How can you fix lower back pain?
One in six adults in England suffers from back pain over the course of their lifetime.
Sometimes this goes away after a short while. In other cases, people can experience back pain for weeks, months… even years on end.
The question is, is there a permanent fix for back pain?
It’s hard to say, as back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, anything from a pulled muscle to a change in the way you stand or sit.
In most cases, lower back pain can be ‘cured’ through lifestyle changes, including:
- Improving your posture
- A change in diet and/or losing weight
- Reducing levels of stress and anxiety
- Changing the way you sleep
- Stopping smoking
- Regular exercise
Alternative therapies like massage can help too, but they’re not suitable for every type of back condition.
Can back pain be cured with medication?
If you have lower back pain, certain over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help relieve pain, but won’t cure it.
If over-the-counter medications aren’t enough, a doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger to relieve the pain. However, this medication is typically habit-forming and intended for short-term use only.
If your lower back pain is caused by an infection, a course of antibiotics will cure the infection and your back pain.
Can back pain be cured with surgery?
In certain circumstances, surgery can be used to treat back pain. For example, surgery is used to treat herniated discs or severe cases of spinal stenosis – a condition that narrows the spinal canal and puts pressure on the nerves.
However, surgery is not the right choice for everyone. Surgery is a major procedure, and there are risks of serious complications. Not only this, but a lot of time is needed to recover.
Your doctor will be able to advise if your condition makes you a good candidate for surgery and what alternative options are available.
What should I do if I’m worried about back pain?
Back pain affects most of us – often it is caused by sitting in an uncomfortable position for too long, for example, when driving.
However, if you’re concerned about aches and pains in your lower back, it’s always best to see a doctor to rule out anything serious.
We always recommend seeing your GP if your back pain lasts for longer than two weeks, stops you from carrying out day-to-day activities, or is coupled with numbness or fever.
Nobody knows your own body like you – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
In conclusion
Lower back pain can go away on its own, after a course of treatment, or a significant lifestyle change.
The key is understanding what is causing your back pain and taking swift and effective action.
Even if your back pain can’t be cured entirely, there is often plenty that you can do to lessen the pain and reduce symptoms.