{"id":2289,"date":"2010-09-07T17:00:14","date_gmt":"2010-09-07T21:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=2289"},"modified":"2010-09-07T17:00:14","modified_gmt":"2010-09-07T21:00:14","slug":"help-for-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2010\/09\/07\/help-for-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Help for Back Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"BackAbout 80 percent of the population experiences back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sharp, sudden pain that makes it hard to move.\u00a0 It can be short-lived or long-lasting. It can start quickly if you fall or lift something too heavy, or it can get worse slowly over time. Discs that sit between the vertebrae of the spine can rupture or break down.\u00a0 Muscles can strain or tear.<\/p>\n

According to David H. Clements, MD, Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery at Cooper Bone and Joint Institute, a wide variety of factors can increase your risk of developing back problems: getting older; being out of shape or overweight; having a job that requires lifting, pushing or pulling while twisting your spine; and having poor posture.<\/p>\n

Smoking is another possible risk factor (Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.), as is race (African American women are 2-3 times more likely than Caucasian women to have part of the lower spine slip out of place.)<\/p>\n

Back pain also can be a sign of many other medical conditions, including arthritis, pregnancy, kidney stones, infections, tumors and stress.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to see a doctor if your back pain is particularly bad or lasts for more than a few days,\u201d Dr. Clements said.<\/p>\n

You can help prevent back pain by standing up straight and minimizing the amount of heavy lifting you do.\u00a0 When you must lift something that\u2019s heavy, bend your legs and keep your back straight.<\/p>\n

Exercising and keeping your back muscles strong are among the best ways to minimize your risk of back pain.\u00a0 Maintain a healthy weight or shed some pounds if you weigh too much.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do experience back pain, treatment depends on what kind of pain it is,\u201d Dr. Clements said. \u201cMost people with back pain don\u2019t need surgery, even if the pain is chronic.\u00a0 Surgery is reserved for situations in which other treatments don\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The non-surgical treatments offered in the Spine Program at Cooper Bone and Joint institute include pain management through medications, therapeutic injections, pain modulation techniques and acupuncture, as well as physical therapy and rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

\u201cProper posture and body-mechanics training, therapeutic exercise, and other techniques can increase the spine\u2019s strength or flexibility, enabling patients to manage pain and prevent future episodes of pain,\u201d Dr. Clements said.<\/p>\n

To keep your back healthy, orthopedists at the Cooper Bone and Joint Institute offer the following advice:<\/p>\n