Natural Cures

Lower Back Pain
by: Steven Hayes

Three out of four people experience lower back pain. A majority of these pain symptoms normally subside on their own unless they stem from serious back injuries. Keeping fit and maintaining an active lifestyle can keep lower back pain at bay. Painkillers can also alleviate pain symptoms. However, chronic back pain can develop in some people, which may make additional treatment necessary.

The Anatomy of the Lower Back

The lower back is mainly composed of muscles which envelope and connect to the spine. The spine is a column made up of generally circular bones known as the vertebrae. Between each vertebra are tough elastic discs which allow the spine adequate flexibility. Fibrous ligaments connected to each nearby vertebra also work to support and strengthen the spine. The muscles that surround the spine help it accomplish a wide range of motion.

Enclosed within the spine is the spinal cord which houses the nerves connecting to the brain. These nerves which intertwine within the vertebrae are responsible for sending and receiving messages from all the different body parts to the brain, and vice versa.

Types of lower back pain

1.) Simple lower back pain

The most prevalent type of lower back pain is the simple lower back pain, also known as ‘non-specific’ lower back pain. This means that pain symptoms are not caused by any other disease. A sprain, or an overstretched ligament or muscle can be a cause for pain.

So can minimal disc or facet joint problems that occur between vertebrae. Even for a physician performing several tests, it is impossible to determine the cause of pain and where the pain originates from. Because of this, nearly 19 in 20 cases of acute lower back pain have been diagnosed as ‘simpler lower back pain’.

A sudden onset of pain may follow the lifting of a heavy object, or after making an uncomfortable twisting motion. Some people wake up to lower back pain.

Simple lower back pain can range from minimal to severe. The pain may be concentrated on a localized region on the lower back and may spread to the buttocks and thighs. Lying prone on a flat surface can sometimes ease symptoms, but any movement of the back, like a cough or a sneeze can exacerbate the pain. Simple lower back pain is ‘mechanical’ in nature as it can vary depending on posture or movement.

Simple lower back pain can ease by itself within a short period of time, in a week or two. In 3 out of 4 sufferers, pain symptoms disappear entirely or are significantly reduced in a month’s time.

Nine out of ten cases report the absence or considerable reduction of pain within six weeks. Although the pain symptoms do improve, they may reoccur periodically afterwards. Minimal twinges of pain may be felt in one instance or another after the first big bout of back pain. Other sufferers experience a persistence of these minor pains for more than a month or two, giving rise to what is known as chronic back pain.

2.) Nerve root pain

Nerve root pain is caused by a ‘trapped nerve’ from the spinal cord that is subject to compression or constriction. Arising in less than one in twenty cases, the pain is felt along the course of the nerve and may travel down the leg, calf or foot. Often symptoms are more severe in the leg or foot than it is at the nerve origin. An example of nerve root pain is Sciatica, a condition where pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve, irritating it and causing pain.

Pain can range from mild to severe. Similar to simple back pain, symptoms can be alleviated by lying flat on a surface, or aggravated by back movement, coughing or sneezing. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness, and a feeling of weakness along the regions of the buttocks, leg or foot.

One of the causes of nerve irritation or pressure can stem from the inflamed conditions of a sprained ligament or muscle. Another is ‘slipped disc’, where the disc does not literally “slip”, but is manifested when its soft interior portion prolapses or protrudes out of a breach in the harder outer disc perimeter. This protrusion can put pressure on a nearby nerve and cause pain (refer to the separate leaflet on “Prolapsed Disc”). Other lesser known conditions may also cause nerve root pain.

Other Causes of Lower Back Pain

1.) Arthritis – this condition is caused by inflammation of the joints. When it occurs within the spine, it can cause back pain.

2.) Osteoarthritis – the most common form arthritis in older people.

3.) Ankylosing spondylitis – may be manifested in young adults, causing lower back pain and stiffness.

4.) Rheumatoid arthritis – can affect the spine as well as other joints in the body (refer to separate leaflet on the different types of arthritis).

