Back & Neck Pain and Sports Injury

Overview

Back and neck troubles can not only cause localised pain at the site, but often lead to referred pain in other areas of the body. There may be a range of symptoms including pain, stiffness, muscle tightness or spasm.
The most important treatment for any injury is REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. In addition to those key steps, there are a range of products to help with pain, speed the healing process, prevent muscle cramp or spasm and support the injured area.

Causes

Back pain can be caused by a wide range of events, such as a sudden movement or fall, an injury or other medical condition. It’s usually caused by the way the bones, discs, tendons, muscles and ligaments interact and work together.

The causes of neck pain can be classified as specific or non-specific. Specific neck pain is caused by a higher risk or link to a serious disorder. This type of neck pain can be caused by an infection, tumour, osteoporosis or fracture. The cause of non-specific neck pain is often unclear, however the pain usually clears after a few days.

Treatment

Treatment options for back and neck pain include: Anti-inflammatories, analgesics, topical rubs, heat & cold therapy, braces, natural therapies and electrolytes.

Anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac reduce the inflammation at the site of pain, while products containing both Ibuprofen and codeine work to reduce inflammation and switch off the pain messages sent by the brain.

Topical rubs help to warm the site, which increases blood flow to the muscle and reduces pain. A greasy base can ensure that the rub is effective in massage, which can reduce muscle tightness and tension.

Heat and cold therapy can be performed using a range of products including gel packs and wheat bags. By applying heat to the problem area, blood flow is increased to the site and muscle pain is reduced. By applying cold to the site, swelling and inflammation is reduced.

Natural therapies including supplements containing magnesium can help to reduce muscle tightness and spasm. Magnesium can also assist nervous tension and help the body to relax.

Dehydration can also be a cause behind muscle spasms and cramps. By maintaining hydration through electrolyte replacements, you can ensure that the body will not be at risk of muscle cramps and spasms during physical activity.

Learn More

Want to know more? Michael’s Chemist is committed to providing you with the best health care experience available.

If you would like to learn more about a product or condition, please don’t hesitate to contact us at either our Claremont, Wembley or North Perth stores.