Causes and Treatments of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a debilitating condition that affects many people all over the globe. This condition can be experienced in varying degrees, such as acute or chronic, and can vary in degree of pain as well. Lower back pain truly affects the quality of life to those who are afflicted with it. There are different reasons for this discomfort, as well as remedies to rectify it.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Knowing the cause of the back pain can help to identify what the best way to treat the condition would be. In addition, it may help to prevent it from reoccurring. Some of the more common reasons for back discomfort may include:

* Acute injury of the muscles

* Overuse of the muscles

* Strained ligaments in the lower back

* Pressure on the nerves of the lower back

* Excessive heavy lifting

* Herniated disk

* Sciatica

* Fractures

Lumbar pain really can happen to anyone, in any age group and level of physical health. Any type of overuse or injury can trigger lower back discomfort, and requires a need for treatment to alleviate this pain.

How Do you Treat Back Pain?

As stated earlier, it's important to know what the cause of the back pain is in order to implement the most effective treatment possible.

In the majority of cases, various pain management techniques will allow you to alleviate back discomfort. You can use over the counter drugs for the short term while you are dealing with the pain during treatment.

Some common treatment methods for back pain include:

* Hot/Cold Compress - A hot compress will relieve pain and discomfort by leaving it on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. A cold compress will relieve pain as well, or any inflammation to the injured area. This method is generally recommended for the first day or two after injury.

* Exercise - Strengthening your lower back muscles can help to relieve pain by keeping the blood flowing, but will also help to prevent recurring injury to the area.

* Massage - Massaging the affected area will alleviate strain and stress if it is mainly muscular discomfort.

* Acupuncture - More and more people are seeking alternative treatments, and acupuncture is one of those that has had positive results.

Of course, if the injury or condition is severe, medical intervention will be required, such as x-rays, physical therapy, or even surgery in most severe cases. The best thing you can do right away is have your back discomfort analyzed by a health care practitioner first to rule out any cases where more intense treatment would be required.