5.) In less than one in a hundred cases, lower back pain can be caused by rare bone disorders, tumors, infectious diseases, and constrictions caused by other bone structures close to the spine.

Determining the Type of Back Pain

In the normal course of events, lower back pain may suddenly occur (acute onset), caused by simple low back pain. In most cases, sufferers bear with the symptoms and undertake self medication, with varying degrees of success. In case of doubt as to the cause of the pain symptoms, it is also advisable to consult with a physician for proper diagnosis.

Some symptoms may arise as a result of an underlying problem related to the pain. It is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor when the following signs are manifested:

1.) Patient is under the age of 20 or over the age of 55.

2.) Pain symptoms are constant, and are not alleviated by either lying down or resting.

3.) Pain runs through to the chest, and originates from the upper back, just behind the chest.

4.) Pain began gradually, and progressed to severe symptoms through the course of days or weeks, differentiated from simple lower back pain which can occur all of a sudden.

5.) Other symptoms may include:

• Weak leg or foot muscles.
• Numbness experienced within the region of the buttocks, around the anal area, or in a leg or foot.
• Bladder or bowel disorders, like inability to urinate or incontinence.
• Fever, loss of weight, and general feeling of poor health.
• Recent occurrence of violent injury or trauma to the back.
• An existing cancer diagnosis.
• Steroid use for more than a month.
• A generally compromised immune system (e.g., usually brought about by chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS).
• Doubt about any of the symptoms manifested.

The Rare but Critical Cauda Equina syndrome

Cauda equine syndrome is a very serious type of nerve root problem that is classified as an emergency case. Although uncommon, this syndrome leads to lower back pain, inability to urinate, numbness within the anal area, and a feeling of weakness in one or both legs. The disorder, which requires urgent medical attention, is caused when the nerves at the end of the spinal cord are subject to constriction. If left unattended, Cauda equine syndrome can permanently destroy the nerves connecting to the bladder and bowels. As soon as symptoms of this ailment put in an appearance, it is advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

When Tests are Needed

When a physician has made an accurate diagnosis based on physical examination and evaluation of the pain symptoms, tests are usually unnecessary. Nerve root pain that occurs suddenly and subsides after a few weeks will require no tests. X-rays or back scans will show nothing out of the ordinary for symptoms of simple lower back pain. However, when nerve root pain remains constant or severe, or if there may be a suspected underlying cause for the pain, the doctor may recommend that an x-ray or scan be taken.

Treating Simple Lower Back Pain

1.) Regular Exercise

It is important to maintain regular everyday activities despite the discomfort. Although this may initially prove difficult because of the pain, increasing one’s range of motion incrementally can be bearable if not overdone. Goal setting can be a good idea to track progress and provide encouragement.

Medical advice in the past included recommendations of rest until the pain subsided. This has now been proven inconclusive as prolonged immobility increases the risk of developing chronic back pain. By continuing to move, faster recovery from pain is likely to occur. Likewise, past advice on sleeping positions - flat on one’s back on a firm mattress - has also been unproven in relieving pain symptoms. Current recommendations involve advising patients to sleep in a position and on a mattress they feel most comfortable in.

2.) Pain Medication

When pain medication is necessary, it would be better to take them on a regular basis rather than intermittently as needed. Regular doses work better to ease pain symptoms and enable increased activity in the sufferer. Some examples of pain killing medication include:

1.) Paracetamol – this analgesic works efficiently if full strength doses are taken regularly. Adult dosage amounts to 1000 mg, or two 500 mg tablets, taken four times in a day.

2.) Anti-inflammatory painkillers – some pain sufferers have discovered that these provide more effective pain relief compared to paracetamol. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprogen, or prescription medication like diclofenac are widely available in pharmacies. However, anti-inflammatory drugs are dangerous for people suffering from asthma, high blood pressure, kidney ailments or heart disease.

