Health Tips for January 8

Health Tip: Help Manage Back Pain

When you begin to feel back pain, resist the urge to stay in bed for a prolonged period. It's better to remain active, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

As long as you don't have a serious underlying medical problem that's causing your pain, the UMMC offers these suggestions for how to tame it:

• For the first few days, take it easier, but only for a few days. After that, gradually become more active until you're back to your regular routine.
• Apply either heat or ice to your sore back -- whichever feels better. You can also alternate between the two, starting with ice for the first two or three days, followed by muscle-relaxing heat beginning the next day.
• If it's OK with your doctor, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Take a warm bath before bed to soothe your back and help you sleep.
• Sleep with a pillow between your legs (if on your side), or under your knees (if on your back).

Health Tip: Symptoms of Computer Strain

Frequent computer use -- especially when it involves poor posture or keystroke repetition -- can damage nerves, muscles, tendons or ligaments.

Here are common symptoms of computer-related injury, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Numbness of the fingers.
• Pain or soreness in the lower back, neck, shoulders or wrists.
• Headache.
• Dryness, redness and soreness of the eyes, or blurred vision.