Common Aches And Pains, And How To Cure Them
We all get aches and pains from time to time. Usually, they’re not too severe, and they cure themselves in time. But what happens when they don’t go away and they interfere with your life? We take a look at three common aches and pains, and their possible causes and solutions.
A Note About Medical Advice
Aches and pains are not usually serious but sometimes they can indicate an underlying problem. Therefore, you should always seek medical advice. A doctor or trained professional will complete a thorough assessment. They can also rule out any serious issues.
Generalized Body Aches
If you’re suffering from aches and pains throughout your body, this is often due to a viral infection. It can affect your joints and muscles. If symptoms are mild, painkillers and a warm bath may ease them. If these are prolonged and more severe, your doctor may need to prescribe medication.
Back/Neck Ache
Backache is one of the most common reasons people take time off work. Symptoms vary from minor to severe. Like most aches and pains there are many causes. If you have been in an accident and damaged your back, you should always seek medical advice. Centers like Dynamic Spine & Rehab are experts in treating car accident and other injuries. They can lead you through the process of recovery.
In some cases, it might be your job that’s causing the problem. Many people who sit at a desk for most of the day report backache. This is often due to a poor workstation set-up and can be rectified quickly. Ask your employer to undertake an assessment. This should include the following:
- Checks and adjustments to your chair
- Correction to posture and the way you sit at your desk
- Adjustment of your monitor height
- The possible addition of rests for your wrists, arms, back or feet
- Repositioning your monitor to avoid glare
- Changing the position of your mouse and keyboard
Taking regular breaks and walking around can also help ease back pain.
Other factors to consider are carrying a heavy bag repeatedly and the quality of your mattress. If you have to carry a heavy shoulder bag each day, this puts strain on your back. To combat this, try switching shoulders. Don’t just carry a bag over one shoulder all the time. You could also try carrying a backpack which will distribute the weight more evenly. Carrying a bag diagonally may also help.
Your mattress may also be the source of your pain. A mattress with a lack of support causes poor sleeping posture. This puts a strain on the muscles. If you think this could be the source of your back pain, consider changing your mattress.
Headaches
Headaches are another common source of pain. Again, they vary from mild to severe. There are many possible causes from eye strain to dehydration. Making the following changes may help:
- Drinking more fluids throughout the day
- Avoiding tea and coffee
- Reducing or avoiding alcohol intake
- Making adjustments to your workstation (see above)
- Adjusting your monitor to avoid glare
- Getting an eye test to see whether you need glasses or a change of prescription
- Making changes to your diet
There are many causes of everyday aches and pains. In most cases, they are mild and can be cured by making simple changes. But if you’re unsure, always see a doctor. It’s worth ruling out any serious underlying causes.