Lower Back Pain Treatment
What is lower back pain treatment?
A series of muscles and ligaments in your back hold the bones of your spinal column in place. You can strain these muscles by stretching them too far, causing tiny tears in the tissue. The muscles are then weakened, so they may not be able to hold the bones of your spinal column in place correctly. The spine becomes less stable, causing low back pain.
Low back strain can be a painful and depressing injury. But the good news is that most cases heal on their own, given time. To speed the healing, you should:
Ice your back to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you injure yourself. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days. You can also ice your back after physical activity.
Apply heat to your back – but only after 2-3 days of icing it first. Use heat on your back only after the initial swelling has gone down. You could use an electric heating pad or a hot water bottle. Or you could just soak in a hot bath.
Get physical therapy to build up strength, if your doctor recommends it. Do not stay in bed or on the couch all day. That will make it worse.
Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture.
Examples include:
The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
Occupational activities
- Pregnancy
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Poor physical fitness
- Older age
- Obesity and excess weight
- Smoking
- Strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
- Genetic factors
- Medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer
The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
Occupational activities
- Pregnancy
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Poor physical fitness
- Older age
- Obesity and excess weight
- Smoking
- Strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
- Genetic factors
- Medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer