How To Relieve Lower Back Pain
How can I make my lower back pain go away?
Living with pain in your lower back severely restricts your life. It is one of the most challenging medical conditions to manage.
First, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. You need to know what is causing your symptoms. Once you know more, you can find the best remedy to relieve your back pain.
Natural Remedies
Often a combination of natural remedies and conventional treatments is the best way to deal with back pain.
Natural supplements can be as effective as conventional treatments such as ibuprofen and painkillers.
As supplements cause fewer negative side effects, they are your first port of call. When you don’t notice any results, talk to your doctor about long-term sustainable alternatives.
The best supplements for lower back pain include Omega-3 fish oil, turmeric and arnica.
Turmeric is a spice often found in Indian cuisine. In Eastern folk medicine, turmeric has long been associated with pain control and reduced inflammation.
Omega-3 is a well-established alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. It is safe and has an extensive range of health benefits.
Arnica is a herb which grows in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. In some countries, it is available as a prescription medication. In many other parts of the world, you can buy arnica in pharmacies and health food stores.
Exercise Works For Lower Back Pain!
Can exercise help to reduce your back pain?
We know exercise helps to reduce and control pain.
Not only may exercise alleviate underlying causes of pain. It tricks the brain into producing pain-killing hormones, so exercising is a useful tool.
Although exercising helps, it does not mean you should overdo it. Doing the wrong kind of exercise, or exercising too much has an adverse effect.
The best exercises for back pain are low-impact. Opt for gentle exercises including walking, yoga and tai-chi. Swimming is a great alternative to walking.
These exercises help improve posture which is often the root cause of back pain.
Stop Smoking
There is a clear link between cigarette smoking and pain.
Stopping smoking quickly improves blood flow to muscles and tendons. When muscles spasm, pain is one of the main symptoms.
It has been shown even smaller muscle spasms can cause pain. As you transition into a non-smoking lifestyle, magnesium supplements can help.
Stop Sitting Down
In today’s working culture, sitting down has become a professional hazard.
Industrial injuries were associated with heavy lifting, but this has changed. Now, one of the most common causes of back pain is sitting.
There are many alternatives which can help. Ergonomic chairs help to reduce symptoms.
Standing up to work is also gaining traction. Many who have tried it say it makes them more productive.
When you need to sit down when working for extended periods, remember to take frequent breaks. Stand up and stretch or go for short walks with your arms swinging.
It is not only office workers who experience pain problems when sitting. Long-distance drivers are also at risk from conditions associated with pain in the legs or even the back.
Controlling the amount you sit daily is a great way of avoiding painful conditions.
Back Supports Can Help Lower Back Pain
Physical supports are great when it comes to reducing pain and swelling.
You can buy specialist back supports. When it comes to protecting your lower back, a good back support is an adjustable posture belt.
Thanks to new manufacturing technologies, posture belts come in all shapes and sizes.
New materials ensure they are far less bulky than they once were.
You can now easily wear one underneath your clothing without your colleagues or clients noticing.
Can I buy a posture corrector for exercising? Yes, you can.
Many of them are made from lightweight breathable material suitable for exercising. Materials are also flexible. This means you are not restricted at all when you exercise. Great for when doing yoga stretches or taking part in Pilates classes.
What About Diet?
An increasing body of evidence suggests there’s a link between diet and pain.
The worst culprit is thought to be processed foods. However, there are also other natural foods you should avoid. Anything acidic can result in increased back pain. Citrus fruits are a cause of concern.
It was first thought citrus fruits including oranges only affected joint pain. Recent research indicates there is a link between oranges and back pain.
Berries are the best alternative. Anything from raspberries to strawberries is packed with antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation.
Eating cold water fish helps as well. The best choices are salmon, herring, mackerel and tuna.
Try eating fish a couple of times per week to control pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapy And Back Pain
Can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy is great for back pain. Many visit a physiotherapist regularly to help them deal with pain management.
An alternative to physiotherapy is chiropractic treatment and massage. Once not thought of as mainstream, it is now often recommended by doctors. You may need more than one visit to deal with the condition and return visits to stop it from returning.
What about acupuncture? Acupuncture can help with pain, but it is unclear if it deals with underlying conditions. Find a registered acupuncturist and talk your symptoms through with them.
Final Thoughts
Many find there is more than one solution to back pain. What works for one person may not work for someone else. It can be a learning curve.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match conventional treatments and traditional remedies. Once you have found the right solution, aim to live without lower back pain again.
Brought to you by Your Back Pain Relief