Understanding Leads To Relief for Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a very commonly occurring medical condition. It can result from a sprain or strain in the muscle or soft tissues of the back.
Over-activity or injury to the muscles in the back due to sports, incorrect methods of carrying, or a fall, can be a few other causes of lower back pains.
Aging can also be a factor due to the shrinkage of the fibro cartilage discs that act as a cushion, thus preventing the vertebrae from rubbing against each other.
Other causes may include high levels of stress, arthritis, fractures, spinal disc degeneration and tumors. Pain arising from abnormalities within organs such as chest, abdomen or pelvis can also cause these pains. Lower back pains are very common in pregnancies too.
The symptoms of lower back pain include radiating pain down the front, side and back of the leg, pain worsening with activity, inability to raise the big toe upward, numbness in the leg or pain from prolonged sitting posture. If the pain worsens, medical care should be sought.
The disorder is usually diagnosed by the medical specialist by having a X-ray taken. Alternately, the doctor can conduct physical examinations, use ultrasound imaging, or CT scans to diagnose the cause of the pain.
Some of the common methods that are recommended for relief for lower back pain are:
Physical activity and exercise: Some amount of physical activity is always recommended but you should be careful n
ot to strain the back further.
Prolonged periods of bed rest (more than 48 hours) have been found counterproductive.
Yoga has been found beneficial even for pregnancy related back pain.
Activities like swimming (breast stroke), stretching, strengthening exercises and aerobics are also recommended.
Application of hot or cold packs, massages with ayurvedic oils or pain relief ointments and acupuncture are various traditional methods that may provide relief.
Relief for lower back pain – While you are sleeping:
Some people recommend placing a pillow beneath the knees while lying on your back. Another method is to place a pillow between your knees while lying on your side.
Using over-the-counter medication drugs to relieve the pain;
It is recommended that you take the suggestions of a medical specialist.
Home care treatment of this medical condition is based on the assumption that most complaints of lower back pains are temporary and will eventually go away with recommended home therapy. However, a doctors advice and medical care are required if the pain persists or becomes worse.
In most cases, short term use of pain or anti-inflammatory drugs would take care of it. In some cases, if the pain is due to a degenerative cause, further tests and surgery may be recommended.
Preventive care is always essential to keep your back from dragging you down time and again. Some of the techniques include:
Practicing Yoga and other abdominal and stretching exercises meant for the lower back
Changing the mattress to a medium firm type would help.
While standing on your feet for long hours, maintain your posture by keeping the stomach pulled in and back straight.
Avoid wearing high heeled shoes.
Practice correct lifting techniques while lifting heavy objects.
Make sure the chairs used for sitting have an appropriate height and the right amount of swivel.
Understanding the cause helps to manage the condition better and allow relief for lower back pain.
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