How Can I Manage Lower Back Pain?

Are you trying to stay active despite your lower back pain?

Do you stretch and do exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles?

Do you have good posture?

Do you know that you can put a rolled-up towel under your pelvis while lying down to relieve pain?

Do you use ice packs or warm compresses to relieve back pain?

Are you trying to achieve or maintain a healthy weight?

Have you stopped smoking?

Do you use over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs - aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) and acetaminophen?

Do you use skin creams, salves, ointments, or patches?

Do you take vitamin D supplements, or magnesium supplements recommended by your doctor?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage lower back pain. It is important to stay active. Engage in daily activities or at least walk for about 30 minutes. The goal is not to allow your back muscles to become weak. Weak muscles will give less support to the spine, which can result in chronic pain. Stretch and strengthen your abdominal muscles, because strong abdominal muscles provide good back support. You can put a rolled-up towel under your pelvis while lying down. If the inflammation causes you pain, you can use ice, while the heating pad is better for relaxing tight muscles.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage lower back pain. Good posture can relieve pressure on the lower back. You can use stretchy straps to make sure your spine is straight. If you work on a computer, occasionally get up, stretch, and walk around. Try to achieve or maintain a healthy weight because being overweight puts an extra load on your back. Quit smoking because nicotine contributes to weakening of the spine. You can use over-the-counter pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs - aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen), and acetaminophen. Various skin creams, ointments or patches can cool or heat sore muscles.