Back
Injuries
Back injuries plague millions of Americans.
Not all doctors can agree on the causes of back injuries as they
can come from many sources. Heredity plays a role in some back
injuries while external sources play the major role.
Back injuries are different than spinal
cord injuries in that they are muscular in nature.
Pulls, strains and chronically aggravated back muscles can cause
those affected to turn to heating pads, ointments, over-the-counter
medications and traditional medical help.
Some industries are more prone to back injuries than others.
Sports, construction, retail, factory work and nursing are a few
of the jobs that have an inordinate amount of back injuries. Weight,
fitness and flexibility also play a role in the proneness to injury.
Causes
of Back Injuries
Some of the common causes of back injuries include: force, repetition,
posture and stress. Force includes any kind of heavy lifting such
as for requirements of the job. Repetition or repetitive lifting
can cause or aggravate injuries such as those from repetitive
stress syndrome. Posture can play a roll for those with office
jobs as it is common to slump at one's desk and sit in positions
that are strenuous to one's back. Psychological and emotional
stress plays a role by raising tensions and tightening up muscles
that can lead to back pain.
Avoiding
Back Injuries
Back injuries to some extent can be avoided. While one cannot
avoid his or her own heredity or some conditions at the workplace,
a person can take some steps to modify their lifestyle to avoid
some injuries. Fitness plays a great role in avoiding back injuries.
Walking or running inside or outside the gym can help many. Leg
lifts, and other back exercises can also strengthen back muscles
and help to avoid future injuries. Light weight lifting at the
gymnasium can also help.
Paying attention to posture can also help avoid back injuries.
Poor posture stresses the back leading to muscle fatigue and injury.
Ergonomically designed chairs, desks, hand rests and other equipment
at work or home can help prevent muscle strains and injury.
Lifting properly will also help avoid injury. "Lift with
your legs" is an often-heralded reminder for those with back
problems to use the power of your legs in order take the strain
off your back when lifting. Listening to your body will also help.
If you feel a twinge of pain, then discontinue what you're doing
and find a better position, method or even ask for help in lifting.
Many injuries occur because someone is too proud to ask for help.
Reduce the general emotional and psychological stress in your
life. Many back injuries are simply the acting out of our stressful
lives. Many a massage therapist will tell you that you hold your
stress in your back muscles. By reducing our life stressors (and
getting a massage), we can avoid back injuries and live a more
calm and satisfying life, as well.
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