Cure Lower Back Problems With Home Therapy

December 18, 2008 · Filed Under Back Pain Relief, Exercise For Low Back Pain · 1 Comment 

By Obediah Marsh 

Lower back problems are becoming very common in the world today due to more and more people stretching the limits of our muscles and abilities. Athletes are becoming faster, stronger, and more capable every single day. Along with this comes a number of different injuries, with back pain is among the most common. When this pain is due to muscle injury, curing can often be done with home therapy. It is vital that you make certain of the cause of your pain with a doctor before attempting any home therapy.


Once you have verified that a home therapy is safe with your doctor, it is important that you remember that lower back pain is a muscle or tendon that needs time. Methods can be effective quickly, but you still must allow time to heal the wound. Muscles and tendons in the area that are strained must go through a process to heal.

low back painOne effective home therapy is to start an exercise or stretching regimen. This is highly exacting, and should be done to specifically fit your injury. Exercising and stretching will strengthen your lower back and the muscles and tendons that are holding it together. This is the most common home therapy used to cure the problems.

Another effective home therapy for this pain is to firm up that mattress. You should not be sleeping on an overly soft mattress while having back pain. This can cause your posture while sleeping to be skewed and make the lower back pain worse. If you have a softer mattress, then put a board between the mattress and the box spring to firm it up. Also, sleep on your side. This will take pressure off the spine and lower back, and allow healing to occur more quickly.

Regular heat can also be a great way to relieve problems at home. Heating pads, hot baths, and even hot tubs can give some great relief to lower back pain. This allows the injured muscles and tendons to relax.

Home therapy for lower back pain always should be done under the care of a doctor. Before you begin, run the ideas by your doctor and get the okay. With his blessings, these tips for home remedies can be priceless to your recovery, and your comfort in the meantime.

5 Quick Tips to Help Prevent Back Pain

September 17, 2008 · Filed Under Back Pain Relief, Degenerative Disc Disease, low back pain, sciatica · Comment 
Mark R. McLaughlin, MD
Neurosurgeon
Princeton Brain and Spine
Langhorne, PA
Back pain … we all get it sometimes. But there are things you can do to prevent it from happening too often or from becoming too serious. Here’s 5 important ways to prevent back pain:#1 - Get up and get moving
The most important thing you can do to keep your spine healthy, and the rest of your body, is to exercise. The best way to start is to think of an activity that you enjoy, and do it!! Your goal should be to exercise at least 30 minutes each day (or on most days of the week). Whatever activity you choose, make sure it gets you breathing a little harder than usual. This is good for your circulation. Also, include some strength training to keep muscles healthy and strong. Some examples are walking, jogging, biking, swimming, even gardening can be considered exercise if done vigorously!

biking

golf

pool exercise

#2 - See your doctor
Regular checkups with your doctor are really important, no matter what your age. Make a plan to see your physician at least once a year to make sure all your systems are working smoothly. If you are experiencing back pain, and can’t seem to find any relief, it’s definitely time to see your doctor. Today there are many treatment options available so you don’t have to live with back pain.

#3 - Lose weight
It’s estimated that over half of all Americans are overweight. It’s important to know that obesity contributes to the development of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and back pain. While the spine is designed to carry and distribute the body’s weight, excessive weight can strain the spine. Eventually, the spine will begin to wear out.

Give your spine a break by shedding those unwanted and unnecessary pounds. Don’t know how to start? Talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find a weight loss and exercise plan that best suits your needs.

#4 - Good posture
You may think that slouching when sitting or standing is relaxing your muscles. But actually, it makes your muscles work harder. Good posture, which involves standing and sitting in a balanced and neutral position, is the best way to avoid straining your spine.

#5 - Rest easy and properly
Sleep is an essential nutrient for our bodies and where we sleep can make all the difference. If you are having trouble sleeping or find that you wake in the morning more tired than when you went to bed, you may need to take a good look at where and how you sleep. A good mattress allows you to maintain the same natural spinal alignment that you have when standing. When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing.

While you may not be able to avoid some occasional back pain, keeping your back healthy will go a long way to keeping you in good shape!

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