Has stiffness in your lower back caused you pain while sitting or walking for a long time? Is it a struggle to get out of bed every morning because your back muscles are tight? Are you constantly applying heat or ice packs to your back, in an attempt to loosen up your muscles?
Rest assured, if you answered “yes” to any of these questions you are not alone. In fact, lower back pain is one of the most common complaints that adults report to their medical professionals. Whether the pain is caused by injury or a chronic disease, there are a number of safe and effective treatment measures.
If you are ready to alleviate the discomfort of lower back pain and improve your quality of life, then it’s time to harness a deeper understanding of the causes and symptoms of lower back pain. Read on to explore the facts of lower back pain, in addition to holistic treatments that have demonstrated success for many patients.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
There are a number of lower back pain causes, with the most prominent being a muscle or ligament sprain. This type of injury can happen suddenly, such as when you lift something too heavy or get knocked the wrong way during a football game. Many times, a lower back injury due to a strained muscle will heal on its own. However, the pain associated with this type of discomfort is usually severe and sharp, preventing one from moving for an extended period of time.
Chronic causes of lower back pain are also common, especially among older adults. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that wears down the discs and joints of the lower spine, leading to pain and inflammation. Spinal stenosis is another type of chronic condition that leads to a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in the nerve roots being irritated and causing pain.
What Symptoms are Related to Lower Back Pain?
The symptoms related to lower back pain can range from a dull, radiating pain, to a sharp, intense sensation. Depending on the cause of your pain, you may experience a combination of these symptoms.
You may also feel these symptoms more after prolonged sitting, as this act puts pressure on the discs and can cause further inflammation. The morning may also be a difficult time for your pain, as symptoms are typically exacerbated after staying in a sedentary position all night. However, many people report their symptoms improving after moving around throughout the day.
What Treatments Can Help Lower Back Pain?
While there are a number of causes and symptoms associated with lower back pain, there is an equal number of treatments. However, before you start with more invasive methods, such as medication or epidural injections, you may want to consider more holistic treatment methods.
If you experience chronic lower back pain, you may want to get in the habit of stretching each day, whenever you have some free time. There are a number of stretches for lower back pain, and if done properly, stretching can alleviate muscle inflammation and reduce tightness. Manual manipulation is also an option, and a certified massage therapist will apply gentle pressure to your back in an effort to relieve your pain and increase your range of motion.
Acupuncture is another form of treatment that has been effective in alleviating the symptoms of lower back pain. This technique is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine and utilizes tiny, metallic needles that are inserted into various points on the body. A certified acupuncturist will pinpoint the exact cause of your lower back pain, and the needles will help stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Alleviate your lower back pain today
If you are ready to experience a life without lower back pain, then it might be time to employ some professional help. Gesund, located in Toronto, ON, Canada, is staffed with acupuncturists, massage therapists, and other medical professionals that are ready to help you relieve your lower back pain. Depending on your symptoms, the cause of your pain, and your treatment goals, you will have a range of services to choose from to meet your specific needs.
Give us a call at 416-913-5170, or visit our website and book an appointment!
