Back pain or back pain is a condition that affects or will affect nearly 80% of French people. This back pain can be caused by multiple factors: changes in our lifestyles, stress or lack of activity. When back pain does appear, it is necessary to take it seriously as soon as possible to prevent it from turning into chronic pain.

But then, how to manage the pain so that it does not encroach on the daily newspaper?

Transient crisis or chronic pain … A progressive disease that must be taken seriously

A real pillar of our spine, the back is often put to the test: carrying a heavy load, bad posture or great stress, we are all exposed to transient back pain at first but chronic when these episodes occur. repeat over time.

Back pain can appear in several forms: sciatica, low back pain, lumbago or scoliosis. These ailments do not induce the same pain but they have the common point of being very painful and uncomfortable. The evolution of this pain can gradually impact our daily life. Slenderness, burning sensation, muscle contraction, total blockage of movement… It is therefore essential to consider alternatives to manage this painful area according to its level of intensity.

What are the stages of evolution?

• Acute low back pain: lasts less than 6 weeks One third of people face recurrence.
• Subacute low back pain: lasts between 6 weeks and 3 months Pain becomes more intense. It generates anxiety or even a depressive state and prevents the accomplishment of certain daily tasks or incapacity for work.
• Chronic low back pain: lasts more than 3 months It affects nearly 5% of those affected and can be very disabling.

What therapeutic solutions should be considered in the face of this pain, which can be progressive?

When back pain is episodic, it is important to take the lead in modifying your daily habits so that this pain does not become chronic and impacting on the quality of life. In first intention, this will make it possible to avoid as much as possible to have recourse to a drug treatment.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is first and foremost the best advice to give.

• Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated regularly and getting enough sleep is a priority. 

• It is also important to adopt an appropriate posture so as not to overexert our back. Standing up straight, avoiding heavy loads or optimizing your workspace when you are in front of a screen are essential.

• Regular physical activity to stretch and tone the muscles of our back to strengthen it is also recommended.

If, despite these different daily actions, back pain has set in, leading with it to chronic pain, it is then necessary to have recourse in addition to medication to relieve it. The objective is to provide targeted action on the pain but also on the cause. 

• Muscle relaxants will act on the cause
  • Direct-acting muscle relaxants will relax the muscles 

• Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs will act directly on the pain according to its level of intensity
  • Analgesics will bring a calming action
  • AIS / NSAIDs provide anti-inflammatory action

It is essential to respect the recommended doses to avoid any risk of overdose.

Other alternatives are possible to complement a possible treatment. Alternative medicine (acupuncture) or relaxing massages can relieve the painful area. Wearing a kidney belt can also provide support and thus facilitate good posture. Do not forget, when the crisis passes, it is essential to practice a physical activity so as not to weaken the muscles of your back. They are great allies in helping it to maintain itself properly and face our daily lives.

The PasseportSante.net team