Lower back pain is unbelievably common among adults and children alike. But what do doctors recommend you do when it starts? The following tips can help you manage those random bouts of pain in your lower back.
There is a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications meant to treat general back pain. Note that lower back pain can be caused by a number of factors and most medications are designed to target these causes and not the pain itself, as is with regular pain relievers.
You are thus advised to see a trained doctor or back health specialist for assessment of your condition before purchasing over-the-counter medication. Practices that specialize in pain management and sports medicine such as Integrative Pain Institute can be a good place to start if you have not started treatment yet.
Fatigue is one of the most notorious causes of back pain but patients always ignore it due to the belief that the culprit must be something less obvious and more complex such as an underlying medical condition. If your lower back starts aching after a long session of physical activity, chances are your back muscles are fatigued. Lie down for thirty minutes to an hour to get your muscles to relax. If it works, avoid strenuous activity for the next 12 hours or so to avoid compromising the recovery.
Too much rest is not recommended as it can make the pain worse.
Massage has been used as a natural pain therapy for eons. It can relieve muscle spasms, tension, inflammation, stiffness, aches, and pain. Sometimes even doctors recommend you include massage in your regimen, especially if the pain is chronic or recurrent.
The good thing about a massage is that you can do it from home with the help of a loved one. However, if you are doing it to relieve back pain or some other form of pain, it is important that you check with a professional for guidance. Pain management practices typically have massage specialists and your doctor will include massage in the prescription if need be.
If bad posture is found to be the culprit behind your lower back pain, your doctor may recommend you get supportive footwear to increase your stability. Different types of footwear are considered appropriate in different situations. For instance if you are exercising or running, do it while wearing sneakers.
Note that unsupportive footwear such as high heels and flip flops can only cause lower back pain if you wear them too frequently. There is a very low chance that your back pain has been caused by the shoes you wear.
Sufferers of lower back pain can greatly benefit from sleeping on medium-density mattresses. Your sleep position should, however, also be considered when selecting a mattress. While side sleepers can benefit from a softer mattress, stomach and back sleepers should select a firmer mattress.
That said, it is good to avoid sleeping on your belly altogether if you have any kind of back pain.
