Tips for Lower Back Pain Relief

Lower back pain affects millions of people each day. It can range from an ache to a debilitating pain that requires medical attention. If you have a history of lower back pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. There are some simple things you can do at home to help relieve lower back pain. You don't have to suffer, here are some tips you can use to relieve lower back pain at home.
Over the Counter Medications
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help to reduce inflammation in the area causing you pain. They are an effective over the counter choice for treating back pain. Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Alleve) are examples of NSAIDS you can get at your local store. Be aware however that these medications can cause stomach upset, and if used as a long term solution may increase the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also an effective pain reliever. Acetaminophen works differently than NSAIDS in that it works on the nerves to relieve the pain instead of reducing inflammation. According to the Mayo Clinic acetaminophen is just as effective as NSAIDS for back pain relief. If you're concerned about the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, acetaminophen may be a good choice for you. Check with your doctor if you're unsure which over the counter oral medication is best for you.
Topical Options

Deep heat lotions are a popular choice. They work by heating up the area affected and some people have reported relief from pain from these lotions. Ice packs and heat have also been shown to give relief from back pain. Alternating ice and heat may help to reduce inflammation and relax your muscles to give you relief.
Be careful not to use your heating pad on high to prevent burns. You may want to use a warm damp towel directly on your skin, cover the towel with a sheet of cling wrap and a towel, and then apply the heating pad to the towel. This will give you a moist heat that is very soothing. Also do not place ice directly on your skin. Place the ice in a zippered bag, wrap it in a soft towel, and then place it on your back.
Stretching Exercises
Many people find that stretching exercises help to relive back pain. One example of a stretching exercise if to place your hands on a counter and place one foot out behind you like you're going to do squats. Next bend your leg nearest to the counter while slowly leaning back on the extended leg. Repeat this exercise five or six times, and then change the position of your legs. This exercise stretches and strengthens your back muscles. Take it slowly and check with your doctor about which exercises are best for your condition. Laying with your legs up on a few pillows to stretch your back muscles can also help, as will sleeping with a pillow between your legs if you are a side sleeper.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, check with your doctor to rule out any causes such as a kidney stone or UTI. Most doctors recommend returning to normal activities as soon as possible, and do not recommend more than a 48 hour down time. Try these simple home remedies to see if they help you get relief from lower back pain.

By Kathryn McDowell

Lower Back Pain Remedies - Chinese Style

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its 2500 year old history, offers many lower back pain remedies - lower back stretches and strengthening exercises, massage techniques, acupuncture, herbal remedies, liniments, sticking plasters and others. Some require a trained TCM practitioner to administer them, while others can be easily learned andapplied by anyone. This article introduces some effective low back pain remedies and stretches that you can apply yourself to relieve and prevent low back pain.

Lower Back Stretches

Breath slowly, smoothly and deeply through your nose while doing the exercises.

Exercise 1. Lie on your back on a firm bed or the floor. Gently bring your knees up until they're above your abdominal area. Spread your knees a little and grab the inside of your shins just below your knees, or the inside of your ankles if you can. Inhale. As you exhale let your knees naturally fall further out to the side with gravity. Focus your mind on your back (closing your eyes helps). Feel your inner thighs stretching and your back relaxing. Hold the position for a few minutes as you continue to breath slowly, smoothly and deeply. This exercise stretches and relaxes your iliopsoas muscle which connects from your lumbar vertebrae to the inside of your hip joints. Tension in this muscle often causes and/or aggravates low back pain.

Exercise 2. Lean across a table and grab the far edge with both hands. Your torso should be on the table and your legs hanging from the edge. Inhale. As you exhale, let gravity naturally pull your legs down towards the floor. Feel your back stretching. Hold the position for several minutes as you continue slow, deep breathing. Focus your mind on your back (closing your eyes helps) and imagine the pain releasing with each exhalation. Repeat several times a day.

Low Back Pain Remedies

1. Ginger & Sesame Oil Liniment

Mix together equal parts of pure sesame oil and the juice from grated ginger. Heat in a pot till warm. Apply a small amount to the painful area and rub it in for a couple of minutes. It should be applied to unbroken skin only. Ginger and sesame oil liniment is a superb, easy-to-make, home remedy for back ache and other aches and pains. It warms, circulates your blood and stops pain. You can safely apply it several times a day, particularly after showering and before bed. Make sure you pull your clothing down over your back immediately after to keep the area warm. Also, while it's normal for your skin to become hot and turn red after you apply the liniment, if a rash develops discontinue use.

