A simple back sprain from extended periods of sitting down often leads to a strained muscle. Though not at all that serious, the nagging pain will often interfere with the work, especially on professionals who need plenty of room to concentrate. Muscle spasm that occurs mostly on athletes and persons who do a lot of manual work will find that a simple back strain could cause excruciating back pain making them unable to walk or even stand properly. In contrast, a large herniated disc or completely degenerated spinal structure in the elderly can be completely painless.

The causes of low back muscle pain are very complex since the back muscles are complex themselves. Various lower back muscle pain treatments have surfaced to solve this problem.

Chiropractic Manipulation

Though chiropractic medicine typically is about the structural elements of the body, chiropractors often argued that structural manipulation does not only benefit the bones directly, it also affects other areas, if not all the entire back area. Chiropractic manipulation of the bones can promote skeletal mobility, blood circulation and muscle toning. Its hard to check the tabs of truth about chiropractic medicine since it is still holistic by large, but since most chiropractic patients experience amazing results, its hard to pull the curtain on chiropractic lower back muscle treatment.

Therapy and Massage

Therapy and massage is another way for back pain relief. In fact, medical science always refer massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain and an effective adjunct to lower back treatments. 54% of doctors refer therapy and massage as a complement to the regimen that they prepare for their patients.
Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami conducted a 2001 research on massage and back pain. They found that “massage lessened lower back pain, depression and anxiety, and improved sleep. The massage therapy group also showed improved range of motion and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.” (International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 131-145).

Acupuncture

Thin, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used by acupuncture treatments to re-establish the proper flow of blood through the back, alleviating lower back muscle pain. The resulting flow increases circulation for oxygen, blood and lymph nodes work together and hasten the healing process. A research conducted by medical specialists has revealed that indeed, acupuncture cause the release of neuro-chemicals such as endorphins, enkephalins, serotonin and corticosteroids all of which contribute to the reduction of pain and inflammation.

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Lower back pain has also been found to occur as a result of sedentary lifestyles with too little exercise, or too much exercise which the body is not accustomed to.

But while lower back pain can be a source of anxiety and great discomfort for the affected person, much of the lower back treatment options currently available do not necessarily include surgery.

Analgesics, reducing inflammation, preventing recurrence of episodes, restoring proper function and strength to the back, among others are the focus of most lower back pain treatment methods.

Ice/Heat Packs

The application of ice or heat packs/compresses as a method of lower back pain treatment that has never been scientifically proven. Even so, it remains the most common quick fix for lower back pain. Following trauma, patients apply these compresses to the affected area to help reduce pain and inflammation and allow better mobility.

Suggested Instructions:

* Apply ice or cold compress first to the injured area. Keep the compress on for up to 20 minutes several times a day.
* After 2-3 days, apply heat compress for brief periods. This will help relax the muscles and improve blood flow.

Bed Rest

This form of lower back pain treatment should only be done for a period of one to two days at most. In a study conducted by Finnish scientists in 1996, it was found that persons who continued their activities without bed rest after an episode of lower back pain appeared to have better flexibility than those who stayed in bed for a week. Several studies seem to correlate these findings as they observed that too much bed rest may make back pain worse or cause other complications, such as depression, decreased muscle tone, and blood clots in the legs.

Exercise

This one way to keep active even while recovering from back pain. This lower back pain treatment method will not only speed up recovery for lower back pain but will also help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. For a list of gentle exercises that will help you keep your muscles moving and flexible without exerting too much strain, consult your doctor or therapist.

There will most likely be mild discomfort in the beginning of the exercises. However, as your body gradually becomes accustomed to the activity, the discomfort will disappear.

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Bad Posture

Bad posture is an example of the causes of low back pain. Sitting down incorrectly can limit the blood flow to the spine and degenerate the cells that involve it. If you’re sitting over a period of time, sit in chairs with straight backs or low back support. If you can, arrange a sitting position that will keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Adjusting the seat or use a low stool to prop your feet are some examples. Or you could use a chair that has minimum elevation.

