What Does "Throw Out Your Back" Mean in Vacaville?

You hear some people say, "throw out your back" but what does it mean? This figure of speech refers to experiencing sudden and sharp pain in the back while doing certain activities like gardening or even something as simple as bending over to pickup a pen.

There are several causes to acute back pain in Vacaville such as a disc injury or muscle spasm. Some conditions like infections and tumors can also cause acute back pain, but it is far less common. If your sudden acute back pain does not get any better after 24 hours, you should call your doctor right away. You should get in touch with your doctor when your pain is severe and unrelenting, especially if it comes with other symptoms like fever, numbness, and progressive weakness.

Back pain treatment in Vacaville

If you throw out your back and it is a muscle injury, here are some tips to get relief:

• Rest: Find a spot on the floor where you can lie flat on your stomach and allow your hands to relax by your side. This will let your back be in a more neutral position. Your back muscles will be more relaxed and will take away pressure off the nerves that are causing pain. For your head, you can turn it to one side or roll a towel into a "U" shape and use it on your forehead so that you can face the floor.
• Get a massage: A soothing massage can help relieve acute back pain. Even though it is only short term, at least your back pain will not be bothering you for some time.
• Put some ice: Apply ice to your back pain for the first 24 to 48 hours. After you are done on the acute stage, switch over to heat. Swelling can cause radiating back pain, and ice can reduce that swelling.
• Stretch and strengthen: Once the pain is gone, you should start stretching and strengthening your back muscles. Stretching exercises are great for restoring motion and relieving pain. If you overstretched or injured your ligaments or muscles in your lower back and it caused pain, then it should subside within a few days. If not, then it is time to call a doctor.

Other things you can do

Apart from treating back pain, there are management techniques that you can do to take care of your back and prevent further injury. Start with the following:

• Maintain a healthy weight: If you carry extra weight, especially in the stomach, it can strain your back.
• Get regular exercise: Being a couch potato can make you at risk for back injuries. If you recently suffered from a back injury, then low-impact activities are ideal for you. Walking is a great example for this one since it is a low-impact activity and does not put stress on your back.
• Lift with your knees: Bend down with your knees and not with your back when lifting objects especially if it is heavy. Also, avoid twisting your back because it will only cause an injury.
• Do not smoke: Smoking is bad for the health and it can restrict blood flow. When blood flow is impaired, you will deprive your tissues of oxygen and other nutrients.
• Stand tall: Sit erect and stand straight. Hunching over will cause back strain and put you at risk for further injury.

So, with these proper back pain prevention tips, you will no longer be at risk for that kind of pain. But if it has become too bothersome for you, just contact Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine at (707) 474-5688 to setup an appointment. Be free from pain starting today!