Lower back pain is a typical ailment that affects people of all ages. Back pain is caused due to several reasons, but the good news is that it can be treated and managed.
This blog post, by Quality Recovery, will discuss some of the most effective ways to rehabilitate the lower back. We will also provide tips on preventing it from happening again in the future. So if you are suffering from chronic back pain, read on for some helpful advice!
Chronic Back Pain:
We will discuss chronic back pain, defined as pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. This type of pain might be pretty distressing and make your life difficult.
There are several causes of chronic back pain, but the most common ones are:
Herniated Disc: It is a condition in which the gel-like material inside the disc pushes out through a crack in the outer layer. It can cause:
- Pain
- Tingling in the back and legs
- Numbness
Spinal Stenosis is when the spinal canal is compressed due to pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Back, calf, foot discomfort, weakness, and numbness are symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects joints and causes inflammation and discomfort. It affects any joint in the body, including those in the spine.
If you have persistent back pain, you must visit a doctor.
Rehabilitation:
However, there are some things that you can do on your own to help rehabilitate lower back pain. The first step is to identify what is causing your pain. Once you know the cause, you can begin to address it.
Once you’ve found out what’s causing your back discomfort, there are several things you can do to repair it and decrease the amount of pain you experience.
Some common treatments include:
Medication: Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Prescription medications assist with inflammation, spasms, and muscular discomfort.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can show you how to stretch and strengthen your back muscles and teach you to correct poor posture and alignment.
Massage: Massage therapy can help to relieve tension in the muscles and improve blood circulation.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that employs needles to stimulate specific body regions. It has been found to aid in the relief of pain.
Bracing: A brace may be your safest choice to help support your back and keep it in a neutral position.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to help relieve pain and improve function.
In addition, there are some general tips that you can follow to help keep your back healthy and pain-free:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise
- Watch your posture
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Use a chair with good support
Quality Recovery, serving Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding area, offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for people with chronic back pain. We specialize in helping our patients return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. Get started and schedule a consultation!