What Is Low Back Pain?
Do you suffer from low back pain? You are not alone. Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work in the U.S., but there is good news! In many cases, it gets better on its own and your doctor may be able to help with several effective treatments.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re a low back pain sufferer:
– Understand what causes low back pain
– Discover ways to relieve your symptoms at home
– Learn when it’s time to see a chiropractor for further treatment
By knowing more about low back pain causes, you can take steps towards finding pain relief and getting your life back on track.
Low Back Pain Symptoms
Whether it’s a dull ache, stabbing sensation or shooting discomfort, chronic back pain can be debilitating and limit your ability to move freely. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing lower back pain/chronic pain for months, then it’s time to take action and get the relief you deserve.
Symptoms That May Require Urgent Care
Here are some of the symptoms that should prompt a visit to your doctor:
- Back pain after a fall or injury
- Severe pain without a precipitating event
- Bowel or bladder control problems
- Leg weakness
- Fever
- Pain when coughing or urinating
Don’t wait until it’s too late – if any of these symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment with your primary care physician right away.
Sciatica: Intense Radiating Pain Down One Leg
Are you suffering from back pain that just won’t go away? It could be due to something as simple as a muscle strain. But it could also be caused by an underlying issue with the small, jelly-filled discs between your vertebrae.
A herniated, bulging, or ruptured disc can push on the sciatic nerve, causing intense pain that radiates from your lower back to one leg, along the sciatic nerve. This type of pain is called sciatica and requires medical attention in order to treat it.
If you are experiencing persistent back pain that radiates down one leg, it’s important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, not just seek temporary pain relief without proper medical attention.
Your physician may suggest simple at-home treatments like rest and applying cold or hot packs to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy can also help strengthen the muscles in your back and legs in order to prevent future injury. If these treatments don’t work, visiting a chiropractor for a treatment plan which includes spinal manipulation may alleviate your symptoms without having to do something more invasive, like surgery.
Who’s at Risk for Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages, but it tends to become more frequent as we grow older. Generally, you may notice the first lower back pain issues in your 30’s, and then experience these pain more often and in greater intensity as you grow older.
In addition to age, there are other factors such as not maintaining a healthy weight or being inactive, and doing heavy lifting at work that can contribute to lower back pain. Read on for some tips on how to relieve your lower back pain and get your life back.
Diagnosing Low Back Pain
If you’re suffering from low back pain, there are several steps you can take to find relief. Here are some tips for getting started:
• Describe your pain in detail to your doctor. Include the type of pain, when it started, and any related symptoms. This will help your doctor to diagnose the source of your pain.
• Share your medical history, including any chronic conditions you may have.
• In most cases, your doctor will not need to order X-rays, CT or MRI scans before starting treatment.
• Take advantage of non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy and stretching exercises to help manage your pain.
• Consider visiting a physical therapist who specializes in low back pain to create an exercise plan tailored to your condition. This type of therapy can be beneficial in providing relief from back pain and restoring mobility.
• Explore other therapeutic treatments such as acupuncture, massage and chiropractic care. These can help to reduce tension in the muscles of your lower back and improve mobility.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that might be appropriate for managing your pain. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants.
By following these tips, you can take steps towards finding relief from your back pain. With the right combination of treatments and therapies you can manage your condition and find a way to live comfortably with it.
Home Care for Low Back Pain
You do not always have to run to the doctor’s office when you are experiencing chronic low back pain, especially if it is not an acute onset due to a fall, a sudden movement, or a specific event. Often you will find that chronic low back pain due to something minor like a muscle strain will get better all by itself, but you can definitely take measured steps to help the healing process. Here are some tips for taking care of your low back pain at home:
• Apply a heating pad or cold compress to the affected area. This will help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
• Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen to ease discomfort.
• Keep active and maintain normal activities as much as possible. This will help keep the muscles of your back strong and healthy.
• Practice good posture while sitting, standing or lying down to avoid putting strain on your lower back.
• Avoid strenuous activities that may strain the muscles in your low back.
• Sleep on a mattress that provides good support for your back.
• Take regular breaks from sitting, especially if it is a task you do often throughout the day.
If home care is not working, see a licensed chiropractic doctor
These home care tips should help you manage your low back pain and keep it from getting worse. If these don’t seem to be helping, or if your pain is getting worse, it may be time to see a licensed chiropractic doctor. Your chiropractic doctor can diagnose the source of your back pain and offer more specific treatments that will help you find relief.
Remember, low back pain can often improve with simple home care measures. Taking these steps can help you reduce your discomfort and get back to your normal activities. If your back pain persists, it is important to seek professional help so you can find the right treatment plan for you.
Will my back pain improve if I stay in bed?
When it comes to back pain, the old saying “no pain, no gain” definitely applies. While it can be tempting to stay in bed for days on end when your back is hurting, studies suggest that getting up and moving around is actually the best course of action. Extensive bed rest for more than a day or two can actually make the pain worse, reducing muscle tone and flexibility. If your back is in pain, it’s better to get up and move around than to stay in bed for extended periods of time. Doing light exercises or stretches can help relieve muscular tension and alleviate the discomfort. With some patience and perseverance, you can find relief from back pain.
Strengthening the Back
Back pain can be a debilitating and frustrating condition, but fortunately there are ways to help relieve the discomfort. Strengthening the back is one such way that can be effective in helping to reduce pain. Here are some tips for those seeking relief:
• Flexion exercises: This type of exercise involves bending forward to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the back and hips.
• Extension exercises: This type of exercise involves bending backward to develop the muscles that support the spine.
• Talk to your doctor or physical therapist: Before beginning any type of exercise program, make sure you speak with your doctor or physical therapist about which exercises are safe for you to do.
By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can help relieve some of the pain associated with back pain and strengthen your back muscles. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s body is different and what may work for one person may not be suitable for another. Therefore, always consult your physician, chiropractic doctor, or physical therapist before beginning any exercise program.
Important lifestyle changes: a Holistic Approach
It is important to remember that taking care of low back pain requires a holistic approach. A combination of lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, physical therapy, medication and chiropractic care may be needed in order to find relief. Talk to your chiropractic doctor about what options are best for you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. With the right care, you can reduce your discomfort and take steps towards better health.
Good luck!