3.) Industrial strength painkillers – like codeine may be taken together with paracetamol. One side-effect of this drug is constipation, and straining during hard bowel movement can worsen back pain symptoms. Constipation can be avoided by consuming fibrous food and increasing fluid intake.

4.) Muscle relaxants – work well if the back muscles are constantly tense. The muscle relaxant diazepam may be prescribed for a minimum of a few days to loosen tight back muscles that worsen back pain.

Physical treatments for Lower Back Pain

Physical remedies that include sessions with a physical therapist, chiropractor or osteopath can aid in providing short-term relief from back pain. Although not backed by scientific evidence, there have been cases where physical treatments have resulted in faster recovery from lower back pain.

Other Treatments

There are a lot of treatments for lower back pain, and programs for such should be monitored by a physician to determine whether they make symptoms worse, if pain continues for more than 4 to 6 weeks, or if the symptoms start to change. Trying different kinds of treatments for chronic back pain may be necessary until one finds a treatment that works.

Treatments for Other Types of Back Pain

Nerve root pain

The treatment for nerve root pain is similar to that of simpler lower back pain. Symptoms of this type of disorder usually disappear over a period of one or two weeks. Physical treatments may also provide temporary relief from pain. However, chronic back pain stemming from a ‘slipped disc’ may require surgery for immediate relief of the pressured or irritated nerve.

Other Causes of Back Pain

Treatment for other types of back pain would have to depend on the main cause of pain symptoms. For instance, pain caused by arthritis can be remedied by different kinds of arthritis medications.

Preventing Reoccurrence of Back Pain

There has been a glut of evidence that point toward leading an active lifestyle and regular exercise as the best possible solutions to preventing back pain. Aerobic activities like walking, running or swimming can help keep the body in a general state of fitness. Although there is no supporting evidence that performing back strengthening exercises can prevent reoccurrence of back pain, it is advisable to be well-informed about proper lifting techniques to avoid injury, particularly when lifting objects while in an awkward or twisted position.

A Summary of Back Pain Tips

• Acute lower back pain, even if severe, is normally not considered critical.

• Recovery from lower back pain is a speedy process taking as little as a week.

• Although nerve root pain and prolapsed (‘slipped’) discs are an uncommon occurrence, they usually heal by themselves without requiring surgery.

• Keeping active as much as possible and continuing with routine everyday activities such as going to work, will hasten recovery from lower back pain. Limiting movement and doing little exercise will only increase the risk of developing chronic symptoms.

• Should the pain be severe, initial rest may be necessary, but incremental movement is encouraged for a speedier recovery – something that constant bed rest will not provide. Warming up the muscles through motion is preferable to having them stiffen up from long periods of immobilization.

• Bearing some measure of pain and discomfort may be necessary while returning to everyday activities. Simple lower back pain will not be aggravated by movement. In fact, constant activity will help prevent the development of chronic long-term symptoms.

• Regular use of painkillers can alleviate the pain during the recovery period.

• If pain worsens or continues for more than 4 to 6 weeks, or if other uncommon symptoms develop, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

About The Author

Steven Hayes

For more information on Back pain and lower back pain visit http://www.backpainadvice.co.uk/

Physical Therapy for the Lower Back: How to Prevent and Treat Lower Back Pain
by: Nishanth Reddy

Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of job-related disability and why some people miss work. It is also the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, second only to headache. In fact, approximately 80% of adults in Western countries have, at some point, experienced lower back pain.

For some fortunate people, pain in the lower back may be resolved by itself or with the aid of medication within two to four weeks. However, there are some cases of lower back pain that may last for more than a few weeks, during which case the condition is termed as “chronic” and “progressive,” meaning it can only grow worse over time.

Moreover, 60-80% of those patients who suffer their first episode of lower back pain may experience recurring pain within one year.

According to current research, there are certain muscles in the back that work to stabilize the spine. When the spine or the back suffers an injury, these muscles are reflexively inhibited or shutdown. Worse still, these muscles do not spontaneously recover, and this is true even if patients do not feel pain and are able to return to normal activity levels.

