About 80 per cent of the world's residents suffer from lower back pain at one time or another. And unlike popular belief an athletic lifestyle offers no warranty against the problem. Improper weight training or sporting activities technically actually increases the load on one's back and may cause pain. In fact, lower back pain is a common ailment among weight lifters, runners, cyclists, and other athletes. And until now no one has been exactly sure what sports-minded people should do to alleviate - or prevent - the complaint.
Take Paul Hart for example. He’s been suffering with low back pain every day of his life since he injured his lower back during a soccer game when he was14 years old. A growth spurt led to muscle tendon imbalances with tight hamstring muscles, tight low back muscles, and weak abdominal muscles.
Paul’s now 42 and it still feels like someone keeps stabbing him with a knife. He feels it all over and around his spine. The pain even radiates to his legs. Sitting or standing for long periods of time makes his back hurt more. And this pain intensifies as his day goes on.
In order to feel some pain relief, he has visited everyone from physiotherapists to chiropractors. Yet, there was still no pain relief in sight. Here’s why?
Why Your Doctor’s Traditional Treatment Options May Not be the Best Treatment for Your Herniated Discs & Low Back Pain
When it comes to treating herniated discs, there are traditional treatments such as ice/heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications and even surgery. While these may deliver some relief, it will usually be temporary.
The major problem with these traditional treatments is that they only address the symptoms of a herniated disc. They do not address the actual cause of the problem. For example, even if you were to have invasive surgery and get some pain relief, the fact is the root cause that caused the disc to become herniated in the first place is still there.
Why?
Because, our bodies adapt and change to our environment. This adaptation over time will cause muscle imbalances. Those imbalances will cause postural dysfunctions. If the dysfunctions are not addressed, they will continue to place uneven pressure and strain on the discs. Sooner or later you will likely have another problem with that disc, or others.
Reduce Sports Injury Induced Low Back Pain and Herniated Discs by Identifying the Underlying Causes of Your Problem.
To reduce sports injury related low back pain and herniated discs you must identify the underlying cause of your problem. Unfortunately, most doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists don’t spend time or focus on identifying the hidden causes or physical dysfunctions that are responsible for the condition. So most injured athletes jump from one useless traditional treatment to the next and suffer with continuous herniated disc flare-ups for months or years unnecessarily.
3 Steps to Reducing Back Pain Fast So You Can Start Playing Sports Again: 1. Understanding muscle imbalances:
The solution to a pain-free back during and after pregnancy is based on a better understanding of muscle imbalances and how your body works. You must understand what muscle imbalances are, how they are created and how they cause low back pain.
2. Know your habits, patterns, postures and positions:
You must identify your muscle imbalances and understand how they are causing you pain. Assess how you sit, stand, walk lift, bend or otherwise put your body through hell every day.
3. Get the RIGHT Help:
Find a qualified Manual Physical Therapist who is trained to assess postural dysfunction. Demand that they create both a short term and a long-term plan of recovery for you filled with the right combination of corrective exercises, stretches and treatments
Understanding back pain and taking action are two totally different animals. But, if you want to reduce back pain and start playing sports again, then you must educate your self and take action everyday. It is never too late to start a program of recovery on your own or with help from an expert.
Article Source: http://www.fitnesshealtharticles.com.
About the Author:
Dr. Robert Duvall has helped thousands of athletes suffering from back pain using this approach in his clinic and around the country. For more information on herniated discs and how you can reduce your back pain virtually overnight so you can live an active lifestyle once again, get your free copy of the latest Back Pain Advisory from The Healthy Back Institute at: http://www.losethebackpain.com/herniateddisc.html.
Sports Injuries & Low Back Pain: How to Eliminate Back Pain Fast & Start Playing Sports Again
