Back Pain and Injuries

Back Pain and Injuries What is Back Pain? Back pain is a very common complaint. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of all American will experience some form of back pain during their life time. Back pain can be annoying and possibly dangerous if not treated properly. According to the NHS (National Health Service), UK, back pain is the largest cause of work-related absence in the United Kingdom. Although back pain may be painful and uncomfortable, it is not usually serious. You know your back hurts, but you may DIAGNOSIS FOR LOWER Spinal Stenosis Herniated or ruptured disc Scoliosis don't know why, or what to do about BACK PAIN it. 70% population not knows the exact Degenerative Dise Disease and others causes of back pain. Find out how doctors diagnose back problems and 27% Cancer what tests may be involved. Aneuryism Kidney Disease and others 1. Urine and blood tests may be 3% helpful to determine if your pain is caused by an infection or other systemic problem. 2. Spinal X-rays are useful to determine the broken bones or other 70% skeletal defects. Other 3. Back pain EMG test (exact cause unknown) SPINE CONDITIONS Normal Disc Degenerative Disc Bulging Disc Hemiated Disc Thinning Disc Disc Degeneration with Osteophyte formation Tips for preventing back strain 1. Don't lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting. 2. Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects. 3. If you sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch. 4. Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower). 5. Sit on chairs with straight backs or low-back support. Keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Adjust the seat or use a low stool to prop your feet on. Turn by moving your whole body rather than by twisting at your waist. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort or pain. Back pain remedies may include heat and ice therapy, pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may require surgery as well. If you will see any severe case of back pain you can make a call at 713-965-6765 and take good advice from the broad certified physicians of AOK Spine and Pain.