Lower back pain can occur for a lot of reasons. More often than not, it happens in consequence of muscle strain from overwork or intense exercise. Other times, it may possibly be a long-term problem, like arthritis or stenosis within the spine.
Fortunately, there are methods to treat back pain, but the perfect intervention will depend upon the precise reason for your pain. Listed below are five suggestions you may attempt to treat your lower back pain.
1. Take Over-The-Counter Medicine
Certain painkillers available over-the-counter, like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications work well for spinal pain, strains, and sprains. Note that you will need to only take them on the advisable dosage.
While ibuprofen can provide some muscle relaxing effects that may alleviate muscle strain, it mainly works by decreasing pain and inflammation. Within the US, muscle relaxants are usually not available over-the-counter, so should you think you could need some, you should seek the advice of your healthcare provider.
2. Keep Moving
Up to now, doctors treated back strains and sprains by recommending bed rest. Recent research has shown that is more harmful than helpful. Continuing your each day activities as you’re able actually improves blood flow to your low back which promotes healing. If a certain activity increases your pain, stop immediately. Nevertheless, it’s protected and even advisable to proceed other each day activities and to include other light exercise into your day, similar to walking.
3. Apply Hot Or Cold Compress
It’s helpful to use a chilly compress in your lower back just after it has begun hurting. The coolness can assist minimize inflammation and reduce any swelling present. A chilly compress also numbs the realm, lessening the ache. Be certain to place a barrier between the compress and your skin, similar to a towel, and only apply the cold compress for quarter-hour several times a day.
You must try a hot compress if the pain continues and doesn’t appear to ease. You’ll be able to start with a hot shower or bath to calm down your back muscles. Then, you may apply a heating pad or compress to your lower back. The warmth will help soothe the pain.
A hot compress won’t be the perfect selection for kids and older adults with sensitive skin. The heat could also be an excessive amount of and burn the skin. You may also ask your healthcare provider should you’re unsure whether you would like a hot or cold compress.
4. Improve Your Posture
Often, improper posture results in low back pain. Try modifying the way you sit and stand to seek out some relief.
Change the way you sit at your desk should you remain seated for long hours at work. While working, follow the following pointers:
- Be sure that your head, hips, and shoulders align while sitting
- Elevate your computer monitor to be at eye level to maintain your neck in alignment
- Position your knees at a 90-degree angle and keep your feet flat on the ground
- Use an ergonomic chair and adjustable desk
- Take breaks so that you just are usually not sitting for greater than two hours at a time
- Do just a few stretches or walk around after each task
These changes help alleviate pain and encourage you to form higher habits while working. They’ll improve your posture and forestall the pain from returning.
5. Seek the advice of A Physiatrist
In case your pain persists after per week of at-home care, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Consulting a physiatrist is advisable for acute lower back pain.
A physiatrist is a physician specializing in treating conditions that involve the:
- Muscles
- Bones
- Joints
- Nerves
- Brain, and
- Spinal cord
As well as, they deal with pain management for conditions affecting these parts of the body in addition to injury prevention.
An excellent physiatrist may recommend various intervention options to a patient with lower back pain. First, they may conduct different tests to see what’s causing your pain. For instance, lower back pain in your right side is perhaps from kidney stones or from a muscle strain, but tests are needed to find out the precise cause.
Then, they may recommend the perfect treatment to your specific condition, like spinal injections, physical therapy, and prescription medication.
Lower Back Pain Treatment Near Me
Effective lower back pain treatments include painkillers, cold and warm compresses, mild exercise, and posture improvement. But when those usual remedies don’t work and the pain continues, it’s best to see a health care provider.
At Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers, our physiatrists are experts of their field and help patients with any range of conditions from lower back pain to concussions.
To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (302) 529-8783 or fill out our appointment request form. Now we have locations in Newark, Middletown, Wilmington, Milford, Dover, and Smyrna, to your convenience. We stay up for treating your low back pain and getting you back to your life pain-free!
