Lower back pain is a leading cause of visits to family practice
physicians and pain management physicians. Most pain of this sort is
caused by physical over-exertion; time and rest is usually the best
treatment for this type of back pain. However, lower lumbar area back
pain can also be a serious condition caused by herniated spinal disks.
If you have suffered a severe back injury, make an immediate appointment
with your physician! This is not the type of pain that you should try
to self-treat. Herniated spinal disks that press on nerve endings can
cause excruciating pain and even paralysis; treatment of this condition
requires a physician's skill.
Many people suffer from lower back
pain due to strain, improperly picking up heavy objects, slipping and
falling, osteoporosis, and other causes. If this is your case, this
article contains some well-researched tips that might help you ease that
annoying, painful condition. If, however, after trying these methods
you still have pain, please see your physician. The products below have
been tried and tested by back pain patients who have achieved some
degree of relief. Often, you will have to use the "trial and error"
method to see which self-treatment works best for you.
First,
the application of heat to the affected area is very helpful. Sunbeam
makes a heating pad that is specially designed to help relieve back
pain; it is well padded, has a temperature regulator that automatically
shuts off after two hours, and is large enough to reach all the way
around your back. You should NEVER sleep with an operating heating pad;
this could result in severe burns. Sunbeam's heating pad shuts itself
off, a feature lacking in most other brands.
You can purchase
heating thermal patches at your local drug store. Instead of lying down
with a heating pad, these thermal patches, such as Thermal Strip, allow
you to continue with your daily routine while gently heating the painful
area of your back. Follow the package directions and make sure you
don't over-use these patches; if you notice signs of skin irritation at
the site of the patch, stop using it right away.
Massage therapy
is extremely successful in treating lower back pain. Since this
treatment tends to be costly - up to $60 per hour, and isn't covered by
most insurance plans, consider trying a massaging whirlpool in your bath
rub. Hometics makes a reasonably-priced unit that fits over the rim of
your tub, creating a soothing whirlpool that you can aim directly at the
painful areas of your back. The company advises that you use the "tub
spa" for 15-30 minutes at a time, every day until your pain improves.
Do you have a back-support pillow? How about a special mattress for
back pain sufferers? The best-selling brand of back support pillows and
mattresses is Doctor's Choice, available at Denver Mattress stores or
other fine furniture stores. Once you have these products, you will
notice an immediate difference in your sleep patterns. The Doctor's
Choice mattress doesn't feel like you're sleeping on a cement slab, as
other brands sometimes do. It firmly supports your back, but is also
specially padded and extremely comfortable. If you purchase the gel/foam
mattress cover, you'll be amazed at how soft the bed feels as it
supports the painful areas of your back. No more tossing and turning,
trying to get comfortable. No more waking up feeling stiff and painful.
Special mattresses and pillows are tax deductible if you acquire a
statement from a physician saying that you need these things;
physicians are very accommodating in recommending back-support
mattresses. Doctor's Choice mattresses are no more expensive than
"regular" mattresses; a queen-sized mattress, pad and pillow set costs
about $700 and has a 15-year warranty.
One essential product
that you may not realize you need is a back-support cushion for the
chair in your office, the chair you sit in while you watch TV, and the
seat in your car. Core Products makes a back-support cushion that keeps
your back straight and well-aligned while you're sitting or driving. The
cushion sells for less than $20 at medical supply stores. Since
uncomfortable chairs and car seats, plus poor posture while sitting or
driving, aggravates lower back pain, this cushion makes sure you're
sitting up straight rather than slouching in your chair or car seat.
What about medications? You have several options with over-the-counter
medications. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is an
excellent pain reliever, but you must be cautious in using it. Over-use
of Tylenol can cause severe liver disease, especially if you drink
alcohol. Never take more than the recommended dose, and do not drink
alcohol while you're taking Tylenol for back pain. Ibuprofen is the
active ingredient in Motrin, Aleve and Advil. This drug is an NSAID -
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. It reduces pain and swelling in
your lower back. It too must not be over-used; NSAIDs can cause gastric
pain and ulcers if used in large quantities for prolonged periods of
time.
If you experience some stomach pain taking this
medication, try some Pepto-Bismol to coat your stomach and prevent
irritation by the NSAID. Another type of medication is homeopathic
compounds; these are very small quantities of herbal remedies that are
available in your drug store and on the Internet. Radiance Remedies
makes a homeopathic medication that contains all natural ingredients and
is made in accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United
States. Another very popular homeopathic compound is Dr. Frank's Joint
and Muscle Pain Relief spray, available on the Internet. Both of these
preparations are used under the tongue, which is a very effective spot
for the ingredients to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Homeopathic
preparations are safe and cause no harm when used correctly. They either
work for you, or they don't. Again, you may need to do some "trial and
error" investigation to see if homeopathy helps you.
Finally, a
very popular and effective treatment for lower back pain is the use of a
TENS unit; you will need a doctor's prescription to obtain a TENS, but
once you have it, you're free to use it as you wish. The TENS is about
the size of a pager and is battery-operated. It clips easily to your
belt. Attached via thin cords to electrode pads that you place on your
areas of pain, the TENS delivers mild electrical stimulation to your
sore back muscles. The Johari TENS is a best-seller because of its
history of durability over time. You can buy the Johari TENS and the
electrodes at a medical supply company for about $200, which is
tax-deductible.
Take your lower back pain seriously; pain is our
body's way of telling us that somethings wrong. Learn to live and work
in a manner that doesn't strain your lower back muscles, and you can
save yourself a lot of discomfort and expense.
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