Lower back pain: What actually works for relief?
in Health ·
I have been battling this damn lower back pain—sciatica, more specifically—for about eight or nine years now. It usually flares up twice a year, typically whenever there’s a significant shift in the weather; in the winter, it's the biting cold that demands I keep my back wrapped up, and in the summer, it's just as bad because I end up dressing too lightly and catching a chill at night in nothing but a T-shirt.
Regarding exercise, most types are generally beneficial, provided you avoid any sudden, jarring movements like aerobics or running, where that repetitive heel strike against the pavement can be absolutely devastating for your spine.
You really need to focus on strengthening your core and hip muscles, as they ought to take over some of the heavy lifting and relieve the pressure on your lumbar spine.
Honestly, when the pain hits, all doctors ever seem to prescribe is physical therapy involving heat, electrical stimulation, and various exercises; while those are incredibly helpful, they aren't a permanent fix. You either have to commit to a regular workout routine or take the initiative to visit a physical therapist at least once a year...
Regarding exercise, most types are generally beneficial, provided you avoid any sudden, jarring movements like aerobics or running, where that repetitive heel strike against the pavement can be absolutely devastating for your spine.
You really need to focus on strengthening your core and hip muscles, as they ought to take over some of the heavy lifting and relieve the pressure on your lumbar spine.
Honestly, when the pain hits, all doctors ever seem to prescribe is physical therapy involving heat, electrical stimulation, and various exercises; while those are incredibly helpful, they aren't a permanent fix. You either have to commit to a regular workout routine or take the initiative to visit a physical therapist at least once a year...