Lower back pain is one of the most common health conditions in the world, as well as a leading cause of disability. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 1 in 4 adults will experience lower back pain for at least one day during a three-month timespan.
Although lower back pain is common and usually goes away on its own, there are a number of steps you can take to relieve your pain. Consider the following suggestions from the American College of Physicians (ACP}:
- Maintain good posture. Try to sit and stand up straight to avoid putting undue stress on your back. You may want to examine the areas of your home and workplace you use the most to ensure these spaces allow you to maintain a healthy posture.
- Exercise frequently. If you only have minor back pain, stretching or taking walks can help strengthen your muscles and spine.
- Use heat or ice packs. This practice can help reduce back pain and limit swelling.
- Avoid overexertion. Rest will provide any injured tissue and nerve roots time to However, too much rest can cause your muscles to weaken.
- Select the right treatment plan. Until recently, one of the top treatments for back pain was the use of pharmaceuticals, such as opioids and steroids. However, the ACP now promotes noninvasive treatments and suggests the use of medications only as a last resort.
- Consider medication. If absolutely necessary, take anti-inflammatory drugs or use topical pain relievers to help with lower back pain. Consult a health care professional if your back pain is severe or if it’s preventing you from participating in everyday activities.