Lower back pain can have many causes and it is important to understand the actual source of your pain before you can begin any advanced forms of treatment. If your pain is the result of an unknown injury, or if it does not improve after three days, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Meanwhile, there are several things you can do to control pain at home.
Medication
Aspirin (such as Bayer or Exedrin), acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofin (such as Motrin) and naproxen sodium, (such as Aleve) or other over-the-counter (OTC), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), usually help relieve mild or moderate pain and reduce inflammation, stiffness and swelling.
Though milder than most prescription drugs, none of these OTC medications should be taken for longer periods of time than are recommended on their labels without a doctor's recommendation because they carry a small but significant risk of inducing serious side effects.
Ice and Heat
Initially, an ice pack applied to the lower back, three or four times a day for 15 or 20 minutes, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. After a couple of days, however, switch to heating pad or heating lamp and warm baths to increase blood flow to the injured area and relax surrounding muscles.
Creams, sprays and pads that contain topical analgesics and anti-irritants can also be applied to the skin to provide coolness or warmth.
Exercise
Stretching, walking, swimming and certain yoga and tai chi movements are generally considered good exercises for the lower back. The goal is to stretch and build up muscles, ease pain and hasten recovery.
Clear all lower back exercises with a doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist before you begin to practice. It is just as easy to do further damage by exercising the wrong way as it is to improve your condition by exercising the right way.
Additional Options for Severe Pain
There are other treatments: Accupuncture to trigger the release of natural pain killers in the body; spinal manipulations to restore mobility; biofeedback to change your response to pain; anesthetic and steroid injections to block nerves that transmit pain; and ultrasound as a muscle relaxant are some of the potential lower back pain treatments you can discuss with your doctor.
Some particularly severe and chronic forms of back pain may be treated with prescription medications, such as opioids, anticonvulsants and certain types antidepressants that reduce pain and help you sleep. Many of these drugs are only for short-term use; however, because the side effects may ultimately outweigh the benefits. Traction and back surgery may be considered in cases that do not respond to other treatments.
