If you suffer from ongoing lower back pain, you know how bad the discomfort can be. Lower back pain can limit your daily activities, make routine tasks impossible and interfere with your life in myriad ways.
In the early stages, however, lower back pain can be surprisingly easy to treat. Sometimes the simplest changes will have the biggest benefits, including the early interventions outlined below.
Lumbar Support and Ergonomic Furniture
Whether you sit most of the day for your job or get up and move on a regular basis, upgrading your furniture can make a big difference. Ergonomically designed desks and office chairs can reduce the strain on your lower back, making sitting more comfortable by relieving the pressure on your spine.
If you are already suffering from lower back pain and think your job may be to blame, ask your boss about installing ergonomic furniture – or even a stand-up desk. Stand-up desks are great for exercise, and that mild exercise could help relive your lower back pain.
Appropriate Exercise
Speaking of mild exercise, moving around can help your back feel better. You should not overdo it – no running marathons – but a little bit of exercise could ease your back pain and reduce your discomfort.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before embarking on any exercise regimen. Your doctor can advise you on the best kinds of exercises to do, and give you tips for staying safe while you work out.
Mild Pain Medication
While you should not try to mask your pain away, mild anti-inflammatory medications could ease your discomfort and make exercise easier. Ask your doctor about the medications that are most appropriate in your case, and limit your intake to what your doctor recommends.
A Reduction in Physical Activity
If your lower back pain is worse after physical activity, you may need to limit those activities. Once again, you should talk to your doctor about which activities you should limit, which to avoid and which ones are OK.
In some cases, this reduction in physical activity will be temporary, and you can resume your regular routine once the lower back pain has abated. In more severe cases, you may need to alter the things you do each do to stop the lower back pain from coming back or getting worse.
Lower back pain is a common affliction, but it is not one you need to take lying down. With a few changes and some common sense, you may be able to stop your lower back pain in its tracks and regain the comfort you used to know.