Lower Back Pain Relief – You Should Not Have To Suffer

Lower back pain relief is sought by many every day.  Sometimes your lower back pain is so bad you can’t even move.  Other times your pain is dull and uncomfortable, but you can still get around and continue your day as normal.  Lower back pain can be caused by many different things. The most common include a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve.

What is the function of the lower back?

The function of the lower back is to provide structural support, protect certain body tissues, and enable movement.

Great Video for Understanding Back Pain

What causes pain in the lower back?

Pain in the lower back can be caused by a number of things.  Such as problems with:

• Muscles
• Tendons
• Tissues
• Ligaments
• Discs
• Spine
• Internal organs

What are the 3 stages of lower back pain?

There are 3 stages of lower back pain.  They are:

1. Acute
   Acute back pain is pain that lasts less than 4 weeks and is typically relieved easily.
2. Subacute
   Subacute back pain is pain that lasts between 4 and 12 weeks and is a little more difficult to relieve.
3. Chronic
   Chronic back pain is pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks and is difficult to relieve.

Any type of pain in the lower back can be brought on by strenuous activity, sudden movement, or heavy lifting.  When pain occurs after activity or sudden movement, it is most likely because a ligament or muscle has been torn or strained.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty moving
• Difficulty standing
• A dull, continuous pain
• Soreness upon touch
• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the upper thighs, buttocks, and groin
• Muscle spasms

If you have lower back pain that is accompanied by fever/chills, leg weakness, abdominal pain, or trouble with urinating and passing bowel movements (either too frequently or having a hard time with it), then you may have a more serious problem and will need to see a doctor for treatment.

Tips For Keeping Your Back Pain Free

If you want to lead a life free of any back pain, here are some tips and tricks you can try.

• Have good posture- Don’t slouch, as that can put extra strain on your back.
• Wear comfortable shoes- If you find that your feet hurt a lot while walking around, get more comfortable shoes, or try putting gel inserts into them to help support you better when you walk.
• Sleep on a firm surface- If you are on a firm surface there is a good chance that your body is staying straight and that your body is not curving too much. Keeping your back curved often like that puts strain on your back just as slouching does.
• Keep a pillow behind your back when sitting.- To keep your back straight and assure you’re not slouching, keep a towel or pillow behind your lower back while you are sitting for long periods of time to provide support.

• Don’t lift objects that are too heavy for you.- If an object is heavier than you feel comfortable lifting, ask for help. Lifting a too heavy object is one of the main reasons people pull a muscle, causing back pain.
• Eat healthy- Eating healthier is always a good idea. It can help with many different illnesses, diseases, pain, etc. Gaining extra weight can, especially in your stomach, can be touch on your lower back.
• Don’t smoke- Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and can also cause spinal discs to degenerate.

Lower Back Pain Relief/Treatment

Lower back pain relief/treatment will vary from person to person.  Here are some things you can try:

Rest

A few days of rest will allow injured tissue to heal.  However, not doing any activity at all for more than a few days can actually worsen back pain.  Exercise is needed for strength and flexibility.

Ice or Heat

Heat and Ice packs can help reduce inflammation.  You can use just ice, just heat, or both, whatever works best for you.

Warm bath

A warm bath may help to relax the muscles.  If your back pain is causing you to have trouble sleeping, you can try sitting in a warm bath for a little while before trying sleep again.

Medication

You can try to take an anti-inflammatory pain medication or you can be prescribed something stronger.  Some medicines to take may include Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Excedrin.  Just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.

Exercise

Exercising and doing stretches can help ease lower back pain.

Chiropractor

Seeing a chiropractor can help take care of your lower back pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves someone pinning thin needles into certain points throughout the body.  This process is said to trigger the release of peptides (pain killing molecules) and keeps the body’s normal flow of energy unblocked.  You will have to see a specialist to have this done, if you so choose.

Surgery

If there is a more serious matter, or all other methods have been tried and the back pain persists, you may be given the option of surgery.