Bones, joints, and muscles

The key steps for relieving back pain

(ARA) - Back pain is the second most prevalent pain complaint, second only to chronic headaches, according to the National Pain Foundation. Statistics show that 50 to 80 percent of people will be disabled by back pain at some point during their lives.

Do you suffer from chronic back pain at work? Have you been in an accident that has damaged your spine? Many people claim that the lower back is their "weakest link" and wish they could do more to protect it and keep it in shape.

Visit with your doctor and discuss the type of back pain you're experiencing. She can help pinpoint the area of pain, cause of pain, stage of the injury (acute, sub-acute or chronic), and a strategy for relieving the pain.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports:"The majority of back pain occurs in the lower lumbar region, with the most in the fourth and fifth lumbars adjacent to the sacrum." Interestingly, strengthening and supporting your stomach muscles is one of the keys to a stronger back.

Try this test. Overlap your hands and place them on your lower belly. Then lift inward and upward. If you feel an immediate relaxation in your lower back, you might need a lumosacral back support belt, the most common type of belt.

A back support belt is a fantastic non-surgical option that helps reduce pain and prevent injury by delivering the abdominal compression critical for lower back support. Unfortunately, many people resist using a belt because they've heard belts don't fit correctly, make you sweat and are generally uncomfortable.

Don't let what you've heard deter you from trying a back belt, a noninvasive option that is very affordable. You just need to know what to look for so you get the right belt for you.

Core Products International, maker of a variety of therapeutic products, has a patented CorFit Belt Fitting System that sizes back support belts proportionally in both width and height. With the CorFit 7000 that means a taller belt for a larger person and a shorter belt for someone more petite—no more uncomfortable gaps or digging into the ribs. The right size helps the belt stay put where it should so you get the maximum comfort and benefit.

Other things to look for in a back belt include:

• Breathability: allows airflow
• Compression: provides circumferential pressure around the joint and surrounding area
• Flexibility: allows freedom of movement
• Stability: provides additional support to weak structures

Many back belt manufacturers like Core provide ratings along these support parameters.

Now that you have talked to your doctor and plan to use your belt during periods of activity and when you need pain relief, you can think about how to heal and strengthen the back so you reduce and/or eliminate the pain in the future.

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising your muscles regularly is important to strengthening the back and correcting problems. With the consent of your doctor, try some mild exercises several times a week. For example, take a walk or go for a swim. Get the family out for a hike or play some ball with the kids. Exercise increases blood flow, which provides fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles while removing waste.

When you are at work or when you are exercising, remember to practice proper body mechanics. When standing, use a neutral pelvic position. When sitting, keep your knees and hips level and support your lower back by using a good chair or using a lumbar support cushion to promote proper posture. Always lift smart by letting your legs do the work and ask for help if necessary.

For more information about CorFit Lumbosacral belts, visit www.CoreProducts.com or call (877) 249-1251.

Courtesy of ARA Content