Middle back pain is one of the most common continuous problems that patients will encounter. Crippling back pains often bring about tremendous amounts of suffering and loss of productivity. While some people suffer from mild back aches that usually go away without treatment, others have to live with this condition for life. To deal with these back pains, one must first identify its source.
Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. Sleeping in awkward position, bad posture, slouching on your chair for hours and standing for a long period of time can cause a lot of discomfort in your back. Note that when you sleep in an awkward position, the muscles in your back may get stretched and strained so that when you wake up, you will experience a stab of pain on your lower back. Stretching can ease the muscles into position and a warm bath can soothe the soreness away.
While sleeping in an uncomfortable position and prolonged standing may result in almost immediate back pain, back pain caused by poor posture usually occurs gradually over a period of time and may lead to severe back injury. To prevent this condition from happening, you need to maintain good posture and strengthen your back through proper exercise.
Middle back pain may occur after a physical trauma or when the ligaments on your back become torn. A single traumatic experience that stretches the muscles and put undue pressure on your back may lead to inflammation and severe discomforts. The onset of the pain may be gradual in the next 24 to 48 hours and the discomfort could become more intense as the hours pass.
Minor muscles strains may not warrant a visit to the doctor. More often than not, hot or cold compresses can relieve the discomfort and you do not need to take pain relievers to ease the ache. Depending on the extent of your injury, the pain may last from 8 to 10 days. However, if the pain does not ease off after 10 days or when severe inflammation ensues, you should see a doctor. Inflammation may be a sign that something is terrible wrong on your back so you should take this symptom seriously and see your doctor right away.
While muscle strains caused by physical trauma may not bring instantaneous pain, muscle cramps and spasms can bring about immediate severe discomfort. Muscles spasms and cramps occur when the muscles in your back bunch up and contract uncontrollably while you are working or exercising. Lifting heavy objects in awkward angles often cause muscle tension which leads to painful cramps. Other possible causes of muscle cramps are involuntary muscle twitching and dehydration.
To prevent muscle cramps and save yourself from a lot of suffering, you should take extra care when lifting heavy objects. Do not lift heavy objects from the floor without bending your knees as this will put extra pressure on your back. Also, you should drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your muscles well hydrated and supple. If your muscles are well hydrated, you are less likely to suffer from muscle cramps and middle back pain.
Jesse is the co-founder and visionary CEO of The Healthy Back Institute®, the world-leading source of natural back pain solutions. His mission as a former back pain sufferer is to help others live pain free without surgery and pharmaceuticals.