As a result of the inhibition of these muscles, called lumbar multifidi and the transversus abdominus, lower back pain occurs. However, there are steps you can take to prevent the same thing from happening to you.

Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy

One way to prevent the inhibition of the lumbar multifidi and transversus abdominus is through a series of physical therapy exercises.

Designed to strengthen the muscles of the lower back and keep the spine healthy, these physical therapy exercises may range from back stabilization exercises to muscle strength development and several wide variety of techniques.

In addition, a physical therapist may also recommend such methods as heat therapy, ultrasound, massage, mobilization, and education about posture and body mechanics in order to prevent lower back pain from recurring.

Some of these methods will be discussed later on. You will also find some practical self-help tips provided by experts to help you avoid lower back pain or prevent the condition from worsening.

However, before we head on to learning how lower back pain is treated through physical therapy, it is important that we first understand what causes lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain: CAUSES

There are actually many types of back pain, but the most common is pain in the lower back. Why? You might ask. The reason is simple: you carry most of your weight in the lower back. Thus, it is highly likely that a person would suffer pain in that area.

There is no definitive cause of lower back pain. Sometimes, the causes of the condition are so complex that it is difficult to pinpoint just a single one.

However, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals have observed that lower back pain is often a result of strained back muscles and ligaments due to any of the following activities:

• Improper posture

• Heavy lifting

• Sudden awkward movement

• Muscle spasm

• Stress

We could all be guilty of the above activities. We may not suffer any back pains now, but it is likely that as we get older and the degree of inhibition of the back muscles as a result of these activities increases, back pain becomes a very distinct possibility.

In addition to these common activities, lower back pain may also result from specific conditions, such as:

• Herniated disk (when the disk material presses on a nerve)

• Sciatica (when a herniated disk presses on the sciatic nerve. The condition causes sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and the back of the leg.)

• Spinal stenosis (when the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots becomes narrow. This is caused by arthritis and bone overgrowth, the pain resulting from when a nerve gets pinched in the narrow space.)

• Spondylosis (a type of arthritis affecting the spine due to degenerative changes brought on by aging)

• Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the spinal column slips forward over another)

Lower Back Pain: TREATMENT

The treatment of lower back pain depends on several factors, including the specific type of lower back pain (whether it is chronic or acute) and the purported cause.

For instance, acute lower back pain is commonly treated with pain relieving drugs, such as analgesics, or some forms of exercises that can help relax the muscles.

On the other hand, chronic back pain – or one that lasts for more than two weeks and is progressive – may be caused by some underlying condition, during which case the treatment plan may consist of resolving the underlying condition to treat the back pain.

Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy Exercise

Physical therapy exercise is one of the most common methods of treating lower back pain. In fact, many home remedies for lower back pain consist of exercise, because the general theory is that if you remain active, you remain healthy. This is true in most cases.

However, for purposes of this article, the exercises featured here will be those that are practiced by physical therapists to treat patients with lower back pain.

Generally, in physical therapy exercises, the exercise program for back pain should encompass a set of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and low impact aerobics. Read below for more on these exercises:

-Stretching

The back of a person is composed of the spinal column and contiguous muscles, ligaments and tendons. All these are designed to move in consonance with each other so that any limitation in the range of motion in any of these components of the back result in back pain.

Stretching for lower back pain specifically targets soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments and tendons, found in the back and around the spine. By stretching, the spine and soft tissues are mobilized, increasing motion and thus, relieving pain.

There are many kinds of stretching exercises employed by physical therapists. One is the Hamstring Stretching Exercise which works to relax tight hamstrings, a common symptom of lower back pain. This exercise is said to help decrease the intensity of lower back pain among sufferers.

-Strengthening

Physical therapists generally use two forms of strengthening and back pain relief exercises, usually depending on the specific condition of the patient. These are the McKenzie exercises and dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises. However, the two forms of strengthening exercises may also be combined should the therapist find it appropriate to do so.

