Three Steps to Eliminating Severe Lower Back Pain

By Francis Hesse

If you suffer from severe chronic back pain, then you know how incapacitating it can be. It can make it almost impossible to do anything , and all that is on your mind is how much it hurts .

In the old days, the doctors prescribed bed rest, or suggested operating if the pain persisted. Regrettably , while doctors used the resources they had available, these suggestions were not feasible ways to treat severe chronic back pain. Mobility is lost due to muscle atrophy. Doctors now have other treatments available for low back pain, whether severe or moderate.

A Better Back Without Surgery

First of all, when the back begins to hurt it is wise to apply a cold compress to the back. This will help diminish the pain and reduce inflammation, and also maintain mobility in the back . You can create a compress using a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel . Apply this compress for at least twenty minutes at a time several times throughout the first day . After a few days of cold compresses, you can add a heating pad to your treatment. This treatment can relax the muscles and increase the flow of blood to the injured area, promoting healing. A warm bath can also be soothing.

Bed rest can be used, but not alone and not for extended periods. In studies, it has been found that continuing activities without bed rest after back pain can help the back maintain flexibility. Also, it was found that bed rest alone could make the lower back pain more severe and lead to other complications (like blood clots in legs, depression and loss of muscle tone). It is much better to get back to regular activities as soon as possible. At night or while resting, lie on one side with a pillow between the knees, or on the back with a pillow under the knees.

Exercise! Particularly before it becomes severe lower back pain. Exercise will strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and that is the key. Generally, doctors recommend stretching exercises, walking and swimming. Yoga can also help by stretching the muscles and strengthening the body. Usually, a bit of exercise is a great lower back pain treatment, but if the pain increases, stop exercising and consult your medical practitioner.

Many people find relief of moderate to severe lower back pain by visiting a chiropractor. A chiropractor is trained in the ways to adjust the body and manipulate the spine to fix misalignments that can lead to low back pain.

Medicines are often heavily relied on to treat severe lower back pain. Sometimes, the medical practitioner will recommend a combination of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor to know that they are safe for you.

Common Drugs To Combat Severe Lower Back Pain

Analgesics (like aspirin or ibuprofen), are taken orally, and help reduce inflammation. Counter-irritants (applied as a spray or cream) stimulate the nerve endings on the skin to feel warm or cold, and dull the pain. Topical analgesics can also reduce inflammation and help with blood flow. Antidepressants can be used to dull the pain and elevate the person mood.

Opioids, like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, should only be used for the most severe lower back pain, and only for a short amount of time, while under a doctor care. These have many side effects, making this less ideal for treating back pain than some other options.
Back pain affects more than 65 million Americans every year. Learn how to avoid being one of the statistics.

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