Lower back pain is one of the most common reason for visits to the doctor. Unfortunately, most doctors are only able to prescribe pain killers and muscle relaxants to combat the common back problem, and that is not the solution. Chronic back pain can be due to many reasons ranging from bad posture, to repetitive movements, to lifting with bad form and from being sedentary. Addressing the root of the problem instead of masking the pain is a smarter way of fixing it.
To understand the root of the problem, I will first ask a series of questions and do an assessment to find out the “possible reasons” for the pain. Once it is identified, proper exercise and stretches is recommended to manage the pain. However, investigating the complex body is not as easy as finding fault when a car malfunctions. We need to go through re-assessments throughout the rehabilitation program. Anyhow, the news clip above explains what should be done for the common lower back pain instead of drugs and surgery.
- Exercise. It is important to know what exercise exacerbates and what strengthens.
- Stretch. Same thing. Some stretches exacerbates while some works.
- Relaxation Techniques through meditation or simple cardio such as swimming, cycling and walking.
- Practice Mindfulness by being educated on what you should and should not do to avoid aggravating your back.
- Desensitization through therapy such as massage and trigger point release at the sore spots.
By simply applying these strategies, you are more likely to recover or manage chronic back pain more effectively and live a better quality of life.
If you don’t know what sort of exercise and stretch that are suitable for lower back pain, you can subscribe to my Online Personal Training Rehabilitation Program for Lower Back Pain, or arrange for a personal training session, or for a deep tissue massage.