare professional is the best advisor depending on the cause of your back pain. However, some treatments to consider are:
Medications (6)
Depending on the type of back pain and how severe or mild it is, medication can be considered. Severe cases may require doctor-prescribed medication, while in other cases, over-the-counter (OTC) medications could help relieve pain (6).
Anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, muscle relaxants, topical pain-relieving gels like Iodex UltraGel, and medicated patches are some OTC medications for mild back pain.
How does Iodex UltraGel work to relieve back pain?
Iodex UltraGel is clinically proven to shorten the time taken for pain relief (7).
Back pain is generally a result of internal inflammation of your muscles (9). Iodex UltraGel contains diclofenac, which works by reducing the chemicals in your body that cause inflammation.
Its Emulgel technology helps the gel penetrate deep through the skin to enhance the delivery of the active ingredient diclofenac to the site of pain and swelling, making it an effective pain reliever (8).
Iodex UltraGel’s Emulgel formulation allows it to permeate the skin 7 times deeper (9), thus treating the pain at its root. When you gently massage the gel onto your skin, it provides an additional cooling and soothing effect at the site of pain and inflammation.
Back pain treatment at home (10)
Rest
Ice application over the tender area
Good posture
Comfortable shoes
Exercise
When to see a doctor for your back pain?
In milder cases without any specific underlying disease, back pain may resolve on its own with home care and rest. This can take a few weeks. However, if your back pain is severe and does not improve with rest, see a doctor.
It is to be taken into consideration that this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
2. Acute vs chronic pain. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12051-acute-vs-chronic-pain Accessed May 2020
3. Back pain” The Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906 Accessed June 2020
4. Back pain” The Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906 Accessed June 2020Acute pain treatment. JAMA Network
5. Brumagne S, Janssens L, Janssens E, Goddyn L. Altered postural control in anticipation of postural instability in persons with recurrent low back pain. Gait Posture. 2008;28(4):657–662. Via https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966636208001100 Accessed June 2020
6. Voltaren Global CSS, Pg. 27
7. Voltaren Global CSS Topical Gels p. 67
8. Voltaren Global CSS, Pg 20
9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/back-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050878https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319985#possible-causes-of-body-aches
10. https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/manage-low-back-pain-home
Disclaimer: This article is authored and sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, as part of a collaboration activity for public interest with Practo. The content presented on this page is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Do not self-medicate and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo is not responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.