-McKenzie Exercises

Named after a physical therapist in New Zealand, McKenzie exercises are primarily extension exercises that could help reduce pain generated from the disc space and also may help reduce the symptoms of herniated disc by reducing pressure on a nerve root.

For acute pain, the McKenzie exercises should be done frequently, at least once every two hours. In addition, patients are advised to avoid flexing their spine when exercising.

-Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

Using this back exercise technique, the first thing that a physical therapist does is to look for the patient’s “neutral” spine. This refers to the position that allows the patient to feel the most comfortable.

Afterwards, when the patient is in that position, the back muscles are then exercised in order to “teach” the spine how to stay in this position.

Performing these exercises on a regular basis can help strengthen the back muscles and keep the spine well-positioned.

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises

The purpose of low impact aerobic exercise is to recondition the back. Patients who undergo reconditioning of the back through low impact aerobic exercise will have fewer episodes of lower back pain.

In addition, whenever an episode of lower back pain does occur, the pain is less intense and lasts only for a short period.

Another benefit of low impact aerobic exercise is that patients tend to stay functional – that is, they can continue with their regular work and carry on with recreational activities. In contrast, patients who do not undergo low impact aerobic exercises typically experience the gradual loss of their functional abilities.

For low impact aerobic exercises to achieve their desired results, they should be continuous. This will increase the heart rate and keep it elevated as well as increase the production of endorphins, which are pain fighting hormones released by the body.

Here are some examples of low impact aerobic exercises that you may want to try in order to lessen or reduce lower back pain:

-Walking

One of the simplest forms of aerobic exercises, walking is generally considered as very gentle on the back. To get the maximum benefit from walking as a form of low impact aerobic exercise, walk two to three miles three times per week.

-Stationary Bicycling

This form of aerobic exercise is less painful on the back since there is lower impact produced. This is beneficial for patients with lower back pain who may find walking too painful.

-Water Therapy

Sometimes referred to as aquatherapy, water therapy is simply doing exercise in the water. The buoyancy works to provide effective conditioning at the same time stress on the back is reduced.

Summary:

Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of job-related disability and why some people miss work. In this article you will find some practical self-help tips provided by experts to help you avoid lower back pain or prevent the condition from worsening.

About The Author

Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website for more information about lower back pain relief and treatment methods. Learn different treatment methods used for back pain relief.

http://www.back-pain-relief-guide.info

Use of Muscle Relaxers for Lower Back Pain
by: David Altfeder

Lower back pain (also called lumbar pain or backache) is very common. Virtually everyone at some time in their life experiences a backache. Except for the common cold, backaches account for more doctor visits and more missed days of work than any other illness. Typically, lower back pain sufferers experience a sharp pain or dull ache, occasionally accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation. The pain can result from a specific event such as lifting something which is too heavy, but often can be the result of numerous factors which weaken the back, such as sitting in a single position too long, then making a sudden movement. Most commonly, backaches are the result of a muscle strain (where the muscle fibers are stretched or torn) or a lumbar sprain (where the ligaments which tie muscles to bone separate from their attachments). Many problems can result in a backache including herniated, ruptured or degenerated intervertebral disks, structural problems like improper spinal alignment and scoliosis, or pain radiating from the testes, ovaries, kidneys and other tissues. Frequently, the specific structure causing the pain is not identified.

Regardless of the cause, lower back pain typically involves spasms of the muscles along the spine, where the muscles tighten and do not release. These spasms and the associated stiffness can result in severe pain, often leaving patients unable to walk or move normally.

To reduce the pain, a wide range of choices are available. These include applying ice for the first 2-3 days, followed by heat. Over the counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may provide relief. Many physicians will prescribe Soma (or its generic form carisprodol) to relieve the muscle spasms.

