How to Deal with Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be difficult to manage, but with the right advice you can lessen the pain and prevent future flare ups. Here are some tips for dealing with this type of back pain.
Seek advice if it’s serious
Before we go any further, it’s important to seek medical advice if your back pain is serious. That means if you've been injured in any way, and you're in a lot of pain, you should see a doctor. This article will focus on mild back pain that you may experience on an everyday basis.
One of the best things you can do to ease your discomfort is to purchase a lumbar pillow. These pillows cradle the curve of your spine, and can be used on any chair in your home as well as your car seat. You can even take them travelling with you to use on airplane seats. The pillow will support your spine and ease any pain and stiffness you might experience whilst sitting. It's a very handy accessory to have at your disposal.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but if you're experiencing back pain, the last thing you should do is stop moving about and stay stationary. This is likely to lead to more stiffness and won't help your back pain. Instead, you should gently go about your normal daily activities such as household chores or walking the dog. Once your spine has improved and you feel better, you can also try some gentle exercise to keep things supple and mobile - swimming is an excellent choice that can help to strengthen the back. Exercises that strengthen the pelvis, hip and abdominal muscles are also great for supporting the back and preventing future flare ups.
A simple over-the-counter pain relief tablet can help to ease the discomfort and inflammation of back pain. Get advice from your pharmacist if you're not sure which one to choose. There are a lot of options out there, including paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen. Make sure these tablets don't interfere with any medication you're currently taking and always read the leaflet before taking them.
If you sit at a desk all day whilst working, make sure your work space is ergonomically sound. This means having your computer screen level with your eyes and being seated at the correct height for your desk. This will prevent you from hunching forward or straining your neck to see your screen. There are lots of videos online that will show you the correct settings for your desk and chair. Lastly, make sure your desk chair is one that's supporting your back and not causing further issues.