Back pain is a very common ailment, and the complaint is low back pain in a majority of cases. Low back pain generally occurs as a result of putting excessive strain on the lumbar vertebrae. This can be either through repetitive strain, improper posture or lifting weights with your back rather than abdominal muscles. Injuries, congenital disorders and other such issues may also be behind low back pain, but are far less common. While most types of low back pain resolves itself after a few weeks, it can be very painful until then — especially if you must continue the activities that caused it in the first place. Aside from taking over-the-counter NSAIDs and hoping for the best, there are a few things you can do for low back pain relief.
Braces. A low back brace can offer substantial pain relief by taking the stress and weight off of the injured part of your spine. Back braces offer incredible support and are especially useful if you must still be active while your back is injured. Continuing to use a brace during risky activities after the pain has abated may also protect against re-injury.
Exercise. Specific exercises may help build up certain muscles that will support your low back, again alleviating a lot of strain. The Mayo Clinic explains, “Abdominal and back muscles … work together like a natural corset for your back.” In addition, regular exercise may be beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight, which is also essential to preventing re-injury. Make sure to always consult your doctor before starting exercises, as many types of conditioning exercises are not advisable with an injured back.
Posture. Bad posture is one of the chief culprits of low back pain, especially in cases of chronic back pain where any other cause cannot be found. Your doctor may evaluate how you move and sit in order to determine what kind of changes may help for low back pain relief.
Contact therapies. Direct therapies for relaxation and re-alignment such as massage, chiropractic care or acupuncture may offer effective low back pain relief. These are especially beneficial when excessive stress is the cause behind your low back pain. However, if the pain persists for more than a month, you may need to make another appointment with your doctor for other treatment options.
