Did you know that nearly 80% of adults have suffered from lower back pain at some point in their lives? Unfortunately, most doctors recommend over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain medications to treat lower back pain. This solution only masks the pain, and doesn’t treat the pain at its source.

Back pain

There are various types of back pain, with a variety of causes and treatments. It is crucial to find out what is causing the pain so the right treatment plan can be put in place!

Low back pain can stem from any of the following areas:

  • bony lumbar spine
  • skin covering the lumbar area
  • discs between the vertebrae
  • ligaments around the spine and discs
  • internal organs within the pelvis and abdomen
  • muscles in the lower back
  • spinal cord and nerves

Lower Back Pain Causes 

Certain risk factors exist that can cause or increase one’s likelihood of experiencing lower back pain.

  • Sitting for extended periods of time
  • Doing heavy lifting or pulling while twisting the spine
  • Carrying a heavy purse or backpack each day
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic conditions such as spinal stenosis or fibromyalgia
  • Poor posture
  • Overdoing your exercises
  • Herniated discs

Lower Back Pain Prevention

Even though lower back pain is a prevalent issue in today’s society, there are certain steps we can take to prevent it!

  • Regular chiropractic care
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Using a wheeled briefcase or backpack
  • Exercise regularly
  • Life with your legs while keeping your back straight
  • Strengthen your core
  • Take breaks from sitting throughout the day
  • Warm up and stretch your muscles before exercising
  • Wear stable, comfortable shoes
  • Sit up straight
  • Raise your computer or electronic screen so you don’t have to hunch forward to see

Natural Ways to Treat Lower Back Pain

Treating lower back pain with over-the-counter and prescription medications can have damaging side effects on the body such as ulcers, addictions, intestinal issues, and more! Here are several natural remedies you can try to effectively treat lower back pain naturally

1. Chiropractic Care. A doctor of chiropractic will thoroughly examine your spine to identify any subluxations it may have. These subluxations, or vertebral misalignments, are often the source of lower back pain.

When spines are misaligned, bodies are unable to function as they should, and communication between the nerves and brain is thrown off.

Dr. Hohn will help identify and remove these subluxations in the spine through spinal manipulation. Next, Dr. Hohn will craft a treatment plan that will help keep back pain at bay.

Chiropractic care is one of the best, non-invasive, natural treatment options for permanent relief from lower back pain!

2. Exercise. Exercise releases endorphins within the body, and endorphins are natural pain relievers. They work by binding to the opioid receptors in your brain to block the perception of pain, much like OTC or prescription medications. The good news? Endorphins are 100% natural as they are made by your body, and their only side effect is putting you in a better mood!

By spurring the increase of endorphins through exercise, your pain levels can be drastically reduced. Obviously, choose gentle exercise that does not irritate your pain such as walking or yoga.

3. Essential Oils. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their analgesic effects. Some benefit from essential oils by simply using them for aromatherapy, while others incorporate them by applying the oils topically over the area in pain.

Oils such as peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil are particularly known for their pain relieving effects.

4. Warm Baths. Soaking your body in warm water can help alleviate muscle pain and spasms, as well as several types of arthritis. Try soaking in a warm bath tub, hot tub, or even a warm pool!

Some people find added relief by adding Epsom salts or essential oils to their soak to improve muscle pain.

5. Heat Therapy. Applying heat to your lower back can help ease the pain. Try using a warm water bottle, a heating pad, or a hot bath for some relief!

Heat therapy helps in two ways:

  1. It increases the flow of healing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area
  2. It suppresses pain signals

6. Massage Therapy. A high quality, therapeutic massage increases blood flow and helps nourish and heal the soft tissues in your body. It also helps release endorphins!

7. Stretch. Your body is designed for movement, so stretching the soft tissues in and around the spine is a great way to reduce lower back pain.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, it may take several weeks or even months to reap the full benefits of stretching to loosen up your spine and soft tissues. Stay consistent!

8. Get outside. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure each day can help the body produce vitamin D. Studies show that those who get the recommended daily amount of 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D experience less pain than those who don’t!

Other research shows that increasing vitamin D may help soothe pain.

9. Sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep each night, you’re making it difficult for your body to heal! Restorative sleep is critical in pain management and healing. Focus on getting to bed at the same time each night and making sleep a priority.

10. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for your overall health. Not only that, but staying well-hydrated helps reduce pain.

Hydration also helps the intervertebral discs in your spine stay healthy.

Drinking enough water helps reduce stiffness, helps your blood carry healing nutrients and oxygen, and helps flush toxins out of your muscles and other soft tissues.

Do Not Accept Lower Back Pain As Part Of Your Life

If you or someone you know is suffering from lower back pain, please give our office a call! Drs. Chris and Krystal Hohn will provide you with the best chiropractic care available and will help identify the source of your lower back pain!

Their knowledge and expertise in the chiropractic field has helped many people live happier, healthier, pain free lives. Call (810) 588-4036 or fill out this form via our online contact page to schedule your appointment today!