Conservative Approaches To Lower Back Pain

Low back pain can really be a pain when you lead a busy life. The pain that is felt due to lower back pain is something that originated from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. The pain may be sudden, also called a chronic pain, it can be felt constantly, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. About nine out of ten adults experience low back pain at some point in their life, and five out of ten working adults have low back pain every year due to the fast pace jobs and job requirements.

Heat therapy is useful for back spasms. Heat therapy can reduce symptoms of acute and sub-acute low-back pain. Some patients find that moist heat works best. Examples are a hot bath or whirlpool. A continuous low-level heat such as a heat wrap that stays warm for 4 to 6 hours is also recommended. Cold therapy such as an ice or cold pack application may be effective at relieving back pain in some cases. You might be able to obtain these types of treatments at your chiropractor.

Medications, such as muscle relaxants, narcotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol can also help ease the pain, but only offer minimal assistance in curing your lower back pain. Herbal medicines may also be effective and have longer lasting effects without all of the side effects that come with prescription medication.

Exercises can also be effective in reducing the pain, particularly when done under the supervision of a physical therapist or a chiropractor. Some form of consistent stretching and exercise is believed to be an essential component of most back treatment programs. Your chiropractor will be able to suggest exercises and stretching movements that might work best for your individual case and issues.

Massage therapy, especially from an experienced therapist, may help. Acupressure or pressure point massage may be more beneficial than classic massage.

Acupuncture has only a small benefit for chronic back pain. Studies show that "for chronic low-back pain, acupuncture is more effective for pain relief and functional improvement than no treatment or sham treatment immediately after treatment and in the short-term only. Acupuncture is not more effective than other conventional and alternative treatments."

Body Awareness Therapy such as the Feldenkrais Method has been studied and studies have indicated positive effects. Organized exercise programs using these therapies have been developed.

Manipulation, as provided by an appropriately trained and qualified chiropractor could also be the answer to your lower back pain problems. A chiropractor can adjust or manipulate the bones and muscles in your lower back and by doing so you will be able to feel the relief from the lower back pain you are experiencing.

While you might be able to obtain certain prescription drugs from your primary care doctor to relieve the pain caused by your lower back muscles a chiropractor can offer an even better treatment plan that will not only ease the pain but will be drug and side effect free.