Lower back pain, also known as pain in the lower back region, is a common physical ailment affecting millions worldwide. According to published research articles, eight out of ten Americans suffer from lower back pain at least once in their lifetime.
Lower back pain can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating pain. It can be caused by poor body posture, trauma or injuries, muscle strains, or underlying medical conditions.
Introduction
The lower back, also known as the lumbar region, comprises five vertebrae and supporting structures like muscles, ligaments, and nerves. When any of these structures are strained or damaged, it can lead to lower back pain. Lower back pain most commonly affects athletes, desk-bound office workers, and middle aged men and women.
What to do now?
If you are suffering from lower back pain here are few steps that can help you relieve your discomfort
Rest is an essential component in the recovery process from body pain. Due to the overuse, muscles get fatigued, needing time to heal and regenerate. Resting the affected area reduces the stress and strain on the muscles, allowing them to recover more quickly. Especially if you are an athlete or a weightlifter experiencing sudden lower back pain, take a break from activities that can aggravate your lower back pain. Take rest for a few days, not too long. This will help you reduce inflammation and pain.
Do light physical activities
Complete bed rest is not advised by clinicians. Being sedentary allows the back muscles to become weak. Being bedridden for a more extended period is not proven to be helpful. It can have a destructive impact on your body and mind. So it is advised to do light physical activities and routine work that is not harmful to your back injury.
Apply ice or heat
Ice or heat benefits the injured tissues. Heat is helpful to relax muscles, and ice helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. Apply ice or heat to the affected body region for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day.
Exercise
Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help relieve back pain by strengthening the muscles in your back and improving flexibility.
Take Over-the-counter pain relievers:
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation and help with muscular aches and stiffness. These are generally safe if used as directed. But overuse or misuse of these medications can lead to several side effects, including stomach pain, kidney and liver damage, dependence, and increased risk of bleeding
Pulsed electromagnetic devices:
PEMF therapy is a type of therapy that uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate healing in the body. Electromagnetic waves penetrate the body and can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular repair. Studies have found that PEMF therapy can effectively reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain.
Practising good posture:
Make sure you are sitting and standing with good posture to reduce strain on your lower back. It eases pressure on your lower back and prevents injuries. Keep your feet flat on the floor, Sit up straight, Use a chair with good support, Take frequent breaks to avoid prolonged sitting, and When lifting heavy objects, keep your back straight and use your legs to lift, rather than bending at the waist.
Doing stretch exercises
Perform gentle stretching exercises for your back to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Some important stretch exercises are knee-to-chest, cat-cow, Child’s pose, Spinal twist, and Hamstring stretch. It’s also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard when stretching. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop stretching your body.
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can be essential in preventing and managing back pain. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, limiting processed foods and sugar, avoiding foods that trigger inflammation, maintaining a healthy weight, considering supplements, and consulting a registered dietitian can support overall spine health and reduce your risk of back pain.
If your back pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or weakness, seek medical attention to rule out underlying medical conditions and get appropriate treatment.
DCcure – an FDA-listed device for lower back pain
DCcure is a device that uses PEMF therapy for its functioning. It is safe when used as directed. It is affordable to relieve acute and chronic lower back pain. A clinical trial assures its safety. The device employs electromagnetic waves to stimulate the muscles and nerves in the affected area of the lower back, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Clinical Trial on DCcure – lower back pain relief device
A clinical trial was conducted in the year 2019. Forty-two patients suffering from non-specific lower back pain 18-75 years of age were included. The clinical trial concluded that the device is safe and effective for patients experiencing non-specific low back pain (NLBP). No side effects were seen.