We've often heard people say that they've thrown out their back.
When they tell us this, we know exactly how they feel.
But what does it actually mean?
When someone says they've thrown out their back, they likely have a muscle strain, although it could be a bulging disk or herniation.
Throwing out your back is usually temporary sharp pain and will go away on its own over time.
But there are things you can do to speed up your recovery and keep it from happening again.
In the article below, we will tell you exactly what it means to throw out your back.
Table of Contents
- Who Can Throw Out Their Back?
- How Do You Throw Out Your Back?
- How To Find Relief
- Prevent Future Accidents
- Contact The Arrowhead Clinic of Garden City
Who Can Throw Out Their Back?
Anyone can, and probably will, throw out their back.
80% of people experience back pain at some point in their life, and your chance of throwing out your back becomes increasingly common as you age.
If you aren't active, your chances of throwing out your back are much higher than those who are.
Weekend warriors have a higher chance of throwing out their backs because they are sedentary all week but become overly active on the weekends.
And if you've thrown out your back once, the chances are high that you will do it again.
How Do You Throw Out Your Back?
When someone throws their back out, it's often due to lifting a heavy object or bending the wrong way, causing muscle strain.
Pain varies from person to person, ranging from dull to intense.
The pain is often localized around the lower spine.
If your pain spreads outward, it usually means you have a bulging or damaged disc.
You should see a doctor if you are experiencing severe back pain due to an accident, like a slip and fall or a car accident.
Severe pain limiting your ability to do simple things or bladder control issues are other indicators that medical intervention may be needed.
You should also see a chiropractor if your pain lingers.
How To Find Relief
The pain you feel after throwing out your back will usually go away on its own.
To speed up your recovery, you can apply an ice pack for the first three days after it happens and use a heating pad after the third day.
You can use over-the-counter pain medications, but be sure to speak with a doctor before taking them.
Painkillers can create other complications in some patients, and they only mask the pain without treating the root cause.
If you want to avoid painkillers, you can visit your chiropractor.
Your chiropractor will evaluate your injury and devise a treatment plan to treat your pain and keep it from returning.
Preventing Future Accidents
Moving your body is key to preventing re-injury.
Use good posture, lift properly, and push and pull objects correctly.
Regular physical activity and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are also crucial.
Keeping your core and legs strong will help keep you from throwing out your back because they are your lifting muscles.
When your core and legs are weak, you use your back to lift, opening yourself up for a back injury.
Flexibility is also essential because tight muscles are more injury-prone than loose muscles.
Contact The Team at the Arrowhead Clinic of Garden City
In many cases, throwing out your back won't require medical attention.
It's still a good idea to seek chiropractic care if you are experiencing any back pain.
The chiropractors at the Arrowhead Clinic of Garden City will develop a treatment plan that will make your recovery process quicker and more bearable.
Also, most people that throw out their back once will throw it out again.
Regular chiropractic treatments will help you avoid re-injury that plagues so many people for the rest of their lives.
If you've thrown out your back and are ready to see a chiropractor, contact our Garden City, GA Chiropractor.
They will have your back feeling as good as new and help you keep it that way.
Click the button below to get started.
