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Whether
your low back pain is mild or severe, home treatment will be an important part
of your care.
Acute
low back pain
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Try
first aid for back pain in the first few days after back pain starts.
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Ease
back into your daily activities. Studies show that bed rest does not relieve
pain better than staying active. And bed rest can lead to a decrease in your
ability to function. But you may need to
reduce your activity level. Avoid activities that cause back pain, such as
prolonged sitting.
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Use
nonprescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and apply ice or heat to your back to
reduce back pain.
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A
medium-firm mattress is likely to be more comfortable than either a soft or
a firm mattress.
Ongoing
(chronic) low back pain
To
help relieve chronic low back pain, always try to:
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Exercise
to help relieve back pain. See a physical therapist or other spine
specialist for exercises specific to your condition. Studies show that doing
exercises can help people with chronic low back pain return to their normal
daily activities.
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Reduce
the stress in your life.
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Get
the support you need. Work with your doctor to come up with a chronic pain
treatment plan. Ask family members or friends when you need a helping hand.
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Achieve
and maintain a Weight Management.
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Try
not to bend or twist your back as you lie down.
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Avoid
tobacco smoke. Smoking slows tissue healing.
Think
through your daily activities and change those that may be causing back pain.
Your list might include lifting a small child throughout the day, a long commute
to work, sitting in front of a computer all day, wearing high-heeled shoes, or
doing yard work or landscaping work.
Many
people who have low back pain, or leg pain from a low back problem, notice that
the pain interferes with sexual activity. Talk with your partner and perhaps
your doctor about this. You may be able to find different positions for sex that
are comfortable for you.
If
you think your activities at work are causing back problems, information is
available from your human resources department or the Occupational Health and
Safety Administration (OSHA) within the U.S. Department of Labor. For contact
information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic. Many
businesses require or recommend the use of back belts at work, although there is
no evidence that they reduce back injury.
Reference
from Healthwise
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