How to Treat Pain in the Lower Back at Home

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By Angie Shiflett
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If you have been interested in learning how to treat pain in the lower back at home, you will likely benefit from reading this how to guide. Prior to engaging in pain management at home, it is important to understand that this type of pain is not a condition in itself, but a symptom of another condition that is occurring within the body. Medical professionals often call this type of discomfort “referred pain”. You could have a condition that affects the roots of the nerves, an abdominal disorder, a disc alignment issue, degeneration, and/or similar medical conditions. It is essential that you seek medical attention for back pain in order to determine the underlying cause. Once that is discovered, you can use the following strategies in order to obtain the relief that you require to be comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Many individuals believe that when they experience pain in the lower back that they should rest in bed. To a degree, this is appropriate – but only if the pain is directly related to muscle complications and/or injuries. Rest will allow your body to engage in the natural healing process. However, it is important to indulge in this type of home treatment only if recommended by a medical professional because of the fact that unwanted complications may arise as a direct result of too much bed rest such as a decline in the tone of the muscles as well as the clotting of blood in the legs.
Step 2

There are many over-the-counter medications that can be beneficial when it comes to treating lower back pain at home. When seeking OTC medication for pain, it is important to look for two main ingredients. These ingredients are Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. If you experience gastrointestinal complications, such as ulcers, it is important to ask your doctor if Ibuprofen based medications is an appropriate form of treatment. Acetaminophen based products are not considered to be a threat upon ulcers that may be in the gastrointestinal tract, but can be for individuals who have been found to have an allergy to the substance.
Step 3

There are many topical creams and ointments that can be purchased over-the-counter that may prove to be especially helpful when treating lower back pain at home. Topical means that they are applied directly to the skin, where the pain is the most severe. Items that “cool” or “heat” the skin such as Stopain®, ThermaCare®, ActivON®, Aspercreme®, and IcyHot® can assist in reducing the amount of pain that is experienced.
Step 4

When lying down while suffering from lower back pain, you can lie flat on the back and put a pillow or two underneath the knees. In addition to this, it has been found to be comforting to lay on the side and place a pillow between the knee area. This often assists in relieving the stress that is placed on the back during times when pain is being experienced.
Step 5

If you want to treat lower back pain at home, implementing the use of a heating pad and an ice pack may prove to be extremely helpful. If you elect to use these products, it is important to know and understand that heat and cold should be switched out regularly. Many people will place a heating pad on the lower back area for fifteen to thirty minutes at a time and then move the ice pack in place for fifteen to thirty minutes. This will assist in not only the pain that is occurring but also any inflammation that may be present. There are many ways to treat lower back pain at home. By using the steps outlined here, you are sure to experience the relief that you seek!

Comments

meridians said

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on 11/1/2009 Thanks for the helpful information!

kip29 said

on 7/15/2009 This is great advice. I think that for me, step # 4 concerning laying down with my legs slightly elevated is my preferred method to relieve back pain...

momose said

on 7/12/2009 Good, commonsense suggestions for how to treat pain in the lower back at home. It can be difficult to find that balance between rest and more strenuous therapy. Thanks for the tips! *****