Non-Surgical Lower Back Pain Treatment

The lumbar spine is situated in the lower back region of the body between the thorax and sacrum. The lumbar spine consists of 5 vertebrae (L1 to L5) and has more mobility than the thoracic spine but less than the cervical. It has the largest vertebras of the spine and carries most of the body weight in turn leading to more injuries like low back pain and other back-related ailments.

The majority of low back pain cases are invariably treated and cured whereas the rest continue with pain even after prolonged treatment leading to chronic low back pain.

Symptoms of back pain could range from shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation. The pain may worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking and in addition, it radiates down your leg.

Even children and teens can develop back pain. These are the factors that might put you at greater risk of developing low back pain:

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Age:

Back pain is more common starting around age 30 or 40.

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Lack of Exercise:

Weak, unconditioned muscles in your back and abdomen might cause back pain.

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Excess Weight:

Excess body weight causes overstress on your back.

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Diseases:

Some types of arthritis and cancer can lead to back pain.

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Improper lifting:

Instead of your legs if you are using your back can lead to back pain.

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Psychological condition:

Individuals who are prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain.

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Smoking:

Smoking increases rates of back pain. Smoking aggravates coughing, which can lead to herniated discs. Smoking reduces blood flow to the spine and increases the risk of osteoporosis.

With home treatment and self-care, most of the back pain gradually improves usually within a few weeks. Contact your doctor if your back pain:

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Persists past a few weeks

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Is severe and not subsiding by rest

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Radiating to one or both legs especially extends below the knee

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Causes weakness accompanied by numbness or tingling in one or both legs

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Is accompanied by unreasonable weight loss

In rare cases, back pain can occur due to a serious medical problem. Consult a doctor if your back pain:

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Affects your bowel, bladder functional activities

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Is accompanied by a fever

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Followed by a fall, blow to your back, or another injury

If you are maintaining your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics, you might avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence

To keep your back healthy and strong follow this:

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Exercise:

Proper low-impact aerobic activities — those that don’t strain your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles for better function. Walking and swimming are these types of aerobic exercises. Talk to your doctor about which activities you should follow.

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Build muscle strength and Flexibility:

Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which will help to strengthen your core, condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back.

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Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Obesity strains back muscles. If you’re overweight, trimming down can prevent back issues.

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Quit Smoking:

Smoking aggravates your risk of low back pain. The risk increases with the pack-year volume, so quitting should help reduce this risk.

Avoid movements that twist or strain your back by:

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Stand smart:

Maintain a neutral pelvic position without slouching. Place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back, if you must stand for long periods. Bad posture can increase the stress on back muscles.

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Sit smart:

Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests, and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel on your back can maintain its normal curve. Level your hips and knees while sitting. Change your position, at least every half-hour while sitting.

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Lift smart:

If possible, avoid heavy lifting, let your legs do the work if you must lift something heavy. Bend only at the knees with back straight with no twisting. Avoid holding a heavy load away from your body. If the object is heavy or awkward find a lifting partner.

Lower Back Pain: Symptoms, common causes and when to seek treatment