Finding Relief From Back Pain

Imagine how it feels to have searing pain with every breath you take, and every move you make. That's what life can be like for those who suffer with severe back pain.

In 2002, a study was conducted that showed back pain as a leading cause of doctor's appointments and missed work. Back pain is, in fact, second only to headaches as the most common neurological ailment suffered by people in the United States.

For most people, back pain is a symptom of an injury or other underlying problem related to your spine. The bones, muscles and other soft tissues in the back can all contribute to back pain.

Back pain strikes hard. It affects your ability to work, play and lead any sort of normal lifestyle. Fortunately, it's uncommon for back pain to signify a serious underlying condition. Most cases of back pain are relatively short term and can last from several days to a few weeks. If you suffer with back pain, there are a number of treatment methods and remedies available. However, no single method will bring relief to every patient.

If you are prone to episodes of back pain, you should try to avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting. Should back pain hit you hard, there are some things that you can do to bring relief:

Rest and Relax Your Back

When your back is injured and you are in pain, the best way to find relief is to lie on your back, on the floor. Slightly bend your knees and hips and place pillows under your knees for support. This position is helpful because it alleviates the weight and pressure normally placed on your back. Some people find relief assuming the same position, but with the feet propped up on a chair. Try lying with your back flat against the floor, and use a pillow to support your head. Bend your knees so that the backs of your lower legs are resting on a pillow placed on top of a chair.

With this type of rest, it can be possible to achieve back pain relief after a day or two. If the pain does not stop, see a doctor. Resting in this manner for more than two days may cause your muscles to weaken, leading to even longer recovery period.

Turn Up the Heat

Mother always knew it, yet researchers can't prove it; still, many people swear by the power of heat for relieving back pain. Despite the lack of medical proof, a simple heating pad can deliver a relaxing effect for muscle spasms, which are leading contributors to back pain.

The best way to relieve pain using a heating pad is to leave the pad in place, over the painful section of your back, for 20 to 30 minutes. You may also try using ice packs in this manner. It's especially beneficial to have a massage following hot or cold pack treatments.

Pain Medications

Those seeking fast-acting relief may still choose to turn to medications. Most drugstores carry non-prescription medications to reduce pain and swelling and provide welcome back pain relief for sufferers. These over-the-counter remedies include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin).

If you are one of the millions of people who are missing work and play due to back pain, it's time to take your life back. Try one of these back pain relief methods, or ask your doctor for other treatment options.