| Back problems are responsible for literally millions of | | | | Take care when reaching and bending. Sudden, |
| lost working days throughout the World. What can | | | | unexpected movements are one of the most |
| you do to avoid becoming a victim of back pain? | | | | common causes of back injury - even sudden |
| Hot and Cold. Oddly enough, both hot and cold | | | | bending to tie a shoe lace can cause back trouble |
| treatments are effective for back pain. Which one to | | | | (take it from one who knows!) as muscle groups |
| use depends on the type and the cause of the pain. | | | | become 'confused' and act against each other. The |
| Cold packs are useful for reducing inflammation and | | | | results can be excruciating and immediate, so take |
| are good for relieving back pain in the first two days | | | | extra care! Surprisingly, this type of injury can be as |
| or so after minor back pain begins. Use an ice pack | | | | easily sustained by young people as by seniors. |
| on the affected area for twenty minutes or so, | | | | Consider supplements and alternative remedies. |
| leaving about 40 minutes between sessions. | | | | Glucosamine Sulphate is accepted as being an aid to |
| Heat treatment is particularly useful for muscular | | | | the rebuilding of cartilage and this includes the tissue |
| pains in back, shoulder and neck areas. Apply a heat | | | | supporting spinal discs. Magnetic wristbands are also |
| wrap - the wheat-filled ones that can be microwaved | | | | known to give relief to back pain as well as pain from |
| are good - or a covered hot water bottle to the | | | | sprains and bruising. |
| area to bring relief. Heat increases blood flow to the | | | | One for the ladies - don't wear high heels for long |
| affected area, which in turn delivers extra nutrients | | | | periods. They may make your legs look great but |
| and oxygen to the injury, speeding recovery. | | | | they also tip your pelvis and accentuate your natural |
| Become a careful gardener. Due to the bending | | | | spinal curve, which can lead to back and knee |
| involved, gardening can often trigger back pain - a | | | | problems. Okay for a night out but try to wear lower |
| reason why many people are wary of doing any | | | | shoes at other times. |
| garden activity. However, if long sessions are avoided | | | | One for the men - find a new home for that bulging |
| and work done on a 'little and often' basis, different | | | | wallet other than your hip! Sitting on a fat square of |
| sets of muscles are exercised without straining any | | | | leather stuffed with cards and cash may be good for |
| one group. Changing tasks regularly also helps spread | | | | your credibility put it can play havoc with your sciatic |
| the load. | | | | nerve - and sciatica is no joking matter. |
| Swimming and other water activities such as | | | | Whilst mild back pain caused by muscular strain is |
| aqua-aerobics are also good for aiding back muscles. | | | | usually temporary and easily controlled, other back |
| The water nullifies some of the effects of gravity, | | | | problems such as slipped discs can be debilitating and |
| reducing spinal compression and loading. Again, the | | | | chronic, affecting the sufferer to such a degree that |
| secret is to build up to greater levels of activity, | | | | mobility is badly impaired. In these situations a mobility |
| letting your body become accustomed to the | | | | aid may well be useful, and a visit to your physician |
| exercise whilst strengthening vital muscle groups. | | | | or osteopath is vital. |