Back Pain Rampant in the US
So, does the fact that back pain is a widely complained about problem in the US mean that we are all just a bunch of overstressed workaholics who carry all of our tension in our backs (and necks), or does it mean that we are all really straining those ever important ligaments and tendons and disks that are the preservers of back comfort along the spine? It’s not totally clear, but one thing is for sure. Back pain treatment is on the rise here in the US, and doesn’t show any signs of the trend slowing down in the near future.
Massage therapy (my favorite way to naturally counteract back pain, along with the occasional natural pain treatment for anti inflammation), chiropractic intervention, and back surgery, along with potent, often addictive pain killers and of course your run of the mill OTC pain killers are certainly over used, to say the least.
If you want to approach your back pain and discomfort naturally, the best way to do that may be a combination of both natural manipulation therapies like massage therapy and chiropractor care, and natural anti inflammatories. Taking too many OTC medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and Aleve isn’t good for you either. They can cause liver problems, and a host of other health problems when over used, which they are here in the US unfortunately.
An important issue you want to work on if you experience back and neck pain on a frequent basis, especially if you have a desk job, is to make sure you get up and stretch your back often throughout your day. Also make sure you are using the correct posture at all times. You should try to sit up as straight as possible at all times, without hunching your shoulders. You should also focus on your core, or abdominal strength, as this is a key component of a strong, resilient back and it sets the tone for using correct posture without even thinking about it.
Working out helps me immensely with my back pain. I notice that if I even go one day without working out, I experience greater back pain and discomfort. But if I work out, I feel like I’m better able to naturally align my spine and my posture throughout the day, and that just the act of working out actually stretches my back and makes my spine more pliable and agreeable to long periods of sitting.