2. Low Back Self-Massage

Can be done standing or sitting. With fists clenched (not too tightly), use the backs of your hands, including your knuckles, to vigorously rub your lower back up and down for several minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. Rub close to your spine and also the sides of your back - where ever you experience pain and stiffness. Self-massage is a highly beneficial low back pain remedy you can do anytime, anywhere to relieve and prevent low back pain. Massage warms the area, moves the blood and directly stimulates your kidneys, which helps to maintain a strong, healthy lower back.

Tip: To greatly enhance the effects of the above lower back pain remedies and lower back stretches, combine them. For example, lie down and do the first 2 stretches, then stand up and do the lower back self-massage, then apply some Ginger & Sesame Oil Liniment. You know your body best though, so experiment till you find what works best for your particular situation.

By Matthew Scott

Please! No More Lower Back Pain

Back pain symptoms can be as minor as a dull ache or as painful as a stabbing sensation. Injury, heavy lifting, and sleeping on a sagging mattress can all lead to back pain. This type of pain can make daily tasks and sleeping very uncomfortable and sometimes impossible.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of lower back problems. However, there are some common culprits to watch for:

• Unsupportive, Sagging Mattress
• Overzealous Workout
• Heavy Lifting
• Overstuffed Bags and Purses
• Bad Posture
• Spinal Problems or Herniated Discs

Treatment Options at Home

There are numerous treatment options you can easily try in your home. If you have a sagging mattress you can replace your sagging mattress or use a support system you insert under the sagging mattress. For dull pains you can try to relieve symptoms by taking a warm bath or cautiously applying a heating pad to the tender area.

Yoga helps prevent back pain but also helps relieve symptoms of lower back pain. Essential oils can also help relieve symptoms and can be used to prevent muscle strains in the lower back. Lie down on a non-sagging mattress and have your partner gently massage your lower back.

Other home prevention and treatment options are even simpler than replacing your sagging mattress. Lifting heavy objects with your legs rather than your back can make a big difference in preventing back pain.

Seeking Treatment from a Professional

Chiropractors and message therapists use various techniques developed to treat lower back pain. Some techniques include spinal manipulation, deep tissue massage, or acupressure. Studies have shown that massage therapy can help reduce symptoms of chronic lower back pain.

Acupuncture has worked for many to reduce symptoms of any back problems. Some also choose physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and educate on beneficial stretches and exercise routines that will relieve and prevent back pain. Professionals can direct you as to which treatment methods are best and may advise you to replace your sagging mattress and purchase a more supportive sleeping surface.

Pay attention to your body. Feel for signs of pain more often than you would check to see if you have a sagging mattress or not. If back problems persist or become worse after trying these treatment options you may choose to visit your physician and receive x-rays to ensure the spine is unharmed.

You have to care to your sleep, sleeping well is the basis of your day and could also even mean how you develop your day-to-day lifestyle with your success and failures too. Sleeping well will keep you in a good mood, and of course keeping you away from any inconvenience and pain that you might have.

Having the best mattress for lower back pain will keep you out to any problems that you might have because you are not sleeping well. Get the night sleep you deserve and the facts right.

By David I Marquez

Ovarian Cysts and Back Pain - Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Backaches?

Ovarian cysts and back pain can go hand in hand for women who are suffering from this condition.  The pain is not specific to backaches, it can be experienced in other areas of the body (pelvis, abdomen, whilst urinating or during bowel movements) and the severity is specific to each woman and the type and size of the cysts she has.

This article will focus on ovarian cysts and back pain ...

The problems usually start when a cyst begins to grow in size.  A common complaint is when it puts pressure on the bladder causing you to visit the toilet more often.  The cyst can also press against other organs which is usually the culprit for causing lower back pain.

So the answer to "can an ovarian cyst cause backaches" is a resounding YES!

I've experienced mild back pain which grew in intensity and I could hardly get through the normal activities I'd normally do in an average day.  That really depressed me and I felt hopeless.

I think I was also stressing myself out about the thought of surgery if the cysts did not shrink on their own.  Willing them to go away doesn't work unfortunately!

While my cysts were in observation mode I took the time to do some research to see if I could do anything to give the cysts a helping hand to stop using my ovaries as a home.

I came across a guide about natural remedies and knew it was my last attempt to avoid surgery.  Ovarian cysts and back pain are enough to make you try anything and I'm glad I did.  I'll be forever thankful to the author of the guide and I've provided a review of it for you below.  She's been through it and knows what it's like to live with this condition.

If you want to cure ovarian cysts naturally and avoid risky surgery

By Lyn Taylor