Extreme cold weather and less sunlight is usually the reason why so many people feel stuck in their homes during winter. While it may be nice to stay snuggled up inside, your back might suffer the consequences.
Whether you’re avoiding the cold temps or still required to work from home, it’s not unusual to have some sort of back pain. Four out of five Canadians will experience issues with their back within their lifetime. Fortunately, there are effective ways to relieve those aches and pains while you’re at home.
Causes & Risk Factors
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common include: posture, structural problems and injuries. Many people suffer from back and shoulder pain simply because their posture has been compromised throughout the day. It’s easy to assume a hunched position while sitting in front of a laptop all day with limited physical activity.
Back pain can also be a result of structural problems within your body that develop over time or as a result of injuries. Some structural issues that can lead to back pain include: arthritis, osteoporosis and scoliosis. Sport injuries, car accidents or a simple mishap of movement can potentially trigger back aches as well. All of these conditions can cause ongoing pain, but they can be managed and alleviated with the right treatment.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Even if you have become accustomed to that slight twitch in your back, leaving it untreated can result in neuropathy over time. There are effective ways to deal with back pain and proven methods to prevent it as well.
Physiotherapy
Through the science of movement, physiotherapy is focused on restoring and maintaining the body’s mobility and function. Based on your needs, a certified physiotherapist utilizes manual therapy, acupuncture, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and/or an exercise prescription.
Physiotherapists can effectively treat a variety of conditions including work-related injuries. Specifically, mobile physiotherapists have the ability to come to your home and conduct an ergonomic assessment to help you set up an efficient home office. Ergonomics focuses on designing and implementing spaces that are specifically suited to your workspace at home. A physiotherapist can help you determine what you actually need based on how you work. Ultimately, this will reduce the risk of future work related strains and put you on the path of healing.