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Friday 28 November 2014

Dealing with lumbar pain (HEALTH EDUCATION)

Living with lumbar pain can be frustrating, agonizing and it can really lower your quality of life. Discomfort in your lower back can make doing even simple tasks difficult. Thousands of people every year have to take time off work because the pain stops them from being able to function properly. However, there are various ways in which you can ease the pain and stop your suffering.

Relaxation
  • This is potentially the most important tip that you should follow when you discover that you have back pain. Don’t try to do any exercise. If the pain is really bad and you cannot get comfortable in a chair, lie on the floor instead. The floor provides a straight, hard surface that help to give the back more support. Rest your head on a cushion and keep your feet and legs together. You should find that this eases extreme pain.
  • If you choose to rest in bed then it is important to only do this for 2-3 days. If you constantly stay in bed then this will only make the pain worse. While it is important to rest, it is also important to keep using your muscles gently to keep them functioning properly.


  • Improving the Strength in your Muscles
    • While it may seem like a bad idea, exercising the back muscles can help to strengthen the area. This will lower the amount of lumbar pain that you feel. It will also prevent lumbar pain in the long term too. Stick to a few light exercises that are designed to strengthen the lower back muscles and never overdo it. Remember, however, that if you start o feel pain; stop.
    Hot and Cold Therapy
    • If there is inflammation in the lower back then you should place an ice pack on the affected area. After the inflammation has gone down, use a heat pad or hot water bottle to ease the pain. It is most beneficial to use the heat pack on the area for up to 15 minutes per time, several times a day.
    • If the problem persists then you should talk to your doctor who will be able to prescribe relevant painkillers that specifically target lumbar pain.

image credit: bodyinsight.com , 

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