Lower back pain can be extremely frustrating, even debilitating, and affect all aspects of your life. The low back provides strength and support to the upper body and can be particularly sensitive to injury. Nearly 85% of adults have suffered from persistent lower back pain at some point in their lives, and it is the leading cause of disability across the world. In the face of the opioid crisis, it is important that we find effective ways to treat lower back pain for those who suffer. Many people think that lower back pain is just part of life once you get older, but that does not have to be the case. Often some lifestyle changes, along with visits to a licensed chiropractor, can put the spring back in your step in no time.
There are a few doctor-recommended home remedies that you can try when struggling with back pain:
• Cold and heat therapy- place an ice pack on your lower back for 20 minutes several times a day during the first two days of pain, followed by heat for two days. Use an ice pack or frozen vegetables for the cold and a hot water bottle, heating pad, or warm bath for the heat.
• Over-the counter medication- take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen to help reduce inflammation and pain in the lower back muscles. However, do not use for more than 10 days in a row.
• Exercise- while doctors used to prescribe rest, it is now known that movement is one of the best things for lower back pain. Exercise such as walking, stretching, and yoga can help to loosen up the muscles in your back. Focus on hamstring stretches and core work as both your core and hamstrings play a large role in lower back support. Strengthening your lower back with bodyweight exercises also helps reduce back pain.
• Lifestyle changes- work to improve your posture and sleeping patterns. Poor sleep can intensify back pain, and it is important that your mattress is comfortable but firm. Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees to keep your spine in a neutral position. If you sit for hours at work, stand and walk around every half an hour throughout your day. Constipation and dehydration can exacerbate lower back pain, so adjust your diet accordingly. Also avoid processed sugar, sodas, and alcohol, while increasing bananas, spinach, and other foods with potassium.
Chiropractic Care Can Help
A 2018 study published in JAMA Network Open treated 750 active-duty military personnel complaining of back pain. Half received regular care (medication, self-care, and physical therapy), while the other half received regular care and up to twelve chiropractic treatments. Those who received chiropractic care reported more improvement in function, higher satisfaction, less pain intensity, and used less pain medication.
Many doctors also recommend chiropractic care to help relieve lower back pain, and over 22 million Americans visit a chiropractor annually. A chiropractor uses their hands and sudden, controlled force to manipulate the joints, known as manual manipulation. These adjustments work to fix spine misalignments and improve mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury. It is believed that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, mainly the spine, allows the body to heal itself.
A chiropractor will also talk at length with you, asking questions to gain a greater understanding of what may be causing your back pain and offering suggestions that can help you prevent low back pain in the future. A chiropractor will include in your treatment any nutritional advice as well as exercises and rehabilitation that you can do at home.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach as it is both non-invasive and non-addictive. Many people come to the chiropractor to avoid prescription pain medications, injections, or surgery, and are pleasantly surprised with their results. Oftentimes, lower back issues are resolved easily and quickly with the right treatment. Chiropractic care helps to reduce pain, discomfort, and inflammation as well as improve flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength.
If you’re suffering from lower back pain, call our chiropractic office today to make an appointment with a licensed chiropractor. It’s time to get back to enjoying your life, pain-free. Call us at 205-637-1363 today.
