Statistics show that back pain is the major cause of job disability worldwide, and one out of 10 people experiences lower back pain. This is a Serious issue, especially in the US, where out of ten Americans suffer from back pain. This place back pain on the piedestal, as being the number one reason for pain killer addiction.

Back pain treatments are based on opiates, unfortunately, and in the US, these medications have nowadays exceeded cocaine and heroin fatal drug overdoses.

“If you have back pain and suffer depression or anxiety you’re at even greater risk for opioid abuse and addiction, according to recent research.”

Newest researches indicate that back pain, when combined with depression, increases the risk of drug abuse. Namely, Medical News Today published the findings of their study conducted on 55 chronic lower back patients who suffer from depression or anxiety. During a period of six months, the participants were given either oxycodone, morphine, or a placebo.

They discovered that those patients with more severe depression and anxiety experienced greater side effects, got less relief from the medications and were more prone to drug addiction.

These patients, when compared to those with low levels of depression or anxiety, experienced 50 percent less improvement of their back pain and 75 percent more opioid abuse.

This led to a conclusion that it is essential to primarily identify the symptoms of depression and then take the prescribed opioid painkillers for back pain, for the beneficial effects on these cases are limited, and the risks are much greater.

Common causes of Back Pain

In order to be able to prevent its development, it is very important to identify the real cause of back pain. In general, two-thirds of people who suffer from back pain blamed it to the specific accident on the specific day the pain appeared, such as lifting of a heavy load. Accidents and sports injuries are considered as the most common triggers of chronic back pain.

Yet, the reason for the back pain can result from other causes, days before the first symptoms occur, including: fatigue, sex, alcohol consumption, or being unfocused while performing physical tasks, stress, obesity, poor posture and inactivity (especially chronic pain).

How To Act In Cases of Sudden Back Pain Attack

75 to 80 percent of back pains pass on their own in the course of two to four weeks, according to Epoch Time. However, this time period can be shortened.

Instead of taking prescription analgesics, you should try taking herbs like, curcumin, boswellia, and ginger, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

When you experience sudden back pain, the first thing you should do is to relax.

The handling of their emotions can be very important step in the treatment of back pain. In cases of depression and anxiety, the body self- recovery is inhibited. If you suppress your emotions and stress over longer periods of time you, your body becomes more vulnerable to pain less resistant to injuries.

The sensation of pain and the way you cope with it is controlled by your brain. Any pain at neuronal level that lasts for more than few minutes is memorized in the central nervous system.

Moreover, acupuncture and visiting a chiropractor can relieve the back pain. You can also benefit from some simple solutions like getting an ice bag and placing it over the affected area.

However, the back pain can be brought back even if there is no more injury, or be caused by uncommon movement such as gentle touch. In these cases, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), which is a mind-body technique used to change the behavior of the brain, can be of great help.

Back Pain Prevention

The prevention of back pain is much easier that its treatment, since there are may alternatives to do it. There are numerous important tips that can help you lead a pain-free life, including:

Proper posture

You must mind your posture, especially if you spend many hours every day sitting down. Always support your back, and avoid bending over awkwardly.

When standing, keep your weight spread evenly on your feet, and don’t slouch when standing or sitting to avoid putting stress on your back muscles. Also, you need to protect your back while lifting – this activity, along with carrying, puts the most stress on your back.
You will feel great benefits if you practice Foundation Training exercises, since they work to gradually pull your body out of the movement patterns that are hurting you. The focus is on strengthening your core, which helps stabilize your spine, vertebrae, discs, and pelvis.

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