All of us suffer from aches and pains from time to time. The most common form of pain is back pain, which is the largest single cause of sickness absence in the UK. Although it can be very painful, it is normally not serious.
An astounding 80% of us will suffer back problems at some stage in life. Injuries can occur at any age and our early lifestyles can determine the probability of any problems that may occur in later life. Back pain can significantly affect our quality of life but with a few protective measures we can help reduce the risk of it in the future.
Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, affects 7 out of 10 people at some time in their lives. The pain can come on suddenly, slowly or be the direct result of a fall or injury.
In severe and persistent cases it is important to seek medical advice so that a correct diagnosis can be reached and appropriate treatment given, as treatment may depend on the underlying cause in some cases. For example, pain caused by some types of arthritis may be treated by specific medicines.
Back Pain Relief
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s Claw is a perennial shrub that grows wild in the desert countries of Southern Africa, most notably in the Kalahari sands of Namibia. The herb takes its common name from its large thorny seedpods, which are a hazard for animals when they become entangled in their fur – its botanical name is derived from the Greek ‘harpago’ meaning a ‘grappling hook’.
How does Devil’s Claw work?
Research shows that Devil’s Claw can help relieve pain and in some cases improve mobility in people suffering from osteoarthritis or degenerative rheumatism. It is not known exactly how devil’s claw works but the anti-inflammatory properties of the active compounds called harpagosides and the plants sterols found in its roots, are thought to be responsible.
Devil’s Claw can be found in FlexiHerb – a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints.
Massage
Many of us don’t realise that regular professional back and neck massage can help ease muscle tension as well as maintain the health of our backs and reduce the severity of any injury. Even if you don’t currently have a back problem it is a good idea to visit a chiropractor or osteopath a couple of times a year to help iron out any potential issues.
Sitting Matters
In today’s world, many of us spend our working days sitting behind a desk only to come home after a long day to slouch into the comfort of our favourite armchair or sofa. But how many of us are mindful about how we sit and how it can affect our posture and back health?
Sitting hunched at a desk all day can cause tension and pain, especially if our chairs and computer screens aren’t positioned correctly. This problem can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as air conditioning blasting down onto our shoulders and necks.
Instead of sending an email to your colleague in the office across the hall, get up from your desk and walk over to talk to them. Regular breaks and stretching can help prevent problems down the line.
