4 Natural Remedies for Lower Back Pain Relief

For many people, particularly older individuals, experiencing lower back pain is almost inevitable. According to a Harvard Health Publishing report entitled “A Guide to Men’s Health Fifty and Forward,” approximately 80 percent of the population will suffer from back pain at least temporarily at some point of their lives. The report also showed that back pain doesn’t discriminate – it strikes men and women in equal measure.

What’s responsible for this “epidemic” of temporary and chronic low back pain? In many cases, it’s age. As time passes, the bones and joints in your lower back suffer wear and tear, which may cause them to become fragmented. The structural changes that occur in your bones and joints may result in back pain.

Although it’s not as common, a herniated disc can also cause back pain. When a disc pushes outside of the space between your back bones, it can compress the nerve located at the point where it stems from your spine. When this happens to your sciatic nerve, which is the nerve that leads to your hindquarters and legs, it can cause severe pain that’s referred to as “sciatica.”

Here are some other things that can cause lower back pain:

• Overuse
• Unusual physical activity
• Heavy lifting
• Accidents

In general, it’s wise to wait a few days to see if your back pain will resolve itself. As you wait, you can try some natural remedies for back pain relief that may lessen your discomfort and expedite your recovery.

Cold and Heat Therapy

Immediately after the onset of back pain, you should treat the affected area with cold compresses, not heat. The cold will numb the area and reduce any swelling you’ve experienced. After two days, it’s advisable to switch to a heating pad or hot water bottle to treat your back. The heat will relax your sore muscles and facilitate blood flow in the area, which will help your back to get better.

Physical Activity

While it may seem counterintuitive, physical activity can help heal a painful back. By staying active, you’ll prevent your back muscles from becoming stiff and possibly even more painful. In addition, physical activity can help to prevent future back pain and improve your overall function.

Bed Rest

Although it’s best to stay active, bed rest is sometimes recommended in cases where a person’s lower back pain is so severe that it’s excruciating to sit or stand. If you’re going to rest in bed, it’s essential that you only do so for a few hours each day and that your bed rest regimen only lasts one or two days at the most.

Natural Remedies Outside of Your Home

As you would expect, there is an assortment of natural remedies for back pain relief that are available outside of your home. Here are a few of them:

• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Spinal manipulation
• Massage
• Movement therapies like yoga

Schedule an Appointment with Branko PRPA M.D. Spine Surgery

If your back pain persists for more than three or four days despite your best efforts to feel better, it’s time to see a doctor. If you’re experiencing back pain that just won’t quit no matter what you do, schedule a consultation with Branko PRPA M.D. Spine Surgery now. With three greater Milwaukee, WI locations, Dr. Branko Prpa makes it convenient to get the pain relief you need to restore your quality of life. Make an appointment today!