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| "Severe lower back pain" |
Severe backache
Back pain, often referred to as backache, is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. It affects millions of people each year, regardless of age, lifestyle, or profession. While it can be a short-term inconvenience for some, for others it can become a long-term, chronic condition that impacts daily activities and quality of life.
Back pain becomes
particularly common for individuals over the age of 40, especially after
periods of physical inactivity or when engaging in sudden strenuous activity
such as lifting heavy weights. This article will explain how and why back
pain starts, how to reduce it, and what you can do to prevent it in the future—along
with recommended medicines, exercises, and lifestyle tips.
Why
Does Severe Back Pain Start?
There are multiple reasonswhy back pain may occur, ranging from sudden injuries to gradual wear and tear.
Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Muscle
Strain or Ligament Sprain
Overexertion, improper
lifting techniques, or sudden awkward movements can cause microscopic tears in
muscles and ligaments of the back. This often happens when people lift heavy
weights without proper posture—especially after a long break from exercise.
2. Aging
and Spinal Degeneration
As we age, the spine’s
cushioning disks lose water content and elasticity, making them more vulnerable
to damage. People over 40 are more prone to:
- Herniated disks
(slipped disks)
- Osteoarthritis
in the spine
- Spinal stenosis
(narrowing of the spinal canal)
3. Poor
Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle
Long hours of
sitting—especially with poor ergonomics—can lead to muscular imbalances. Weak
core muscles and tight hip flexors put extra stress on the spine.
4. Injury
or Trauma
Car accidents, falls, or
sports injuries can cause fractures, dislocations, or severe muscle damage.
5. Sudden
Physical Activity After Long Rest
A very common scenario for
middle-aged individuals is engaging in heavy exercise or physical labor after
months of inactivity. This shocks the muscles, causing stiffness, soreness, and
sometimes severe pain.
6. Medical
Conditions
- Sciatica (pain radiating down the
leg due to nerve compression)
- Kidney stones or infections (pain
radiating to the back)
- Osteoporosis (weakened bones prone
to fractures)
How to
Reduce Back Pain
When back pain occurs, the
goal is to relieve discomfort, restore mobility, and prevent further damage.
Here’s what works:
1. Apply
Heat or Cold
- Cold packs:
Use in the first 48 hours after injury to reduce swelling and
inflammation.
- Heat packs:
Use after 2 days to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow.
2. Over-the-Counter
Medicines
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Brufen)
– Reduces inflammation and pain.
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol,
Panadol) – Pain relief without
anti-inflammatory effect.
- Topical creams/gels
– Menthol, capsaicin, or diclofenac-based creams help reduce discomfort.
(Note:
Always follow recommended dosage and consult a doctor if pain persists.)
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| "Back pain can be relieved with proper care, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments." |
3. Gentle
Stretching
Instead of bed rest, gentle
stretching and walking help speed up recovery by keeping muscles active.
4. Rest—but
Not Too Much
Complete bed rest for more
than 2–3 days can actually make back pain worse. Light activity keeps blood
circulation going and prevents stiffness.
5. Massage
Therapy
Professional massages can
help release muscle tension and improve mobility.
Exercises
to Relieve Back Pain
If your back pain is not
caused by a severe injury or fracture, these exercises can help:
1. Cat-Cow
Stretch
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Arch your back upward (like a
stretching cat), then drop your belly and lift your head (cow position).
- Repeat 10–15 times.
2. Knee-to-Chest
Stretch
- Lie on your back.
- Pull one knee toward your chest
while keeping the other leg flat.
- Hold for 20 seconds, switch legs.
- Repeat 5–10 times.
3. Pelvic
Tilt
- Lie on your back with knees bent.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles and
flatten your lower back against the floor.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then release.
- Repeat 10 times.
4. Bridge
Exercise
- Lie on your back, knees bent, feet
flat on the floor.
- Lift your hips toward the ceiling.
- Hold for 3–5 seconds, then lower
down slowly.
- Repeat 10–12 times.
5. Child’s
Pose
- Kneel on the floor, sit back on
your heels, and stretch your arms forward.
- Relax in this position for 30–60
seconds.
Preventing
Back Pain in the Future
Once you’ve recovered, your
goal should be to avoid recurrence. This is especially important for
people over 40.
1. Maintain
a Healthy Weight
Extra body weight puts
additional stress on your spine.
2. Strengthen
Core Muscles
A strong core supports yourback and reduces the risk of injury. Include planks, side planks, and abdominal
strengthening exercises in your routine.
3. Improve
Posture
- Keep your shoulders back and spine
neutral when sitting.
- Use ergonomic chairs if you work
at a desk.
- Keep screens at eye level to avoid
slouching.
4. Lift
Properly
- Bend at your knees, not at your
waist.
- Keep the object close to your
body.
- Avoid twisting while lifting.
5. Stay
Active
Regular exercise such as
walking, swimming, and cycling keeps your spine healthy and flexible.
