Four commonly asked questions about lower back pain
Lower back pain is a common problem that most humans tend to experience at some point in their life. It is one of the most common reasons for people to go to the doctor and miss work. It is also considered as a leading cause of disability worldwide.
The weight of the upper body and providing mobility required for everyday motions like twisting and bending is supported by the lower back.

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?
Specifically identifying and describing the symptoms can help in diagnosing lower back pain and treating it effectively.

• The lower back pain is characterized by the combination of symptoms like dull and aching pain; pain that gets worse after sitting for a long time; pain traveling to the from the buttocks to the thighs, to the calves, to the feet; and pain that feels better after changing sleeping/sitting positions.
• The onset of symptoms can vary widely from person-to-person depending on the cause of pain in the lower back. The pain can develop over time, it can start immediately after an injury, occasional pain that worsens over time, and delayed symptoms of pain after an injury.
• Symptoms like loss of bladder or bowel control, fever and chills, unexplained weight loss, and unrelenting pain in the abdomen require immediate attention.

What are the early treatment options for lower back pain?
The type of lower back pain treatment depends upon the cause and the intensity of the pain. Below are some of the common early lower back pain treatments:

• Medical treatments – Muscle relaxants play the role of a depressant for the central nervous system and also help in increasing the mobility of tense muscles. Painkillers or narcotic medications are prescribed by the doctor for weakening the pain signals sent to the brain.
• Back braces- To provide comfort and even reduce the pain, some patients use back braces. There are some pieces of evidence which state that using an elastic corset-style brace daily in combination with physical therapy exercise program help in reducing pain and speed-up the process of healing.
• Epidural steroid therapy – This lower back pain treatment involves a steroid being administered directly into the outer part of the dural sac that surrounds the spinal cord. The goal of this injection is to provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation.

What are some of the home remedies for treating back pain?
When the back pain is not severe, home remedies prove to be extremely effective for lower back pain treatment. Below are some of the home remedies for treating back pain:

• Yoga – Yoga helps in reducing pain. It is found that people who perform yoga consistently and routinely experience a decrease in the symptoms of back pain. Conventional stretching exercises have proven effective as well in easing the lower back pain.
• Massage therapy- Massage therapy helps in relieving chronic back pain, especially, when combined with stretching exercises.
• Acupuncture- After receiving acupuncture treatment, people with chronic and acute lower back pain tend to show improvement in their condition.
• Getting enough sleep- Sleep helps in the relaxation of both body and mind. Insomnia tends to have a negative impact on one’s lower back pain.

How can one prevent lower back pain?
A person can reduce the chances of experiencing lower back pain by making some healthy and positive changes in their lifestyle. Below are some simple ways to prevent lower back pain:

• Consuming healthy foods that help in maintaining a healthy body weight
• Avoid sitting for a long time
• Maintaining a proper posture
• Getting sufficient sleep every day
• Quitting smoking
• While lifting any objects, using proper techniques and lifting from legs rather than back
• Getting regular exercise to keep the back muscles flexible and fit

lower back pain treatment