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Health 52
Info Tip:
Low Back Pain
One of the most common reasons for doctor visits is lower-back pain.
Yet in most cases, an exact cause of this pain is never found, according to
a report in The New York Times.
Back pain is often caused by muscle injury or overuse, but can also be
caused by pressure on nerves in the spinal cord, a herniated disc from
repetitive motion, or from genetic conditions such as arthritis.
In many cases, back pain resolves itself after several weeks, but
recurrences are common and low-grade discomfort may last for years.
Narcotic painkillers, spinal injections and acupuncture offer short-term
relief to some people; longer-term treatment such as surgery helps some
people, but not others.
To keep your lower back healthy, it’s important to keep your spine’s
supportive muscles strong. Maintain a reasonable weight and strong abdominal
muscles because a big pot belly can pull your spine out of alignment.
This is part of the philosophy of core training. Use proper form when
lifting, leveraging the strength in your legs, and wear a back brace if you
need to lift heavy loads as part of your job. The shoes you wear can also
contribute to back pain.
Eating nutritious calcium-rich foods is another way to keep your bones
strong and healthy.
Sources: The New York Times, webMD, Connecticare
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