Whether you have lifted an object that is too heavy or simply have tweaked your back the wrong way, you are likely to feel lower back pain at some point in your life. Whatever has happened to cause your lower back to hurt, there are several things you can do to remedy the problem before going the route of taking prescription drugs.
1. Chiropractic Care
According to Harvard Medical School, a recent study has proven that chiropractic care is an effective way to treat lower back pain. Half of the participants in this 2018 study were treated by a chiropractor for six weeks. Compared to the participants who did not receive chiropractic care, the first half required less pain medication and reported their pain to be less intense. If you are suffering, reach out to a lower back pain chiropractor Austin.
2. Alternate Hot and Cold
Your Austin chiropractor may instruct you to switch between ice and heat to relieve lower back pain. However, it is important to follow this order. When the injury is new, you must ice it first, then use heat.
To begin, apply an ice pack during the first 1-2 days. Keep the ice pack on your lower back for no more than ten minutes at a time. Repeat as often as needed, but allow ten-minute breaks between each application.
After two days have passed, you can begin to apply heat.
3. Consider Acupuncture
A practice that began in China over 2,500 years ago, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at very specific points on the body. It is believed that acupuncture works by restoring the flow of energy in the nervous system by triggering the release of chemicals into the brain, muscles, and spinal cord. An overall sense of well-being is experienced as a result. Back pain is the number one reason that people seek out acupuncture treatments.
4. Redesign Your Workspace
If you sit at a desk all day, you may need to rethink different elements of your workspace. Start with your desk chair. It should be at a height where your feet rest comfortably on the floor, and your knees level with your hips. If your lower back isn’t supported in your chair, purchase a small lumbar pillow to place there.
Also, pay attention to where your frequently used objects are placed. If they are too far away from you, this can cause repeated twisting that can cause your lower back to become strained. Keep things such as your phone, pens, and notepads within easy reach to avoid this from happening.
You don’t have to live with lower back pain. Following these alternative methods of treatment will put you on the road to healing.