How to Deal with Lower Back Pain Naturally
No matter if it is acute or chronic, dealing with lower back pain, can be frustrating and stressful. Instead of turning to prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, natural remedies help ease back pain naturally. These remedies may provide natural relief, but it is always good to consult your doctor before trying any natural remedies.
Lower back pain causes
Spine-Health.com states that most commonly, mechanical issues and soft-tissue injuries are the cause of low back pain. These injuries can include damage to the intervertebral discs, compression of nerve roots, and improper movement of the spinal joints.
The causes may include
- Sprains and Strains
- Herniated disk
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteoprosis
- Infection of the spine
- Disc degeneration
- Inflammation
Exercise the Core
The abdominal muscles play a significant role in supporting your lower spine. Exercise them regularly to help support your muscles and lower back. Having good posture or walking throughout the day is not enough to work out these muscles; they have to be specifically targeted through exercise. Having a trainer who understands the challenges with back pain may help.
Heat and Cold for lower back pain
Heat can stimulate the blood flow to the injured area, helping it heal faster. It also stops pain messages from being sent to the brain. Make sure the heat is not placed directly on the skin and only leave on for 20 minutes at a time.
Cold can reduce inflammation which causes pain in any type of injury. The cold also slows down the nerve impulses, which decreases spasms in the back. Again, this should not be applied directly to the skin and should only be left on for 20 minutes at a time. Alternating between heat and cold can help ease your pain.
Exercising and staying active
Activity helps relieve back pain by working the muscles; make sure not to do anything too strenuous. Walking is a simple exercise, as is stretching. Do a few simple stretches before going for a walk, and you will be surprised how much your lower back pain is relieved.
When you have lower back pain, it is important to stay active not to have your muscles stiffen up. It will also help to reduce the spasms in your lower back. A great way to decrease your lower back pain is to work your abdominal muscles to help support your lower back. In addition, alternate between heat and cold when your back is bothering you.
A sensible diet
Consuming the right food usually helps with chronic pain. When you suffer from lower back pain, the food you eat may increase or decrease inflammation in your body. There are several ingredients and food you may want to consume to avoid any more pain.
Leafy vegetables and avoiding sugary food may help in lowering your pain level. Let’s not forget spices; they help season your food and make great home remedies.
Make sure you always consult with your doctor before trying anything new. Carbs are a huge culprit. Working with a nutritionist may help figure out what to eat and what not to eat.
Sources:
- http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/america-asks-13/12-back-pain-tips
- http://www.spine-health.com/blog/6-overlooked-remedies-lower-back-pain-relief
- https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/causes-lower-back-pain
- https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/do-i-have-a-herniated-disk
