Reduce and Prevent Back Pain

Back pain afflicts up to 85 percent of the population. Luckily, up to up to 90% of acute low back pain problems heal with home treatment within 3 months

Here are recommended steps to take when you experience low back pain:

1. Apply ice for 3 days, then moist heat.
2. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if desired. Brand names include Motrin or Aleve. You can also try acetaminophen, (Tylenol, for example) to relieve pain.
3. Keep up your daily activity. Resting in bed for more than a day or two will hamper your back's ability to heal.

Once your back has been hurt, you're statistically likely to have at least one more incidence of low back pain. Your back is now more vulnerable. Here are some steps that increase your ability to avoid back pain:

1. Strengthen your abdominal and back muscles with special exercises.
2. Lift by bending your knees, not your back. Keep your back straight.

In addition, work on removing these risk factors from your life:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Not exercising, or excess sitting
• Exposing your back to excess strain, vibration, or twisting
• Taking medication such as corticosteroids, which can damage bones, for a prolonged period.