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What Are The Treatments For Lower Back Pain? |
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The findings of several studies point to the aging
process as a major contributive factor in the development of low back
pain between these ages. However, the condition has also been found to
occur as a result of sedentary lifestyles with too little exercise, or
too much exercise which the body is not accustomed to.
But, while low back pain can be a source of anxiety and great
discomfort for the affected person, much of the low back treatment
options currently available do not necessarily include surgery. In fact,
the most common low back treatments in use today do not involve surgery
at all.
Analgesics, reducing inflammation, preventing recurrence
of episodes, restoring proper function and strength to the back, among
others are the focus of most low back pain treatment methods.
Ice/Heat
Pack
The application of ice or heat packs/compresses as a method of
low back pain treatment has never been scientifically proven. Even so,
it remains the most common quick fix for low back pain. Following
trauma, patients apply these compresses to the affected area to help
reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility.
Suggested
Steps:
Apply ice or cold compress first to the injured area. Keep
the compress on for up to 20 minutes several times a day.
After 2-3
days, apply heat compress for brief periods. This will help relax the
muscles and improve blood flow.
Bed Rest
This form of low back
pain treatment should only be done for a period of one to two days at
most. In a study conducted by Finnish scientists in 1996, it was found
that persons who continued their activities without bed rest after an
episode of low back pain appeared to have better flexibility than those
who stayed in bed for a week. Several studies seem to correlate these
findings as they observed that too much bed rest may make back pain
worse or cause other complications, such as depression, decreased muscle
tone, and blood clots in the legs.
Exercise way to keep active
even while recovering from back pain. This low back pain treatment
method will not only speed up recovery for low back pain but will also
help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. For a list of gentle
exercises that will help you keep your muscles moving and flexible
without exerting too much strain, consult your doctor or therapist.
There
will most likely be mild discomfort in the beginning of the exercises.
However, as your body gradually becomes accustomed to the activity, the
discomfort will disappear. Building and maintaining muscle strength
through this low back pain treatment method is especially important for
those suffering from skeletal irregularities.
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