Are you suffering from back pain? You are far from alone. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, more than 80-percent of American adults experience back pain at some point in their lifetime.

 

However, while back pain seems to be one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, there are times certain home remedies can help you find relief from back pain. Our team at UAB Medical West wants to help you learn how you can treat lower back pain at home and when the time has come to seek medical attention.

 

What Is Lower Back Pain?

 

Lower back pain is defined as a common and painful medical condition that affects the lower portion of your spine. Symptoms of lower back pain include pain and stiffness in the lower back, as well as muscle spasms. 

 

There are a number of causes for lower back pain, including but not limited to:

 

  • Muscle strains
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Abnormal spine curvatures
  • Herniated disc
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis

 

Depending on the cause of your lower back pain, some conditions can be treated right at home, while other sources of back pain might require medical intervention. 

 

How Can You Treat Lower Back Pain at Home?

 

Fortunately, there are some home remedies you can try in order to help alleviate any lower back pain.

 

First, as much as you might now want to, you need to keep moving. If you sit still, your lower back muscles will start to grow more stiff, which will end up causing you more pain. While you shouldn’t necessarily go out and run a marathon, you do want to try to at least walk around the house and perhaps even try some yoga moves to help find relief from back pain.

 

Second, when you do take time to rest, you want to find a comfortable position that helps to relieve your back pain. Therefore, take some time to find a position that works best for you and your back.

 

Finally, switch back and forth between ice and heat therapy. While ice can help to lessen your pain, heat can help to loosen tight muscles. As a result, both therapies can be beneficial in alleviating back pain. You may also try over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to assist in lower back pain relief. 

 

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Lower Back Pain?

 

While the aforementioned home remedies can certainly help in finding relief from back pain, there might be a time where your back pain is in need of more medical attention. 

 

For instance, if you are experiencing back pain that is severe, ongoing, or is accompanied by other symptoms (i.e., numbness, tingling, etc.), you need to consider making an appointment for a medical evaluation.

 

Are home remedies not helping alleviate your back pain? The medical team at UAB Medical West in Bessemer, AL, is here to help. 

 

Call our physician referral line at 205-996-WEST to schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West provider. We are here to serve the communities of Hoover, Bessemer, McCalla, and Vance and more!