Soma is a muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and sprain. It blocks signals between nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. It’s action is not completely understood- Soma does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles. Its action may be related to its sedative properties instead. Regardless of the mechanism of action, for many patients the reduction of muscle spasm associated with lower back pain brings considerable relief. For these patients, the back relaxes, pain is reduced, and their ability function normally is enhanced.

Soma comes in a 350 mg round, white tablet. Its onset of action is rapid, and it effects last 4-6 hours. The usual dose is one 350mg tablet 3 times per day and at bedtime. Many patients now order this medication from online pharmacies without visiting a physician in person, so it is important to understand which back symptoms should cause you to visit a physician first. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a physician.

- Loss of bladder or bowel control

- Severe back pain following trauma like an object hitting you or a fall

- Fever

- Redness or swelling of the back

- Pain which radiates below the knee

- Weakness or numbness in the leg or pelvis

- Blood in the urine or a burning sensation when urinating

- Very severe pain

It is also important to be aware of the side effects of Soma to assure you are taking it safely and to avoid adverse reactions. Soma is a sedative and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, agitation, irritability, headache and insomnia. Occasional allergic reactions are known to occur, including a skin rash and itching. Like all medications, there are very rare idiosyncratic reactions as well. Avoid taking Soma when drinking alcohol, as the alcohol will greatly increase the sedative effect of the medication. Avoid driving or operating machinery when taking this medication.

Lower back pain tends to resolve on its own. Most patients feel significantly better one week after the first onset of pain. After 4-6 weeks, the pain is typically completely resolved.

Copyright 2005 David Altfeder

About The Author

David Altfeder is the owner of http://www.deepdiscountpharmacy.net and http://www.buycarisoprodol.net . He is the author of a series of articles on health, pharmacology and medicine.

What’s Causing My Lower Back Pain And How Can I Get Rid Of It?
by: Dan Farrell

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments people suffer from and approximately 8 out of 10 people will deal with back pain at some point in their life. That’s a lot of people… are you one of them? Out of all of the various forms of back pain, lower back pain is by far the most common and there’s a good explanation for this. Any idea why? It’s not car accidents, it’s not work-related injuries, and it’s not a lack of prescription medications either. Lack of movement and use is the number one cause of lower back pain! I bet your orthopedic specialist or chiropractor didn’t tell you that, did they? It’s the lack of movement in various muscles over years that leads to muscle imbalances and uneven wear and tear on your body, especially the spine. For example, how many times a day are you bending, leaning, or twisting? Here’s what the typical person’s day is like:

Wake up
Eat breakfast (hopefully)
Drive or ride to work
Sit at desk
Eat lunch
Sit at desk some more
Drive or ride home
Eat dinner
Sit on couch and watch television
Go to bed
Notice the trend here? That’s an awful lot of sitting and not moving. Well, this is what leads to serious muscle imbalances and so what do we do, we go to the gym and perform exercises that only make the imbalances worse! The key to eliminating lower back pain (nearly any ache, pain, or injury for that matter) is to identify the muscle imbalances that are pulling the spine, bones, and joints out of place and then stretch the tight muscles while strengthening the weak muscles.

How do I know this? Well, as certified personal fitness trainer and post-rehabilitation specialist, I have worked with hundreds of individuals with back pain and the conditions that ranged from sciatic pain, to bulging discs, to spinal fusion, and others. In working with these individuals I discovered some startling facts.

1. Many people who seek professional help are often mis-diagnosed and end up following a treatment plan that fails to eliminate the cause of their back pain.

2. Nearly all of the individuals I worked with were able to eliminate their back pain, or significantly improve their condition even though all of the traditional treatments failed them (physically therapy, chiropractic care, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, back surgery, etc).

Even more amazing is the fact that most of these individuals were able to eliminate their back pain in a matter or days or weeks simply by performing a handful of exercises and stretches! These weren’t your basic exercises or the standard back stretches and stomach exercises most “experts” recommend - these were specific exercises and stretches prescribed based on the individual. Many of these people had suffered for years and years with aches, pains, and stiffness and lived inactive lives because of their back pain.

