Every day, millions of Americans suffer from back pain. Almost 80% of all check-ups are mainly for this. But many people do not know the root cause of the pain. Could it be age, diet, sudden movements, or an accident in the past?
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of back pain. For example, the older you are, the more prone you become to it. At the same time, people who are overweight or who are long-time smokers tend to be more susceptible to it than their counterparts. Some studies have also suggested that psychological conditions, as well as the lack of exercise, can lead to back pain.
The risk for back pain also tends to go up if you do not practice standing straight or ensuring that you pick up with your knees and legs. Picking up heavy objects using your back as the fulcrum tends to increase the possibility of upper back pain.
Back Pains and Medical Diagnosis
Back pains can either involve the upper back up to the neck area or the lower back, including the hips area. As a medical symptom, it usually signals something more. Back pain is typically present when you have been diagnosed to be suffering from spinal stenosis sciatica, herniated discs, and even cancer.
There are some cases though that back pain can be the result of something else. For example, sleeping with a very worn-out mattress can be very bad for your back. The springs would most likely poke through the stuffing and create hard lumps that can cause discomfort and sleepless nights. At the same time, it will also be unable to provide your back with the right support. Most likely, you would wake up with aching shoulders and neck. If you are at this point, it’s better to go to the nearest mattress sale near your home in Salt Lake City and buy a new one.
Cold weather can also cause back pain especially if your joints are already inflamed. This means that, if you are residing in Salt Lake City, you would have a hard time during December to February when the weather can be very cold and very dry. Keep in mind that during cold months, a process called vasoconstriction takes place. This means that you would most likely wake up with your muscles all stiffened up.
Aside from trading in your mattress and bundling yourself up, you need to make sure that you exercise regularly. This is to build strength and flexibility in your joints, muscles and bones. At the same time, this can also help you maintain your weight within acceptable limits.
When Should You Go the ER
Not all back pain would necessitate a visit to the emergency room; however, in cases where you are experiencing pain radiating in one or both arms as well as around the neck and jaw area, you might want to pay a visit to your local hospital. Pain like this could be a sign of something more serious, like a heart attack. At the same time, if you are experiencing pain in your lower back and you have a fever, you might have a urinary infection.
