Chiropractic Treatment for Lower Back Pain
By Gary Picariello
You chiropractor knows best: Spinal manipulation can do wonders for lower back pain. But before you rush over to the chiropractor's office and submit yourself for treatment, keep in mind some common sense remedies for keeping your lower back from getting twisted out of shape in the first place.
Rest
Rest is a two-way street. It’s important to get enough rest when you are harboring a sore lower back (or sore anything for that matter). But too much of a good thing is a no-no. Too much bed rest or time parked on the couch can make you stiff and actually augment the pain instead of diminishing it. Hey, almost everyone has low back pain at point in their life. With some basic self-care the pain will subside in a few days or a few weeks at the most. Just don’t overdo it.
Exercise
Studies show that people who are out of shape are at the greatest risk of suffering from lower back pain. The solution? Regular exercise! Exercise prevents back pain! And what’s more, your chiropractor may actually recommend light exercise if you recently hurt their lower back. In this case, the exercise may not be more than light stretching but it is a start. Be smarter than your lower back: Once the short-term pain goes away you need to keep exercising so your lower back gets stronger.
According to the website GetSmarter.com, “Exercise helps those suffering from discomfort by helping to maintain mobility.” Extra pounds will put stress on your back and exercise will get rid of it. Exercising the core muscles (abs, back, shoulders, and hamstrings) stretches the back and reduces pressure on the spine while building strength that’s needed to support those muscle groups.
Straight and Tall
Make no mistake, slouching is not a good thing. Conversely, sitting too straight and for extended periods can hinder you as well. So do us both a favor and take breaks throughout the day so you can stretch. Try standing for part of the day as well. “Standing desks” exist for that very thing.
Lifting
I’ve said it a million times: The weight is not nearly as harmful as how you lift it. You know the drill: Lift with your legs and not your back. Squat close to the object, keep your back straight and head up. Push with your legs while maintaining the object close to your body. No twisting or bending at the waist.
Think about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it and when you’re done visit your chiropractor as an extra measure! Your lower back is the center for everything you do and you can’t do it if you’re laid up in bed with a sore back!
Human spine, ribs, and upper pelvis by NIH Image Gallery is licensed under CC BY 4.0