3. Most back pain treatments offered for lower back pain only address the symptoms and don’t address the cause, which usually delivers just temporary relief for the individual. In addition to helping hundreds of others eliminate lower back pain, I also have had personal experiences with back pain and other various conditions such as sciatic pain, tendonitis, muscle strains and sprains, and more. In every single situation the traditional treatments did nothing but treat the symptoms (often times not successfully) and the only approach that gave lasting improvements and relief was targeted stretches and exercises.

Have you tried traditional treatments and found little relief? I am not saying these treatments are not effective at temporarily reducing the pain or inflammation, but I am saying nearly all fail to get rid of the underlying cause of the problem.

So how do you identify these muscle imbalances? Well, it isn’t easy but with a basic understanding of how your body works you can at least start looking at your situation and find out which muscles are over worked and too strong and/or tight and which ones are too weak and stretched out. It also helps if you can find a qualified health professional who specializes in identifying muscle imbalances. Unfortunately, there are still few professionals who use what I call the “common sense approach.” However, your best bet is to look for a personal fitness trainer that is trained and certified in post-rehabilitation, a manual physical therapist, or an osteopath. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions… you need to take charge of your health care and be sure to quiz them to find out what type of an approach they take in treating back pain. This is just some of what you’ll learn when you order our “Lose The Back Pain” video. Stop fooling around with your lower back pain and address the true cause… because if you don’t, you’ll only end up with temporary relief of a life long problem.

I wish you the best and remember, the key to a healthy back is movement!

About The Author

Dan Farrell

You can get more information on back pain relief with our new 7 part series, Lose The Back Pain, go to: http://www.endbackpainnow.net/lowbackpain.htm

info@endbackpainnow.net

Lower Back Pain Relief - Simple Ways To Eliminate Lower Back Pain
 by: Paul Osborne

In many cases lower back pain will be caused by a muscle spasm, this can be caused by many reasons such as- sitting at a desk for several hours every day, sleeping on an old or non supporting mattress. Even stress and tension can lead to problems. In cases such as these lower back pain relief can usually be obtained by over the counter medication that will reduce pain or swelling such as aspirin, Tylenol, naproxen, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen.

In more serious instances back pain can be due to an injury to the spine, usually caused by an accident, or perhaps by lifting and twisting at the same time. In many cases an injury to the spine will result in a herniated disc which in turn can lead to more serious lower back pain symptoms such as sciatica or spinal stenosis, however, although these conditions may cause considerable discomfort, lower back pain relief can again be obtained fairly easily.

If a lower back injury is recent, you may need a day or two of rest, however rest for lower back pain is now known not to be a cure, as rest can cause the muscles to become stiff, and will add to your recovery time. It is strongly advised to get up and walk, even if it’s for just a few minutes, at least once every hour. Although over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory treatments help ease the pain, they should not be taken over a long period of time, as they can cause other health problems, such as stomach ulcers, and in certain medications, addiction.

A preferred option for lower lower back pain relief is exercise. Exercises are one of the most important self treatments for lower back pain relief. Exercises that are specific for your particular lower back pain symptom will usually give you fast relief as they strengthen the core muscles that support the spine, improve the flexibility in the spine and improve posture. Non impact aerobic exercise also have many benefits, but the focus should be on exercises that are safe, if you are unsure always consult a professional back pain adviser.

Stretching exercises will also help in your quest for lower back pain relief. Stretching should be carried out slowly, concentrating on the lower back, hips, quadriceps and hamstrings. Stretching exercises will naturally cause pain, but this should be pain from the muscle being stretched, if you feel pain in any other areas you should immediately stop, but if done correctly stretching should increase your flexibility in the region of 20% within the first month and reduce lower back pain considerably.

If you would like further detailed information on lower back pain relief, including causes, symptoms and effective treatments, please feel free to visit our website at http://lowerbackpainrelief.org