Do you suffer from lower back pain?

Have you tried countless remedies but can't find one that works? Sometimes, the best thing to do is understand the cause of the pain and then be able to remedy and mitigate future discomforts. 

What Is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is discomfort in the spinal area that can result from a physical injury or illness. It is often concentrated in the lumbar region. The discomfort of lower back pain can be experienced either on the surface (skin) or internally (spinal). An operation may be required if lower back pain results from internal discomfort or injury. 

Causes Of Lower Back Pain.

Many factors can lead to lower back pain; however, the most common cause is often associated with a strain. The strain can be from over-extending, stretching, or a sudden movement that is irregular to normal body movement.

People in labour extensive jobs with heavy lifting, pulling or twisting, and turning are more prone to lower back pain. There are, however, situations where those in office or sitting jobs can experience lower back pain from the pressure.

Other causes of lower back pain include: 

Herniated Disc – This happens when the spinal disc’s cushion is either ruptured or squished, resulting in a lack of support for the disc. A herniated disc is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc. 

Sciatica – The nerve which runs through the spine is known as the sciatic nerve. A disc slip or rupture can impact the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain that stretches down to the legs or feet. 

Spinal Curvatures – A well-known name for spinal curvature is scoliosis, which develops over childhood. The irregular spinal curve can apply pressure to surrounding areas, such as the muscles and tendons, which leads to pain and poor posture. 

These are a few culprits for lower back pain. Everyday activities such as working out, sports, or even carrying in groceries can make individuals susceptible to possible lower back pain injuries.

Who Can Get Lower Back Pain? 

No one is immune from lower back pain; more people may be more susceptible to illnesses beyond their control. There are, however, ways of mitigating lower back pain and protecting oneself from experiencing or getting back pain. 

Types Of Symptoms You Maybe Experiencing

Contrary to popular belief, people who experience back pain can often experience more than just discomfort in the back area. 

Symptoms that can be associated with back pain include: 

• Dull aching pain can be outside the lower back region. 

• The numb or tingling sensation can be felt in the legs and feet. 

• Muscle spasms

• Restrictive movement or range 

Other symptoms can result from lower back pain, such as pain associated with a specific posture or position. They can only be alleviated by moving into a different position that removes the pressure or stress on the back. 

Home Remedies For Lower Back Pain

Before you seek professional help, you may want to try a few home remedies. It is important to remember that if the pain is unbearable or you feel faint, consider seeking professional support immediately. 

Home remedies to try when experiencing lower back pain include: 

• Alternating the application of hot and cold pads to the area. The use of heat is meant to help with the pain. At the same time, the cold compress is intended to help reduce any possible swelling or inflammation.

• Continue the movement, but do not overdo it; for example, if you have taken up working out or a new sport, some pains come with putting your body through the wringer. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to keep your body moving and let it work itself out. However, be careful not to over-exert yourself or worsen the pain. 

• Stretching workouts. This includes yoga, Pilates, or tai chi, as they are low exertion and can help if the muscle has ceased or if the muscles surrounding the area are stiff or tense. Engaging in slow-movement exercises can support the muscles to become familiar with the movement and make it more flexible. 

• Resting. Taking time to allow your body to recover from the pain or discomfort is sometimes the best remedy. Pulling your back out at work allows your body to recover naturally and heal. Depending on the severity, sometimes, two or three days of bed rest can make a difference. 

• Anti-inflammatory medications can help with back relief. This home remedy is meant to be short-term and not a forever solution. If the pain does not rectify within a day or so or there are no improvements, seeking professional support or trying other home remedies is recommended. 

• Acupuncture is an ancient practice that can help target areas and alleviate possible pressures. 

Home remedies are always recommended for lower back pain; however, when the pain is severe or immobilizing, seeking professional help is essential.

When To Seek Medical Care

If you begin to feel faint or lose feeling in your legs, feet, or any area of your body, it is crucial to seek professional help, as it could be worse than a herniated disc or spasm.

Other reasons to seek medical help are if you struggle with breathing or walking or notice a drastic change in your bowel movement. These are possible signs of something far more severe than lower back pain. 

Listen To Your Body

If you injure yourself at work, at home, or while doing an activity, it is crucial to listen to your body. Sometimes, we can gauge whether or not our back needs some hot and cold treatment or requires professional attention. 

Make a note of all medications you take to address the lower back pain and keep track of what remedies you try to help manage the lower back pain. 

Remember, anyone can be prone to lower back pain; we can take measures to prevent and treat it without it becoming overly severe.

If you have any further doubts or questions regarding this subject or another treatment, contact one of our experienced Acupuncturists or Registered Massage Therapists here at West End Wellness Clinic. You can either give us a call or make an appointment.

Disclaimer: Please remember this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or someone with the correct qualifications before starting any new exercise or treatment program.