College is supposed to be an exciting time of transformation and discovery; however, it can also be a time when your lower back first starts becoming a major problem. Since you don't want anything to come between you and your collegiate career (or all the fun you should have while you're there), you need to include Back Pain 101 in your course load.
Why You're Apt To Start Feeling Back Pain At This Time
Starting towards the end of high school, you probably started carrying a much heavier backpack, which can cause significant strain on the lower back muscles. Other activities, like demanding sports, watching a lot of television, or otherwise being glued to body-warping technology, along with poor posture, can really wreak havoc on the back, neck, and shoulders.
Now, with your hectic class schedule, a part- or full-time job and all your other running around, plus the possibility of poor sleep, your body is really starting to feel the burden of living in the adult world.
Options For Relief
Depending on your medical insurance coverage, you should be able to visit a physician to have your back pain evaluated. There may be a number of options available to you; however, for the convenience of your class schedule, try looking for remedies that are relatively quick and that have lasting effects:
There may be a trial-and-error period, but you should find something to help with the pain that works with your schedule and lifestyle. Just don't ignore the issue, as back pain can easily become a long-term problem if you don't address it. A staggering 80 percent of adults in the United States deal with back pain at one time or another, and it's also a cause of disability in the workplace. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to get used to saying "I have a bad back" without ever discerning the cause(s) or rectifying the situation.
How You Can Prevent The Pain In The First Place
As you seek treatment, consider the different ways in which you can take the load off your back while still keeping up with your responsibilities. Invest in a backpack that fits well, and try to reduce the weight you carry. You might share a book with a fellow student rather than hauling one along in your belongings, especially the heavier ones. See if you can use online books instead of textbooks, too, if the professor allows it and they're published in that format. Also, dedicate yourself to sleeping well so your body has sufficient time to rest, no matter how much homework or fun there is to be had.
Back pain at any age can be difficult to manage, but it shouldn't be allowed to interfere with your day-to-day activities. Talk to a physician, and consider getting regular therapies and/or Botox injections every few months. One way or another, you have to get the pain in check so you can focus on more important things. Reach out to a back pain treatment service today for more information.