How can YOU help your low back pain?

Do you, or someone you know, suffer from low back pain? If so, you are not alone. Studies show that 8 in 10 adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. If you are one of those people, this article will look at three tools that you can use to assist you in managing your pain.
 
Have you been putting up with low back pain for what feels like forever? Has this resulted in you giving up on being physically active? If so, take note. 
Continuing to be physically active is crucial in preventing and assisting in recovery of low back pain. Research has shown that regular aerobic activity such as going for a walk can increase blood flow and nutrients to the low back which can assist in many ways such as decreasing stiffness and rigidity. Aerobic exercise has also been shown to increase the body’s production of endorphins, but what does this mean? Endorphins are not only the bodies natural pain relief; they can also improve ones overall well being. Thirdly, aerobic exercise can assist in preventing weight gain, or assist in weight loss. Carrying extra weight is going to place more stress on the lower back, so keeping this in check is vital to the well being of the lumber spine. 
 
When was the last time you did some form of core strengthening exercise? If you’re suffering from low back pain, or want to prevent injury/ damage to the low back and can’t recall when the last time you activated your core, then this section is for you. A multitude of studies have demonstrated that improving activation and strength of all the core muscles (not just transverse abdominal, your 6 pack) in patients with low back pain, resulted in improved function and a decrease in pain. To make a start on your core activation and strength, check out our blog on the McGill three. 
For the link, click here: what-is-core-stability-the-mcgill-3-core-exercises-for-back-pain.html
 
Get professional management. Come in and see my-self or one of the other osteopaths at HMC. We are professionally trained to help you. Not only can we provide manual treatment to assist you in your healing process and help reduce your symptoms, we are also able to help formulate a simple set of tasks to ensure you have the best chance at recovery and equip you with management strategies that put you in charge of your health. 
 
Ignoring your pain is only going to cause progressive worsening and/or weakening of your low back. So why not go for a walk, begin some core strengthening exercises or come in for a treatment and discuss a management strategy to better your quality of life!