HEALTH - BODY PAIN
Acute pain results from an illness or event, such as injury or surgery. It generally occurs suddenly, then gradually diminishes or stops on its own or with medical treatment. Acute pain can range from mild to severe, and may last for weeks or months. If treated properly, acute pain will subside within six months. If left untreated, acute pain may lead to chronic pain.
Chronic pain is pain that persists over time and may have no apparent cause, even after an injury has healed or an illness has subsided. Chronic pain can persist for weeks or even years. Sufferers of chronic pain may find it debilitating, resulting in loss of sleep and inability to function normally.
Important- If you or someone you know suffers from acute or chronic pain, make sure to see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
Body pain can have any of a number of causes
In addition to causing acute pain, some of these things can also cause more serious back injuries that require medical attention. Causes include ligament or muscle strains or sprains, muscle spasms, or arthritic or swollen joints. Things that can cause strains, sprains, or spasms include:
Poor posture
Poor physical condition
Using muscles, ligaments, or joints for activities for which they're not conditioned or of which they're not capable
Excessive or improper lifting
Sudden awkward movements, like lifting or twisting too quickly
Overly strenuous physical activities
Some tips to promote back and body health and help prevent injury
Maintain good posture when sitting and standing
Use your legs to lift heavy objects
Carry heavy objects close to your body, and turn with your legs and not your waist to change direction
Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess weight can tax the body's muscles, especially the back muscles
Sleep on your side with bent knees. Consult your doctor about how firm your mattress should be
Acute back or body pain usually stops on its own or with self-treatment.
Some suggestions
Get plenty of rest, but don't stop moving. Especially with back pain, prolonged bed rest can actually make the condition worse. Generally, light activity can help speed recovery.
Cold/heat treatment — apply ice or a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day until spasms and acute pain subside. Then apply warm, moist heat (such as hot compresses or warm baths) to loosen tight muscles
Pain relievers — over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or aspirin can be effective treatments for individuals with back and body pain. Excedrin Back & Body contains two ingredients in one powerful medicine to relieve pain and block pain.
Talk to your doctor when pain is severe, persistent, or does not respond to self-treatment. He or she may recommend any number of treatments, ranging from acupuncture and chiropractic care to prescription medicine and surgery. Sometimes, medication is more effective in treating back and body pain when combined with other forms of treatment. If you have questions or concerns about your pain and how to treat it, consult your doctor.
and other details
www.thebodyspecialist.com.au
www.stoppain.org
www.painrelief.com.sg