Back Pain

Back pain is a persistent aching, pain, or stiffness anywhere along the spine, from the base of the neck to the hips. The most common site of back pain is the lower back. It is the number one cause of disability in people under the age of 45, and 80% of all people suffer back pain at some time in their lives.

Most people are unaware of things they do to cause the pain, and what they can do to prevent it. It is important to understand that not all back pain will respond to natural cures and home remedies.

Seek medical help immediately if your pain increases when you cough or bend forward at the waist. Immediately lie flat, with a pillow under your knees. This could be the sign of a herniated disc.

Seek help if the pain follows an injury, and/or is accompanied by sudden loss of bowel or bladder control. If you have difficulty moving a limb, feel numbness, pain or tingling in a limb, do not attempt to move. Seek emergency medical help. You may have injured your spinal cord.

When pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle weakness, or any of the above-mentioned symptoms, unrelieved by 2-3 days rest seek medical attention.

If you have pain on one side of the small of your back, feel sick, and have a fever, you could have a kidney infection that requires medical help.

Sudden or gradual intense pain that makes movement impossible, or pain felt in both thighs while walking, can be a symptom of spinal stenosis, bony growths on vertebrae, which cause the lower spine to narrow.

Home Remedies for Back Pain:

Water:

At the first sign of pain, drink two large glasses of water. Muscle aches are often related to dehydration, and the body needs a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to keep acidic waste from building up in muscles.

A long known home remedy for back pain is resting on a firm bed, or putting plywood between your mattress and box springs. Rest on a firm bed, and roll to your side, draw your knees to your side, and push yourself with your arms, to a sitting position, before standing up.

Stretches:

Gentle stretches can actually help your back heal more quickly. While lying down, try bringing your knees up to your chest, then put a little pressure on your knees. Stretch, then relax, if you feel pain, stop.

Try over the counter pain killers with anti-inflammatory properties, like ibuprofen, but follow regular dosing schedules.

If the pain is still bad after a day or two, make a note of how and when the pain began, and how bad it is, what makes it better or worse, and take this with you to visit your doctor.

Heat and Cold Therapy:

Within the first 48 hours, cool compresses will help alleviate any swelling. Heating pads, warm baths, or light massages (stop, if it hurts) also help manage the pain naturally.

10 Ways to Reduce Back pain:

Webmd.com published this helpful list of 10 ways to reduce back pain.

Chill it

Ice is best in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury because it reduces inflammation.

Keep moving

Keep doing your daily activities. Just don't overdo it.

Stay strong

Once the pain has receded, work the muscles that support your lower back. Having strong hip, pelvic, and abdominal muscles also gives you more back support.

Stretch

Don't sit slumped in your desk chair all day. Some people find relief from their back pain by doing a regular stretching routine.

Think ergonomically

Design your workspace so you don't have to hunch or slouch.

Watch your posture

Slumping makes it harder for your back to support your weight.

Wear low heels

High heels increase pressure on your lower spine.

Kick the habit

Smoking can increase your risk for osteoporosis of the spine and other bone problems.

Watch your weight

Being overweight puts excess stress on your spine.

Try an over-the-counter pain reliever

OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen acetaminophen reduce pain and inflammation. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about any interactions over-the-counter pain relievers may have with other medications you are taking. People with a history of certain medical conditions (such as ulcers, kidney disease, and liver disease) should avoid some medicines.