Bangalore: Chronic pain can be more debilitating than more serious ailments. They can also indicate something is going wrong with your system.

"Backache is most common among those forced to sit in front of the computer for hours together. Many develop ache in the neck and shoulder, along with backache,'' says general physician P. Eshwar, who regularly treats many employed in the information technology sector.

An hour of rest often makes the pain go away, but not always. Ergonomically designed furniture, especially chairs with support for the lower back and the arms, can reduce the severity of the pain.

Some may still need a cushion to provide additional support for the lower back.

Wrong way

"When really bad pain begins, you may have to stop all work. The pain is often the body telling you that you are doing something the wrong way. If you can find out what is wrong , like a poor sitting posture or keeping your computer monitor at an awkward angle, you can perhaps correct things and start working again. If it just not possible to change your workstation situation, bed rest may be the only option for really bad back pain," he says.

Muscle spasm

If a muscle spasm is causing the pain, heat treatment can help. It can be as simple as soaking a towel in hot water and placing it over the affected part of the back.

You can safely continue this for 15 to 30 minutes, keeping the heat bearable.

Heat treatment lamps, which are now easily available, may help as also a hot water bottle if somebody can hold it for you.

After the first 24 hours, cold treatment may work better than heat. Ice cubes in a towel or an ice bag may help reduce the inflammation inside. Unlike heat treatment, this can be repeated at hourly intervals.

"Does the type of bed and mattress or pillows you use help in reducing pain is the most common question doctors are asked," says Dr. Eshwar. Spring beds are best avoided and the firmer the mattress, the better for the back.

Special mattresses

Specially designed mattresses are now available which give the proper support for the spine. A thinner pillow instead of two thick pillows will help. Lying on your side with a pillow between the knees is a posture recommended by many specialists.

Stretching

A regular exercise routine of stretching is believed to help relieve back pain unless it is caused by bone degeneration. Bending and touching your toes, may help strengthen the back as well as the shoulders and legs. But, if the back pain persists for more than a few days, one should consult a doctor.

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