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| these are very useful stretching exercises for relief bach ach |
6. Stretch
Daily
Especially if you have a
desk job, stretch your back, hips, and hamstrings regularly.
When
to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if:
- Pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks.
- You experience numbness, tingling,
or weakness in the legs.
- Pain is accompanied by fever,
unexplained weight loss, or bladder/bowel problems.
- You have a history of cancer or
osteoporosis.
Medicines
for Back Pain Relief
While medicines should not
be the only solution, they can help during acute pain phases.
Commonly
used:
- NSAIDs:
Ibuprofen, Naproxen (for inflammation & pain)
- Paracetamol:
Pain relief (milder option)
- Muscle Relaxants:
Cyclobenzaprine, Methocarbamol (only under doctor’s prescription)
- Topical Analgesics:
Creams or gels with menthol, diclofenac, or lidocaine
Important: Long-term use of painkillers can have side
effects—consult your doctor before continuous use.
Special
Note for People Over 40
If you are above 40 and
haven’t been active for a while:
- Start exercise gradually—don’t
jump into heavy lifting.
- Warm up for at least 5–10 minutes
before any activity.
- Prioritize flexibility training
along with strength training.
- Use supportive footwear to avoid
back strain.
Sample
Daily 15-Minute Back-Friendly Routine
1.
5
minutes of gentle warm-up
(walking or light marching in place)
2.
Cat-Cow
Stretch – 10 repetitions
3.
Knee-to-Chest
Stretch – 5 reps each leg
4.
Pelvic
Tilt – 10 reps
5.
Bridge
Exercise – 10 reps
6.
Child’s
Pose – 1 minute hold
Conclusion:
Back pain can be frustrating, but with the
right care, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage it effectively
and prevent future episodes. Remember—consistency is key. Your back healthdepends on daily habits, not just occasional treatment.
شدید کمر درد – Severe Lower Back Pain
کیا آپ کو کمر درد یا دردِ کمر ہے؟ جانیں سب کچھ
کمر درد دنیا بھر میں سب سے عام طبی شکایات میں سے ایک ہے۔ یہ ہر سال لاکھوں افراد کو متاثر کرتا ہے، چاہے عمر ہو، طرزِ زندگی یا پیشہ۔ بعض کے لیے یہ وقتی مسئلہ ہوتا ہے، لیکن کئی افراد کے لیے یہ دائمی (Chronic) حالت اختیار کر لیتا ہے جو روزمرہ کی سرگرمیوں اور معیارِ زندگی پر براہِ راست اثر ڈالتی ہے۔
کمر درد کی وجوہات
- پٹھوں یا لیگامنٹس میں کھنچاؤ: زیادہ وزن اٹھانا، غلط پوسچر یا اچانک حرکت سے۔
- عمر بڑھنے کے اثرات: ہرنی ایٹڈ ڈسک، اوسٹیو آرتھرائٹس، اسپائنل اسٹیونوسس۔
- خراب پوسچر اور غیر فعال طرزِ زندگی: لمبے وقت بیٹھنے سے پٹھے کمزور اور کمر پر دباؤ بڑھتا ہے۔
- حادثہ یا چوٹ: گاڑی کا حادثہ، کھیلوں میں چوٹ یا گرنا۔
- طویل آرام کے بعد اچانک سرگرمی: کئی مہینے غیر فعال رہنے کے بعد اچانک بھاری کام کرنا۔
- طبی وجوہات: سائٹیکا، گردوں کی پتھری، اوسٹیوپوروسس وغیرہ۔
کمر درد کم کرنے کے طریقے
- برف یا گرمائش کا استعمال
- اوور دی کاؤنٹر ادویات (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol وغیرہ)
- ہلکی اسٹریچنگ اور واک
- زیادہ آرام سے پرہیز
- مساج تھراپی
ورزشیں جو کمر درد میں آرام دیتی ہیں
- Cat-Cow Stretch
- Knee-to-Chest Stretch
- Pelvic Tilt
- Bridge Exercise
- Child’s Pose
کمر درد سے بچاؤ کے طریقے
- وزن کو متوازن رکھیں
- کور مسلز کو مضبوط کریں
- درست پوسچر اپنائیں
- چیزیں صحیح طریقے سے اٹھائیں
- روزانہ اسٹریچنگ کریں
- فعال زندگی گزاریں
ڈاکٹر سے کب رجوع کریں؟
اگر درد 2 سے 3 ہفتے سے زیادہ رہے، ٹانگوں میں سن ہونا، بخار یا وزن میں غیر معمولی کمی ہو، تو فوری ڈاکٹر سے رجوع کریں۔
اختتامیہ
کمر درد عام لیکن پیچیدہ مسئلہ ہے۔ درست دیکھ بھال، ورزش اور طرزِ زندگی کی تبدیلیوں کے ذریعے آپ اسے کم کر سکتے ہیں اور دوبارہ ہونے سے بچ سکتے ہیں۔ مستقل مزاجی ہی اصل علاج ہے۔



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