Phil Carville: Dealing with back pain The Union

I was playing at the course with a group of people who were complaining about back discomfort. We’re in the 70s and 80s so mild discomfort and stiffness are not uncommon. In reality the neck and back is the most common reason for pain in the world.

So, the question pops out “What to do?”

CAUSES

The majority of back pains are caused by ligament or muscle strains that result from repeated lifting or sudden awkward movements. It is more likely to occur if you’re physically in poor health. But back pain can be a sign of bone or spine degeneration that requires medical attention.

Pain can be in the neck, arms, upper back, lower back, pelvis or even legs. The source can often be traced to the nerves in your back. An example is sciatica, where the pain is in the legs, but the cause is pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back.

MEDICATION

The most common belief is that back pain is treat with non-steroid, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Advil). Be cautious as ibuprofen may cause stomach ulcers and kidney problems. Analgesics (Tylenol) are able to ease discomfort, but they do not possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember that over-the-counter painkillers just relieve back pain and do not treat the pain. You need to treat the causes if you want to free yourself from back pain. There are effective ways to treat back pain, just make sure you don’t fall for fake remedies.

$100 BILLION FAKES

If we’re in pain when we’re in pain, we tend to be poor decision makers. We’ll buy everything that can ease the pain. Thus, there was an industry of $100 billion selling us a variety of scam solutions and ineffective treatment.

Con artists are offering “microtechnology patches” (unexplained technology) $167 for miracle lotions 250 dollars “natural” creams for inflammation various pills, and more which haven’t been proved to be effective. The more expensive an item is higher the likelihood we will believe that it is effective.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Exercise! Is that something you’re not used to?

The most common back pain is due to muscle weakness and a lack of fitness. Train regularly, pay attention to your core muscles, do Tai Chi, Yoga, swim , and make swimming an a vital part of your day-to-day life.

Many studies have demonstrated that sports and exercise can be effective in treating back pain that are more effective than drugs.

Get started on an exercise routine that will strengthen your core muscles groups, since the muscles in your core are the ones that stabilize your spine. Get in touch with an expert physical therapist or a certified personal trainer to learn specific exercises that are appropriate for your specific physical condition, medical issues, and age. This is the most secure and most effective method to manage back discomfort.

Remember the quote from comic Phyllis Diller said, “You are old when your back starts to go out faster than your back does.”

Phil Carville is a co-owner of the South Yuba Club. He is available to answer questions or reply to your comments. You can reach him as [email protected]

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