Lower Back Pain Relief
A common disorder of the spinal column, lower back pain is not typically associated with an illness or a specific injury. Since the cause is not definitive, there is also no definitive way of treating the disorder.
Fortunately for those who suffer from lower back pain, episodes of this condition do not often last long. In fact, most of episodes last from a few days to a few weeks and rarely do they last more than three months. If they do, then you are advised to consult a doctor since pain may just be a symptom of a far more serious injury or disorder.
In most cases, certain pain management methods may be used to achieve lower back pain relief. The treatment could range from use of nonprescription drugs to massage therapies and traditional remedies like acupuncture and the like.
Below are some of the more popular methods used for lower back pain relief:
Home Remedies
Home remedies for lower back pain relief are your first line of treatment when you suffer from this disorder.
Lower Back Pain Relief Medication
Among the common lower back pain relief medications prescribed by physicians are muscle relaxants, antidepressants, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs) and COX –2 inhibitors.
Some popular muscle relaxants are cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), methocarbamol (Robaxin) and gabapentin, in seizure medications. The NSAIDs help with stiffness and in reducing inflammation. Opiates like Duragesic or OxyContin may be prescribed but are not a popular choice with a low risk of possible addiction.
With all medications, other lower back pain relief strategies should be combined into the relief program. So physical therapy, movement and posture techniques and other lower back pain relief strategies options should be carefully assessed to see which combination best helps relief over time.
Constant Motion
Constant motion is also advised. Some therapists prescribe resting your back but this lower back pain relief method is only amenable for one to two days. After that period has passed and you still suffer from pain, restrain from resting your back as this could weaken your muscles, leading to a slower recovery.
Instead, continue on with your daily activities even though it’s painful. However, do take steps in protecting your back from excessive strain while you do these activities, and if possible, avoid doing strenuous activities.
Cold/Hot Compress
In addition, you may also apply a cold or hot pack to the painful area. Leave the compress on for five to ten minutes at a time. This lower back pain relief treatment is advisable if you have been suffering pain for the first 24-48 hours.
Exercise
Many people believe that rest is best for a painful back, but actually, what your back really needs when it’s hurt is exercise. Regular exercise relieves lower back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury.
This is a use it or lose it situation: the more you rest, the weaker your back gets, even if it is hurt. Studies have actually shown that you can heal your lower back pain faster and get back to your regular activities with just two days of rest. To manage pain, you may do any of the following:
- Walk short distances
- Stretch and do flexibility exercises
- Use a stationary bicycle
- Swim
Professional Lower Back Pain Relief
Lower back pain relief from the medical community or professional healthcare is a fairly limited option. Because there is usually no abnormality or injury to treat, the number of treatment options is very low.
Doctors often conduct a radiological examination or get X-rays of the person’s back. This is to see if there are any abnormalities in the vertebrae – whether the bones are not aligned properly or bulging or ruptured disks (herniated).
Sometimes, surgery is suggested to treat these abnormalities. But lower back pain relief and recovery may occur even without surgery.
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