Understanding Lower
Back Pain
Home >> Lower
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons that patients go in to see their
family doctor, so it is obvious from this to see just how big of a problem back
pain really is. Fortunately, there are some terrific options available to
prevent back pain.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can be a result of a simple muscle strain or sprain of ligaments due
to sudden or improper movement or overuse of the body.
Any disorders or problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones or underlying
organs, such as kidneys, may cause back pain.
The stretching of the uterus and the additional weight that your spine has to
support during pregnancy may affect your posture and can result in back pain.
Back Pain Pages on this Site
Some cases of back pain may have a psychological component, usually a
deep-seated emotional or stress-related problem.
Other factors that can cause
back pain include poor posture, improper body mechanics, improper footwear and
walking habits, sleeping on a soft mattress, and calcium deficiency.
Problems of the kidneys, bladder and prostate, female pelvic disorders and
constipation may cause back pain.
Chronic conditions that can cause back pain include fibromyalgia, rheumatism,
arthritis, bone disease, and abnormality of spine.
Although the cause of most back pain cannot be explained and is not the result
of any disorder or illness, it is highly recommended to take your problem
seriously and have it checked.
 Acute and Chronic Back Pain
Acute or short-term lower back pain generally starts suddenly and can last from
a few days to a few weeks. Symptoms can vary from muscle ache to shooting or
stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand
straight.
Chronic back pain on the other hand, can last for more than 3 months, can keep
recurring, and can be the effect of almost any movement, without any specific
reasons. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.
This is one of the frequent reasons for hospitalization.
Treatment Options
Most lower back pain can be treated without surgery. The goal of treatment is to
restore proper function and strength to the back, and prevent recurrence of the
injury. Fortunately most cases of acute back pain will improve within 4-6 weeks
with the help of some home treatments.
Medication
Try using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and discomfort. Tylenol
is one medication that is often times recommended because it has fewer side
effects.
If Tylenol does not work, try coated anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen,
Motrin, Aspirin or Aleve. These medicines may not only relieve the pain, but
they may also help reduce the swelling.
For effective pain relief, you may have to use a combination of prescription
drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Keep in mind, that it is important to follow the directions on the label
including taking the anti-inflammatory drugs with food.
Hot and Cold Packs
Cold compresses for the first 48 hours may help relieve the pain and reduce the
inflammation and swelling.
It is recommended to apply a cold pack to your back up to 10 minutes every 1-2
hours for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, you can ice your back for 10
minutes, 3 times a day for as long as you have the symptoms.
Some doctors or chiropractors recommend icing your back for 20 minutes. Check
with you provider for the recommended duration. Remember to use a piece of a
cloth barrier between the ice pack and your skin. Applying heat compress after
the inflammation subsides, usually in 48 hours, can help relax your muscles and
tissues.
Bed Rest
Long-term bed rest is no longer recommended in most cases of back pain -- it is
actually believed to cause other problems and can slow down the recovery
process. Bed rest is suggested for only 2 days at most. Individuals are expected
to resume normal non-strenuous activities as soon as possible.
Exercise
Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from lower back pain.
Walking on a flat surface for a few minutes every 1-2 hours is recommended
within 24-72 hours.
After that, you need to resume your home exercise program if you have one. If
not, you need to check with your doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor to
get instructions on the best lower back pain home exercise program for you.
Prevention
 Most patients with lower back pain recover without residual functional loss, but
individuals should contact their doctor if severe pain and inflammation persist
after 72 hours of home-treatment. Recurring back pain resulting from improper
body mechanics or other non-traumatic causes is often preventable.
The most effective way to prevent
lower back pain
is to regularly exercise your back. Most health care providers recommend
incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises with your daily activities.
Engaging in exercises that strengthen the back, abdominal hip, and thigh
muscles, maintaining proper posture, and applying correct body mechanics when
lifting or moving objects can help prevent back pain and injuries.
Employing ergonomic principles such as designing furniture and using tools to
protect the body from many injuries that are caused by stressors such as
repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and awkward posture in the at home and in the
workplace can greatly reduce the risk of injuries.
Please Note
All the Information within this site is for reference only
with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Statements about the products efficacy have not been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
It is important to emphasize that you should not
reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the
use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies
for individual disorder should be approved and monitored
by your health care provider.
See disclaimer for more!
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