Men, in all their strength and glory, can just brush off some back pain and strain right? Right! But, there are just some signs and symptoms that are just too hard to ignore which should make men seek medical attention. What are these? And are these lower back pain in men serious?
When there is pain after falling or suffering from any injury, this is lumbar pain (either acute or chronic) and men are advised to call the doctor immediately. When you have osteoporosis, which is age-related bone loss or osteoarthritis (affecting small joints in the spine which can lead to back pain), one should consult a medical practioner, as this type of lower back pain cause you to limp or change the way you walk when untreated. A herniated disc in the spine pressing to the sciatica nerve causes lower back pain accompanied by a shooting pain down to either leg, should not be taken casually. If your back pain is accompanied by fever and/or night sweats, or if you have had cancer in the past- one should seek help immediately. Men, or anybody with frequent or daily pain should see a doctor, especially if the pain is already interfering with your life or limiting your activities and work. What may start as occasional and bothersome can become serious and debilitating over the years.
However, most of the time men’s back pain isn’t that serious and just goes away with time no matter what you do. On average, back pain goes away in 4-6 weeks unless there is no serious fracture or degenerative disease causing it. Positive thinking and attitude speeds up recovery, just as unreasonable fears slow recovery and even lead to chronic pain. It is important to manage pain by taking over the counter drugs and pain relievers. Seek temporary relief by ice and/or heat pack, or try accupuncture as Chinese traditional therapy has been tried for centuries now. Accupuncture may help release natural painkillers in the body or block pain signals from the nerves, men should at least try it once. Getting a massage, as reviewed in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003 has also been found to be the most effective alternative therapy to relieve lower back pain.
As it has been suggested that taking some rest relieves lower back pain in men, walking more has also been found to be the best prescription to chronic pain. Exercise releases endorphins, which is our body’s natural painkillers. Men therefore should be active and exercise five times a week for at least thirty minutes a day, but always with caution to avoid reinjury in the lower back.
Men should also watch what they eat. A healthy diet is most useful in easing not just the lower back, but chronic pain in the body. Fatty meats may worsen the swelling and various arthritis pains, including those that cause lower back pain, so go easy on the meat!
It is not only important to know why lower back pain in men occurs, but men should also find the how in relieving their pains, whether through medicines, exercise or just healthy living in totality.