Understanding Back and Shoulder Pain
Back and shoulder pains are very common conditions, which are usually results of posture problems that originate from unleveled hips and feet. When you unconsciously raise one of your hips in an awkward position, the shoulder opposite it could cause muscle tension and could lead to back and shoulder pain. Although back and shoulder pains can be caused by different factors, such as strains from heavy lifting, posture is probably the major reason of this problem. Most people diagnosed with problems of back and shoulder pain has wrong sitting and standing posture.
When you consult your doctor, he or she will examine your back and shoulders to see if your condition will continue without improvement for the first weeks. Then, he will observe severe spasms and pains, numbness, tingling or weakness, bowel alterations, painful urination, leg pains and other symptoms that could be a sign of a more severe problem. Make sure to tell your doctor about your history of spine problems or back weaknesses, if there are any. This will ensure your back and shoulder pains will be diagnosed accurately.
Self-Treating of Back and Shoulder Pains
When your doctor has examined your condition and observed that you do not experience any symptoms, you can treat yourself through rest, hot or cold compress, massage and medication.
Resting for one to two days is an important part of rehabilitating from back and shoulder pains. Make sure not to exceed two days of rest because this may cause your muscles to weaken or stiffen. Lie on a comfortable position, preferably on your side and knees drawn up, with a bed mattress and ¾" plywood board. Avoid lying on your back or stomach with your legs straightened out.
Another treatment for back and shoulder pains is through hot or cold compress. While ice can reduce swelling caused by inflammation, heat can keep the muscles flexible. When inflammation of muscles occurs, take an ice pack and apply it every ten minutes for two hours. However, when you need to use hot compress, make sure to avoid exceeding 30 minutes of exposure to heat.
In order to reduce the pains of your back and shoulder, you could massage the affected area to increase blood flow in the muscles. It also improves muscle tone to help the affected muscles relax.
If none of the self-treatment options work for your back and shoulder pain, you can purchase ibuprofen, aspirin or prescription muscle relaxants to reduce swelling and pains accompanied with it.
