Understanding The Lower Back Pain

There are many things that can cause the lower back pain, such as sprains of ligaments, muscle strain or sprain, slipped disk or joint problems. The pain in the lower back is usually caused by the activities that make use of back muscles in the activities that body is not used to, such as doing such as yard work or lifting heavy weight. Herniated or slipped disk is caused when the disk between the spinal bones bulges, pressing the surrounding nerves. This usually happens when the body is twisted while lifting the heavy weight.

Getting Relief from Lower Back Pain

If you are suffering from the lower back pain, the best and fastest way to get relief is lying down on your back with pillows under your knees. Bend your knees, and keep your legs on the chair. This helps take the weight and pressure off your back.

Heating pads can also provide some relief from lower back pain, and you can use the heat pad for 20-30 minutes. Massage and ice packs can also give some relief. Some of the common medications to reduce the swelling or pain include acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen and ketoprofen.

Call your doctor if you experience pain below your knees, have vomiting, nausea, fever, weakness, sweating or stomachache, your foot, leg, rectal area or groin feels numb, you lose control over going to the bathroom, the pain was caused by some trauma or injury, pain does not get better after 2-3 weeks, or the pain is so intense that the mobility becomes difficult.

To prevent lower back pain, do not lift any weight by bending over, push the heavy objects rather than pulling, exercise regularly, wear flat shoes, and if you have to sit for long time, take the breaks in between to stretch.

There are some specific exercises for lower back pain that can help relieve some pain. You can gently stretch your back muscles. Lie down on your back and bend your knees. Slowly raise your one leg and bring the knee close to the chest. Press your lower back towards the floor, and hold for 10 seconds. Come back to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.

If you are suffering from lower back pain, the best way to sleep is to be on your side with knees bent. You can also put a pillow under your head to give support to the neck. If you prefer to sleep on your back, put 2 pillows under your knees and one small pillow under your lower back. Always sleep on the firm mattress, and if the mattress is soft, use the plywood under the mattress to give additional support.