Lower Back Pain Relief Tips

It is a common misconception that bed rest can bring relief for lower back soreness. Instead, it may have an adverse effect according to this article. Low-key activities like swimming, walking, yoga and stretching are some of the lower back pain relief tips that help to provide relief from pain. Increased activity helps the spine to receive nutrients in the process of healing. Other key factors to keep you healthy are maintaining proper posture, using correct lifting techniques and maintaining a healthy weight. It is better to avoid high impact activities which may risk your spine. While you can be reassured of full recovery from uncomplicated pain in the lower back within 4 to 6 weeks, it is advisable to consult a physician if the pain still persists and is associated with fever, weakness in the legs, dysfunction of bladder or bowel, and weight loss.

Lower Back Pain Relief Tips

The best exercises will contain a cardio aspect and a toning aspect, as this should provide the best results.

When your back is out, wanting to rest and allow the body to heal is common. While this is a natural response, prolonged bed rest has been found to potentially increase back pain and reduce flexibility and muscle strength. Several studies have shown that bed rest is strongly associated with more days off work, increased intensity of pain and disability related to low back pain. In the minority of cases, if the back pain is severe or associated with radiating pain down to the ankle, a short period of rest may be helpful but generally no longer than 1-2 days at most.

While it may seem counterintuitive, increasing mobility of the spine by remaining active is one of the best things you can do for your back. Moving helps to bring nutrients to help heal the spine and also helps to increase flexibility and improves muscle tone.

For uncomplicated back pain, (pain that’s not radiating below the knee in a healthy person under 50), I recommend low impact activities such as stretching, yoga, swimming, and walking. If these activities trigger pain, listen to your body and stop and try another gentle exercise. Avoid high impact activities or those that involve twisting or bending.

The key to keeping your back healthy is prevention. Regular exercise, good posture, using safe lifting techniques (knees bent and abdominal muscles tightened) and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of back injury.

Smoking is thought to age the spine and increase the risk of injury, so decreasing or quitting smoking may be helpful. Avoid activities that involve repetitive bending or twisting and high-impact activities that increase stress on the spine.

The reassuring news is that for the vast majority of patients, uncomplicated back pain is not serious and you’ll make a full recovery within 4-6 weeks. If your pain is prolonged, affecting your function or you are experiencing any alarming symptoms – bowel or bladder dysfunction, leg weakness, pain associated with fever or unexplained weight loss – seek medical attention to rule out the rarer but serious causes of back pain.

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Do some light exercises to keep you healthy and prevent lower back pain. Keep yourself active, and follow the lower back pain relief tips in order to keep your spine in good shape. Try not to be impatient if the pain persists. Instead, consult a physician in case you develop further symptoms. If you are a smoker, quit smoking from today to protect not only your back but your overall health in general.

Many people suffer from back pain, but stretching and strengthening the back and core can help reduce chronic discomfort. Enhance your workout with a demonstration from a fitness trainer Amy Newman of LiveStrong.com