Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Most back pain gets better within a month using home treatment, especially for people younger than age 60. However, for many, the pain lasts several months. Pain relievers and the use of heat might be all that's needed. Bed rest isn't recommended.
Back exercises in 15 minutes a day. Back pain is a common problem that many people deal with every day. Exercise often helps to ease back pain and prevent further discomfort. The following exercises stretch and strengthen the back and the muscles that support it.
Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often can heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees. This may help relax your back muscles and maintain the curve of your lower back. If you need additional support, try a small, rolled towel under your waist. Support your neck with a pillow.
Back pain during pregnancy isn't surprising, but it still deserves attention. Try seven ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy — from good posture and physical activity to complementary therapies.
After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. Use hot packs, a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting. For continuing pain, try using both warm and cold packs, one at a time. Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. Try to hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Sacroiliitis (say-kroe-il-e-I-tis) is a painful condition that affects one or both sacroiliac joints. These joints sit where the lower spine and pelvis meet. Sacroiliitis can cause pain and stiffness in the buttocks or lower back, and the pain might go down one or both legs.
What to do. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help relieve occasional pain triggered by activity your muscles and joints aren't used to — such as gardening after a winter indoors.
Sciatica pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. It's especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of a thigh and calf. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain. Sometimes it feels like a jolt or electric shock.
Back surgery can ease some causes of back pain, but it's rarely necessary. Most back pain gets better on its own within three months. Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a healthcare professional. Common treatments may include anti-inflammatory medicines, heat or ice, and physical therapy.