Strained Muscles

One cause of low back pain is strained muscles. Pulled muscles, strained muscles, muscles spasm, they all mean the same thing and they feel the same. But how do they occur? Pulled muscles occur when you do strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects and pulling heavy loads. Generally, your body can cope up such activities, especially if you haul heavy objects regularly. But muscle cells do weaken, and when they do they tend to get torn. Pulled muscles happen when you do an action quickly, like turning your body (especially your trunk) or bending over quickly. The explosive action will tear your muscles, especially if they are not yet warmed up.

So, if you encounter an especially heavy load, do something to divert some of the load so that your muscles can cope up with the work safely.

Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms happen when you overwork a muscle past the limit. This is particularly true during tough workouts and strenuous games. Every time a muscle works, it converts oxygen and calorie into energy, the burning chemical reaction produces small amounts of toxin that are eventually released as sweat. If the muscle is used continuously, the buildup of toxins will eventually overwhelm the release of toxins in the pores. This toxin buildup produces muscle soreness that contributes to the causes of low back pain.

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* Neuropathic is factored by a nerve tissue damage. It often comes as burning or stabbing pain in the lower left back. An example of which is a pinched nerve.
* Nociceptive is caused by a nervous system injury on the outer area. It often appears as an ongoing dull pain in the lower left back. An example of which is arthritis.
* Chronic is described as deep pain in the lower left back that travels down to the legs. It is at times experienced as pins and needles sensation. It results from a previous wound long since healed.
* Acute is defined as sharp pain in the lower left back that gets severe in the other areas. It can be intermittent but it is usually constant. It is produced by a trauma without even a known cause.

Here are exercises for that pain in the lower left back. Not only is natural healthy because it does not have its side effects, it is also stretches those muscles that have long been not used.

This is called a Seated Leg- Butt Raise that has three stages namely Start Position, Basic Action and Advanced Feat. This specific workout specifically develops the internal abdominal oblique muscle on the sides which your pelvis tends to look unto. It also minimizes left or right sided twinges.

* Start Position
1. Sit comfortably on a chair. See to it that your knees are as the same height as that to your pelvis.
2. Place your hands on the chair at the sides of your buttocks.
3. Spine lengthening and pelvic neutral upward.
4. Fasten your scapulas and gently tuck in your chin.

* Basic Action
1. Stay as calm as possible. Raise your left foot slowly off the ground and feel the weight of your pelvis change over to the left buttock. Take notice if your left knee has changed backward.
2. Anchor and hollow. Lift your left buttock. This is in order for your weight to be transferred to the right buttock.
3. Remain it zipped and hollowed. Place your left knee so that it will be leveled to your right.
4. Do not change your position. Breathe twice then relax. Repeat it for both sides about two to five times.

* Advanced Feat
1. Repeat the basic action but there is a slight difference.
2. Place your hands on your thighs.
3. Use your right leg to push yourself firmly into the back of the chair.

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The good news is that most lower back pain lasts only for a few days. However, there are instances where the condition could last longer.

Acute Lower Back Pain

Sometimes referred to as short-term lower back pain, acute lower back pain extends any time from a few days to a few weeks. The condition is considered as mechanical in nature as it is often the result of trauma to the lower back.

Short-term back pain may also be caused by disorders that affect the spine, such as arthritis, sports injury, working around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt that adds stress to the spinal bones and tissues. One example of the latter is when you receive trauma to your lower back due to a car accident.

The condition has symptoms that range from muscle aches to shooting or stabbing pain. Short-term lower back pain may also limit your flexibility and/or range of motion. Sometimes, it may even lead to inability to stand straight.

If left untreated, some acute lower back pain may lead to more serious conditions.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is classified by duration. Therefore, if the pain lasts only for a few days to a few weeks, it is short-term or acute lower back pain. However, if the pain persists for more than three months, then the condition is already chronic.

Chronic lower back pain is progressive. This means that the symptoms can only get worse over time. There are a number of possible causes but they are difficult to determine with each case. That is why people who suffer back pain that lasts for far longer than what is considered “normal” are advised to consult the doctor as soon as possible.

Self-Treatment

There are quite a few home remedies used to treat lower back pain. Most of the time the treatment involves using analgesics or taking drugs that reduce inflammation, restore proper function and strength, and prevent recurrence of the injury. Cold and hot compresses are also frequently used to treat lower back pain although the same has not been scientifically proven to treat back pain.

If there is still no improvement after 72 hours of self-care, patients are advised to consult the doctor as soon as possible.

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