Back pain is a common complaint in the modern world. Around 80% of adults in Switzerland will suffer from back pain at least once in their life. We spend too much time sitting down and don't move around enough. Back pain can be linked to poor posture, which is often caused by weak back muscles. Make sure you take action to tackle back pain before it becomes a chronic problem. Preventive measures can be very effective.
13.02.2017
Back pain can be acute and last for a few days or weeks at a time. But it can also manifest itself as a chronic ailment lasting for months or even years.
Back pain is merely a symptom and tells us little about its causes. It is often a reflection of the modern society in which we live, with hours spent sitting in the car or at a desk in the office. Many of us take too little exercise in the course of a normal day. Muscle strain and tension, or muscle cramp caused by mental stress are possible causes of back pain.
85% of reported back pain is deemed unspecific due to the absence of any clear medical diagnosis. In rare cases, the cause will be obvious i.e. when a slipped or “herniated” disc or a trapped nerve is causing the back pain. Inflammation of the internal organs, illnesses such as Bekhterev’s disease (ankylosing spondylitis) and other forms of inflammatory rheumatism can also be causes of back pain.
Acute back pain is normally the result of harmless tension in the muscles of the back. Simple household remedies can help: taking a hot bath, applying hot/cold compresses. A massage, ointments or even a walk in the fresh air can also help. By contrast, excessive lying down can exacerbate the pain and delay recovery.
It is worthwhile visiting the doctor if the pain continues over a long time.
A well-trained back is better able to withstand the stresses and strains of everyday life. With some simple exercises and by following a few everyday tips, you can strengthen your back and prevent pain from developing in the first place. Tips for everyday life:
Exercise is the best medicine for a healthy back. Try to incorporate as much exercise into your everyday life as possible and take time out for a brief spot of exercise . If you can, keep changing your working position and avoid remaining seated for lengthy periods at a time.
Ensure that your workplace is set up correctly and avoid unilateral strains and postures in everyday life. If you need to lift heavy loads, always keep your back straight and your knees bent.
Give your spine a workout every day to maintain flexibility. You can perform the simple exercises right away in the morning or use them to loosen up during your working day. Repeat each exercise 10–20 times:
Lumbar spine or lower back (perform while sitting):
Thoracic spine or mid back (perform on all fours):
Cervical spine (perform while sitting):
One of the causes of unspecific back pain can be problems with the fascia becoming restricted and sticking together. The fascia are the muscular connective tissues that bind together muscles and organs in the human body. They need to be exercised, otherwise they can become thinner, less elastic, and lose their natural ability to glide smoothly over the structures in the body. This is why it is important to train these connecting tissues regularly. An effective means of training is based on the “Blackroll”; alternatively, a tennis ball can be used. The rolling movement massages the fascia and helps avoid the build-up of water in the tissues of the body.
Stress can lead to tension in the whole body and can exacerbate back pain. Make a point of taking time out to relax. Relaxation techniques can also help. It is also important to get a good night’s sleep.
Under the SANA and COMPLETA supplementary healthcare insurance policies, you will receive 75% of the costs up to CHF 200 per calendar year for selected back and full-body exercise courses.
Benefit from a 30% discount on the “Blackroll Standard” and relieve your muscular tension.More about the “Blackroll”
Patients with back pain are often examined using imaging techniques. But how beneficial are x-rays or computer tomography scans really?
What you eat and drink affects your health and your well-being. We will give you tips for a balanced nutrition – including taste experiences.
Being physically active has numerous benefits, such as improving your health and strengthening your immune system.
Find out more about current health issues and get all the information you need about our attractive offers, delivered by e-mail to read whenever it suits you. Our newsletter is free of charge and you can sign up here:
You have just received an email with a confirmation link. Please click on this to complete your registration.