Six Reasons You May Be Having Lower Back Pain And How To Treat It WITHOUT Painkillers

 Lower back pain is a common ailment. In the U.K., it is the leading cause of disability and is responsible for more than one in 10 of all serious health complaints.

Common treatments for lower back pain include prescription painkillers or surgery. Sometimes, patients are advised to simply take a rest. However, studies have shown that simple exercises and stretches are far more effective in relieving lower back pain than conventional remedies.

Antonia Boulton, a registered osteopath and certified nutritional health coach specializing in a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health, shares six most common reasons for lower back pain and natural remedies for it.

Six most common causes of lower back pain and some natural remedies

1. Acute muscle or joint strain — This is one of the most common injuries to the lower back. It often occurs when lifting, over-reaching, or from a sporting activity. Symptoms include muscle spasm, pain, and restricted movement. To treat it naturally, put an ice pack on the area for at least 10 minutes. Repeat this several times until the pain and inflammation subside. If the muscles have tightened up, you could alternate with a hot pack to loosen them up. Make sure to start and finish with the cold pack to ease the inflammation and reduce the pain. Spending hours sitting or lying down could make it worse. When the pain and inflammation have loosened up a little, stretch the area out.
2. Disc prolapse — This is a more serious condition and is considered a medical emergency. A prolapse occurs when the disc, which is a fluid-filled sac located between the vertebrae like a cushion, bulges out of place. It can press on a nerve causing pain or a pins-and-needles sensation down the leg. It mostly occurs when lifting awkwardly or in a sporting injury. Rest is an important treatment for disc prolapse, and once it has settled and on the advice of your healthcare provider, Boulton recommends Pilates to strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen. This will support the lower back and reduce the risk of any further prolapse.
3. Degenerative joint disease — The discs located between the vertebrae in our back become thinner with age, and the joints become more compressed. This wears out the cartilage in between the joints, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. Other causes include an injury or being overweight. Continuous moving (e.g., a mild five-minute walk) or regular moderate-intensity exercises such as yoga and swimming can help prevent this condition. Moreover, adding foods that have anti-inflammatory properties in your regular diet can also do wonders. These foods include those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish, as well as leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds, and garlic. (MORE)

Source: Natural News