Low Back Pain
Low back pain afflicts millions of people every year, making it one of the most common forms of pain people experience. Because this type of pain often comes from strained muscles, common pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen frequently works to relieve symptoms. Another product called Utram has also provided pain relief for many people.
Some pain in the lower back comes from other non-muscular components in the area such as the spinal column, nerves or gender-specific organs such as the ovaries and testicles, so they may represent serious physical issues rather than pulled muscles. Pain in the lower back area may even stem from pain in the upper sections of the back.
Simple changes to deportment can help minimize the effects of low back pain. For example, when people stand for a long time, it helps to put one foot on a short stool or on a small box to relieve the pressure on the lower back. While doing this, switching the elevated foot every quarter hour can help improve the body’s ability to stay erect without increasing pain levels.
Posture while sitting can also work to minimize pain in the lower areas of the back. Sitting in a chair with a vertical back that positions the knees a little higher than the hips will help keep stress to a minimum. When working at a desk, turning the whole body rather than twisting at the lower back can help avoid exacerbating a painful condition. Slouching while driving a vehicle can make things worse in the lower back, so sometimes a cushion positioned at the lower back can help relieve pain.
Many people hurt their back while they sleep, and other people have trouble sleeping because of lower back pain. Sleeping on one side, bending the knees can help minimize these symptoms. Sleeping face down is a no-no unless a pillow is placed under the hips to relieve pressure on the back.
Other lifestyle tips can help keep low back pain to a minimum. For example, quitting smoking has been proven to relieve pain in the lower back. Doing so relieves arterial problems that contribute to pain. Also, quitting smoking tends to promote more physical activity, another factor that tends to help minimize back pain.
Lifting is a common trigger for pain in the lower back. To avoid unnecessary strain, people should be sure to bend at the knees while picking up heavy objects rather than bending over at their back.
With just a little attention to daily activities, lifestyle and posture, low back pain can be controlled without the need for much medication.