Lower Back Pain and How To Deal With It
Describing lower back pain- The best way to describe lower back pay is pain or extreme discomfort of the lower back area. The pain often spreads to other lower body areas such as the patient’s feet. The pain can be categorized as acute if the pain lasts for six weeks, sub acute if it lasts for six to twelve weeks and chronic of it persists for more than twelve weeks.
Functions of the lower back - The primary function of the lower back area is to provide support for your body’s structure, assist in easier movement and to protect specific tissue.
Causes of pain. The possible causes of pain are normally strenuous activities affecting back muscles, ligaments or tendons, injury and joint problems. Pressure can also be placed on the nerves by cushion strains in the lower back.
Symptoms - lower back pain starts at the lower ribs at the back of your body and can move into you buttocks and legs The pain will be worst during bending over, squatting, sitting or sleeping.. Even the smallest of muscular reflex movement can be agonizing.
Short-term relief. You will get great short-term relief from pain or discomfort by laying on your back with you legs on cushions or a chair. Prescription or natural remedies can also be very effective for pain relief. Thermal pads assist with relaxation of the tensed muscles.
Correct posture. Back problems are mainly caused by bad posture. Proper posture must be developed from a very young age especially when it comes to sitting and sleeping correctly. Invest is chairs with straight backs with enough support. Your knees must always be lifted a little higher than your hips, never in line. The best sleeping position is on your side with your knees bent, almost like an unborn baby. Do not sleep on your back or stomach as this puts extra strain on the back.
Treatments - Treatments can vary, just as the degree of pain. First and most important is to avoid too much physical activity that can strain the back even more causing greater damage or pain. Bed rest is not recommended as it will only worsen the problem. Limit the duration of the rest to no more than two days as too much rest will weaken muscles even more causing slow recovery. It is imperative to remain moderately active even if you are going through terrible pain. Common painkillers can assist with pain relief. However it is better to determine the cause of the pain instead of constantly numbing it, leaving the root of the problem untreated. If the pain lasts longer than two days consult a physician who will refer you to a physiotherapist or chiropractor if he or she deems it fit.
Preventing of lower back pain. Exercise is the best kept secret for prevention of back problems and pain. Keeping the muscles supple by regular exercise will significantly decrease risk of injury. Focus on back muscle targeting workouts. Steer clear from lifting heavy equipment, furniture or even shopping.