What is the Best Treatment for Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints that chiropractors and other healthcare professionals hear about. In fact, it's one of the most prevalent reasons why people visit a doctor or chiropractor.

The good news is that, when it's just related to general tension, rather than any serious injuries or conditions, it can usually be fixed.

Check Your Mattress

Unfortunately, a lot of us keep sleeping on our mattresses past their prime. Given that we do (or are supposed to) spend 8 hours every day there — that’s a third of our lives — it's vital that they have the right support. Most people do well with firmer mattresses but ask your chiropractor or doctor if you have questions. (The same thing goes for pillows.)

Over the Counter Products

When it comes to temporary pain relief, you can always take ibuprofen to ease the pain. But don’t use them too much as you can become dependent on them. Muscle relaxants and topical pain medications can help, and if the pain is terrible, you can also ask your doctor for a cortisone shot or prescription medications.

All of these are just temporary solutions, however. A chiropractor will be able to get to the root of your back pain and recommend some solutions that may solve the problem.

Natural Pain Relief

If you're looking for natural pain relief, exercise is an excellent way of relieving pain because it produces endorphins. And some herbal remedies can help to relieve tension and pain as well. Ginseng, Kava Kava, St. John's Wort, and valerian root are all examples of natural remedies that can help to ease various types of joint and muscle pain, as well as headaches.

Stretches

There are various forms of exercises that you can do to help alleviate back pain, especially if the tension is from sitting at your desk. Yoga is great for most back pain, but you should ask for direction with specific poses if you have something seriously wrong like a slipped disk. Pelvic and ab exercises will help to keep your back loose while strengthening your core.

Massage or Acupuncture

Though it doesn’t work for everyone, acupuncture and massage are both extremely useful, all-natural alternative therapies that can work wonders for pain relief. Both of them may also be used to treat a range of ailments, which may or may not be related to your back pain.

A specific treatment plan should be directed by a healthcare professional. You can use any of these treatments or a combination of them according to your doctor or chiropractor's direction. Be sure to check with a healthcare practitioner before you change your treatment plan.

Finding relief from your bodily aches and pains can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you simply need at-home treatment options or are looking for professional assistance, the treatment options listed above can help you feel like your healthy self once again.