Prevent Lower back pain with treatment options that work

PREVENT LOWER BACK PAIN WITH TREATMENT OPTIONS THAT WORK

About 80 percent of people experience lower back pain at some point in their life. The discomfort can range from a persistent dull ache to sudden, sharp pain. Lower back pain affects men and women equally. It is the second leading cause of disability in the United States. (The other leading causes are conditions such as heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer).

Although lower back pain is common, the good news is that you will probably recover - in most cases within a few months (known as acute back pain). Chronic back pain that lasts longer than three months is less common.

What Are the Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Back pain can start abruptly or occur over time. It can be caused by:

• Being Overweight: This additional weight can put extra pressure on your back muscles.
• Muscle Weakness and Fatigue: Sedentary people tend to be more prone to back pain due to muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Improper Lifting of Something Heavy: This can happen at work or home.
• Aging of the Spine & Supporting Muscles: Low back pain can start if you are in your 30s or later. With age, muscles lose their flexibility, and bones lose their strength.
• Pregnancy: Low back pain could result from one of the (temporary) changes in your body.
  

How Can You Prevent Lower Back Pain?

The best treatment for lower back pain is prevention.

• Stay Active: Low-impact fitness activities like yoga, brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can increase your muscle strength and keep your body muscles balanced.
• Improve Your Posture: You should sit up tall and stand up straight. Poor posture increases the strain on your back.
• Lose Excessive Weight: Your doctor can help you set your weight goal and manage your weight.
• Set-up Your Workstation: Bending over or reaching too far to work can increase tension and cause pain. Check the ergonomic arrangement of your work area.
• Be Careful When Lifting Heavy Objects: Lift with your knees, keep your back straight, keep things close to your body and avoid twisting.
• Wear Comfortable Low-heeled Shoes: Wearing heels bends the lower back more than usual because the bodyweight is pushed forward.
  

What Are the Possible Treatment Options?

If you are suffering from low back pain:

• Take Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Acetaminophen: Follow the label instructions. If you are pregnant, ask your healthcare professional about taking a pain reliever.
• Try a Topical Pain Reliever: These products are sprays or creams that you apply to the skin over your pain. They create a feeling of cold or warmth to ease discomfort.
• Try Cold or Hot Packs: Applying these packs to the painful area can reduce discomfort and swelling.
• Keep Moving: Avoid activities that lead to back pain but get back to your routine as early as practical. Be careful about your physical activities. Some research shows that bed rest can slow down recovery from back pain.
• Consider Seeing a Chiropractor: The doctor will treat your back and spine, usually by hand, to reduce discomfort. Multiple visits may be required.

The Takeaway

If your condition does not improve with these treatment options, or if the pain is too severe to tolerate any of the above symptoms, contact a spine or pain management specialist for a full and comprehensive assessment of your spine. You can find a provider online and can make an appointment.

If you don’t have an amazing chiropractor Contact us today! Family Chiropractic Plus is dedicated to your overall health and well-being, which is why we offer regular chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of
optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small.