How to Treat Lumbar Back Pain

Lumbar back pain is pain which is felt in the lower back. Lumbar refers to a region of the spine that consists of 5 vertebrae which make up the largest and strongest movable portion of the spinal column. Our lower backs are susceptible to injury since they bear the most weight and provide the most flexibility.

Here's how to treat lumbar back pain:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. REST
   Rest is probably the most important way to treat pain in the lower back. Lower back pain is often the cause of muscle strain so it is important that you don't irritate the muscles any further with activity. If your back pain is severe, you may be confined to bed but don't remain in bed longer than two or three days. Staying in bed for too long can lead to more severe and persistent back pain.

2. MEDICATIONS
   Medication is often recommended to treat lumbar back pain. This can consist of various over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or topical creams meant for pain such as Bengay. Prescription medications are sometimes given to treat lower back pain such as various narcotic pain medications. Some of the more common pain prescriptions written for pain include **** and ****. These can help greatly with lumbar back pain but also have the chances of causing an addiction. Muscle relaxers are also prescribed for lower back pain but can also cause patients become addicted.

3. HEAT
   Heat applications such as the use of a hot water bottle, heat packs, or even a hot bath, can help ease pain felt in the lower back. Heat also helps with muscle spasms.

4. PHYSICAL THERAPY
   Visiting a physical therapist to design an exercise plan will greatly benefit most people with lumbar back pain. Physical therapy will likely consist of exercises and stretches dealing with the lower back. Other forms of physical therapy to treat lower back pain include aquatherapy and electrical stimulation therapy. You should visit a specialist however before choosing any new exercise routine to treat your pain.

5. CORTISONE INJECTIONS
   Cortisone steroid injections are often given to treat lumbar back pain. These injections are administered and add the medication directly around the spinal nerves. These are called epidural steroid injections and can help greatly with pain and inflammation.

6. SURGERY
   Surgery is another option for lumbar back pain but should always be the last option chosen A few of the different surgeries performed to help relieve lower back pain include: discectomy, foramenotomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and spinal disc replacement.

Resources

• Natural Relief for Cramps and Pains in Lower Back
• Back Magic - Helps Relieve a Sore Back
• BioFreeze - Fast Pain Relief Gel
• Body Glove 90121 Accupressure Breathable Neoprene Back Support, Black, Medium

[lucindaroth]

on 6/30/2009 A lot of people suffer from this. Thank you for the information