Back Pain: What To Do?

Back pain is usually the result of a lack of exercise, poor posture or excessive strain. Then learn more about causes and treatment options. 

Back pain  is usually the result of a lack of exercise, poor posture or excessive strain. Then learn more about causes and treatment options. 

Causes of Back Pain

Stressed muscles and ligaments as well as overloading and wear and tear of the spine often lead to very uncomfortable  back pain. Other possible triggers are:

• Back problems occur more frequently with increasing age, as poor posture and wear and tear on the intervertebral discs become noticeable over time.
• In addition, sedentary lifestyle is a common cause of back problems. 

• Obesity leads to increased stress on the back  and consequently often to pain.
• Illnesses such as osteoarthritis, muscle inflammation or cancer can also cause back pain.
• Heavy, continuous stress at work, such as lifting heavy weights, is also a common cause of back pain. Even  long sitting in the office has a negative impact on the back.
• We know that smoking is generally unhealthy. It can also damage the back, among other things,  as this vice means that the intervertebral discs are not supplied with sufficient nutrients. In addition, treatment is more tedious in smokers.
• Back pain can also result from cramps, scoliosis, muscle tension, intervertebral disc problems, fractures, accidents, falls, sprains, etc.

• In addition, many  pregnant women experience back pain from carrying the extra weight of their baby. 

Prevent back pain

The following techniques and methods will help you avoid back pain:

• The correct sleeping position:  In the side or supine position, the spine is less stressed. Experts usually recommend the fetus position, i.e. sideways with knees drawn up. The head and neck form a straight line. Avoid prone position if possible, as this will not straighten your spine and twist your neck.
• Abdominal muscle exercises strengthen the muscles and give you more support. This is another way to prevent back pain. Sports such as Pilates, swimming, and yoga are particularly helpful. The daily walk is also worthwhile. Don’t forget to wear suitable footwear! You can also take 5 minutes each day to do torso bends.

• Use a good quality mattress and pillow to match. This is how you can promote your back health.
• Avoid stress as much as possible and learn to manage it better. Tense nerves and negative feelings often lead to back pain! Don’t forget that around 70% of people who are depressed have muscle pain in the back and neck.

• Pay attention to your posture:  A straight back is essential to avoid pain, especially when you sit for long periods of time. But you should also pay attention to the correct posture when lifting a heavy object or standing for a long time.
• We also recommend that you avoid high heels. This puts wrong strain on the spine, which can lead to poor posture and back pain. Only use high heels for very special occasions.

Natural remedies for back pain

The following natural remedies can help you with back pain:

• Massage with rosemary alcohol:  Soak a few sprigs of rosemary in alcohol for a week and you have an excellent means of rubbing your back and promoting blood circulation.
• A pillow filled with chestnuts or nuts on the painful areas is also very beneficial.
• Make sage tea by boiling two tablespoons of sage leaves in water for 10 minutes. Drink three cups a day.
• Make an oil extract from chamomile flowers in olive oil. You only need to put the mixture in the sun for two weeks. Then filter to remove the chamomile flowers and rub the painful areas with it.
• Puree the pulp of an avocado and add one tablespoon of eucalyptus seeds and one tablespoon of rum. Process everything well in the blender. Then apply the resulting paste to the painful areas.

Pictures by Wonderlane, Justin Baeder, David B Gleason, Johanna Kollmann