People who suffer from chronic low back pain are not alone. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans experience back pain at any given time, and back pain is the second most common reason that Americans visit their doctors. Many different causes of back pain exist -- car accidents, sports injuries, poor posture, herniated discs and arthritis, to name just a few. Back pain can interfere with activities of daily living, but most bouts of back pain are not serious. Relief may be found through various home treatments.
Remain Active
The prevailing wisdom in past years had been that bed rest may be helpful in cases of back pain, but according to the Mayo Clinic, more than a couple of days of rest may cause more harm than good. Gentle but consistent movements, such as stretching or walking, may be helpful in relieving pain. Sitting for long periods of time is one of the primary reasons people develop chronic back problems. Exercises designed to strengthen back and abdominal muscles can be an effective way of reducing stress on the back.
Heat
Chronic back pain may respond well to the application of heat over the affected area. Heat is generally very successful at reducing muscle tension or spasm and restoring blood flow to the area. Since water conducts heat very effectively, a moist source of heat, such as a steamed towel, is preferred. It should be applied to the painful area for 20 to 30 minutes every few hours.
Weight Loss
The spine is designed to carry the body's weight during rest and activity. When an individual is overweight, the spine and surrounding musculature are required to endure a great amount of excess stress, which can degenerate the joints and soft tissues, leading to back pain. Being overweight or obese can contribute to symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis and spinal stenosis. Losing weight is a way to reduce the stress and help relieve back pain.
Medication
Many back pain sufferers find that over-the-counter medications can be helpful in relieving their symptoms. NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, are effective pain relievers and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Back Brace
Back pain can be temporarily relieved, in many instances, by wearing a lumbar support brace. These braces can be helpful, but should not be used for long periods of time as they will lead to muscle atrophy, which can aggravate the underlying cause of the pain. They are designed to be used to give additional support to the back during activity.
New Mattress
Most people spend approximately one-third of their lives in bed. Sleeping on an old or worn-out mattress does not offer the support the spine needs. An individual may find that he wakes up each morning to back pain. It is important to find a mattress that is comfortable and that supports the body's weight appropriately.
