Lower back pain can be persistent or sudden depending on the causative factor. You can experience lower back pain New York City due to traumatic injuries or health conditions which might interfere with nerve signal transmission. After visiting your doctor for assessment, they will recommend the best treatment that can offer the most relief without having to resort to surgery.
Causes of lower back pain
You can experience lower back pain if your back muscles are hurt or your nerves are compressed. The following can cause lower back pain:
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Skeletal misalignment
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic injuries
The seven ways to manage lower back pain
Use the following tips to minimize your lower back pain.
- Physical therapy and chiropractic techniques
Your specialist can recommend physical therapy to strengthen your back and associated muscles. The exercises will help relax stiff muscles to promote flexibility. Chiropractic techniques can help to adjust your spine through skeletal alignment.
- Practice good posture
A good posture can help alleviate lower back pain because your spine will maintain a straight and neutral position. Whether relaxing or working, ensure your seat is comfortable and supports your back to avoid slouching or hunching over.
- Massage therapy
You can have massage therapy sessions to help manipulate your muscles and bones to relax and release tension. Everyday activities can lead to tight back muscles, which can cause them to shorten and become stiff. Massage therapy will help lengthen your muscles and release tension knots.
- Sports medicine
If other treatments like physical or massage therapy are ineffective, your specialist can recommend specific prescriptions and cortisone injections to help your recovery. They can also perform diagnostic nerve conduction to identify the problem and get the right treatment.
- Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight, consider shedding off the extra pounds. When you are overweight or obese, you exert mechanical pressure on your bones and joints, especially your spine. Your body can carry a healthy weight without the extra pain and stress.
- Exercise regularly
You are at risk for lower back pain if you lead a sedentary life because it weakens your back muscles. When you have weak back muscles, you can easily injure your back because your spine does not have the support it needs.
- Acupuncture and cupping
Acupuncture helps to stimulate your body, increasing blood flow while cupping to relax your muscles through gentle suction. Acupuncture uses painless needles, while cupping uses special cups to draw blood to your skin and expedite pain treatment.
When to see a doctor about lower back pain
You should immediately seek medical assistance if you experience back pain after a fall or injury. Other circumstances requiring contacting your doctor include lower back pain accompanied by uncontrollable bowel movements, restless legs, and leg pain.
If you have lower back pain, visit NYPT Health & Rehab for treatment. The available physical therapists and chiropractors will evaluate your situation and offer the most suitable treatment. Call or schedule your appointment online and treat lower back pain without surgery.
