Debunking Back Pain – Knowing the Triggers

Aches, pains and other similar annoyances are a part of our life as we age. Nearly every one of us has experienced back pain at one time or the other. For most of us back pain is mostly temporary and would go away with a good night’s rest or by changing the way we sit. These bouts of pain may occasionally be a little severe and may warrant a trip to the medicine cabinet, however, for many of us, chronic back pain has become a part of our lives. With our options being limited to topical pain relief gels, painkillers backrests with lumbar support, physical therapy and exercise—most of us try to make do with these and live with the pain.

What triggers back pain?

For most of us who have not hit our golden years yet, back pain is mostly triggered with bad posture. This posture can be due to several reasons, however, the top three culprits that trigger these pains include improper posture for feeding infants right after maternity, the long working hours during the lockdown and improper posture while lifting weights. All these three factors can induce moderate to severe chronic back pain.

1. Back pain in working professionals
   For those in the service industry, working long working hours in a job that requires being confined in front of their computers all day is considered to be normal. This sedentary lifestyle takes a toll on our lumbar region and causes workers to suffer from chronic back pain. Although most offices now provide ergonomic chairs with lumbar support to their employees, everyone’s need differs—and what is comfortable for you might not be for others.
2. Back pain in nursing mothers
   Nursing mothers are often forced to sit in positions that take a toll on their lumbar region. As they struggle to find a comfortable spot for themselves and their newborns who require being fed several times a day, this causes them to suffer from extended bouts of back pain. Sometimes, this back pain persists from the final months of their pregnancy until they are nursing—and as popping pills is harmful to them and their baby, they are desperate to try every solution that comes their way.
3. Back pain due to lifting weights
   Back pain can also be triggered by heavy lifting. Whether this includes lifting weights while bodybuilding in a gym or while moving heavy items in stores or warehouses or even at your own home—back pain is a constant companion for these individuals. With giving up not being an option for either of them, topical gels and painkillers become a norm.

The problems with long-term painkiller use

Even though gels and painkillers offering immediate relief, their effect is limited to numbing the pain that you feel and with their addictive nature, it becomes unhealthy to use painkillers for extended periods. Painkillers such as paracetamol are also detrimental for our liver and our health in general—making them a less-than-ideal solution for long-term use.

Our forthcoming blogs will address each of these situations in detail, helping you find the right solution for the problem that you’re facing. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, please reach out to us using the comments section or contact us.