What is lumbar pain

The following tips may help reduce your back pain and speed up your recovery:. Although it can be difficult, it helps if you stay optimistic and recognise that your pain should get better.

People who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover quicker. Back pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks or months and you may not need to see a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you see a GP they will ask about your symptoms, examine your back and discuss possible treatments. They may refer you to a specialist doctor or a physiotherapist for further help. Alternatively, you may want to consider contacting a physiotherapist directly.

Some NHS physiotherapists accept appointments without a doctor's referral, or you could choose to pay for private treatment. Read more about how to get access to physiotherapy. A GP, specialist or physiotherapist may recommend extra treatments if they do not think your pain will improve with self-help measures alone. Some people choose to see a therapist for manual therapy without seeing a GP first. Botox : Botox botulism toxin , according to some early studies, are thought to reduce pain by paralyzing sprained muscles in spasm.

These injections are effective for about 3 to 4 months. Traction : Pulleys and weights are used to stretch the back. This may result in a herniated disk moving back into position. It can also relieve pain, but only while traction is applied. It may include relaxation techniques and ways of maintaining a positive attitude. Studies have found that patients with CBT tend to become more active and do exercise, resulting in a lower risk of back pain recurrence. Chiropractic, osteopathy, shiatsu, and acupuncture may help relieve back pain, as well as encouraging the patient to feel relaxed.

Studies on complementary therapies have given mixed results. Some people have experienced significant benefit, while others have not. It is important, when considering alternative therapies, to use a well qualified and registered therapist. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS is a popular therapy for patients with chronic back pain.

The TENS machine delivers small electric pulses into the body through electrodes that are placed on the skin. Experts believe TENS encourages the body to produce endorphins and may block pain signals returning to the brain. Studies on TENS have provided mixed results. Some revealed no benefits, while others indicated that it could be helpful for some people.

Surgery for back pain is very rare. If a patient has a herniated disk surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression which can lead to muscle weakness. Injecting cells to regenerate spine discs: Scientists from Duke University, North Carolina, developed new biomaterials that can deliver a booster shot of reparative cells to the nucleus pulposus, effectively eliminating pain caused by degenerative disc disease.

Steps to lower the risk of developing back pain consist mainly of addressing some of the risk factors. Exercise : Regular exercise helps build strength and control body weight. Guided, low-impact aerobic activities can boost heart health without straining or jerking the back.

Before starting any exercise program, talk to a health care professional. Diet : Make sure your diet includes enough calcium and vitamin D , as these are needed for bone health. A healthful diet also helps control body weight.

Smoking : A significantly higher percentage of smokers have back pain incidences compared to non-smokers of the same age, height, and weight. Body weight : The weight people carry and where they carry it affects the risk of developing back pain. The difference in back pain risk between obese and normal-weight individuals is considerable.

People who carry their weight in the abdominal area versus the buttocks and hip area are also at greater risk. Posture when standing : Make sure you have a neutral pelvic position. Stand upright, head facing forward, back straight, and balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your legs straight and your head in line with your spine.

Posture when sitting : A good seat for working should have good back support, arm rests and a swivel base. When sitting, try to keep your knees and hips level and keep your feet flat on the floor, or use a footstool. You should ideally be able to sit upright with support in the small of your back. If you are using a keyboard, make sure your elbows are at right-angles and that your forearms are horizontal.

Lifting : When lifting things, use your legs to do the lifting, rather than your back. Keep your back as straight as you can, keeping your feet apart with one leg slightly forward so you can maintain balance. Bend only at the knees, hold the weight close to your body, and straighten the legs while changing the position of your back as little as possible.

Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source. Exercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, preventing any reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is a lumbar strain? What causes lumbar strain? What are the symptoms of lumbar strain? Symptoms may include: Sudden lower back pain Spasms in the lower back that result in more severe pain Lower back feels sore to the touch The symptoms of a lumbar strain may resemble other conditions and medical problems.

How is lumbar strain diagnosed? A diagnostic test that produces images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body.

A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. A CT scan shows detailed images of bones, muscles, fat, and organs. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone. Electromyogram EMG. A test to evaluate nerve and muscle function. How is lumbar strain treated? When should I call my healthcare provider? You have a temperature over