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Some of the most debilitating injuries can start in the sneakiest places. That’s why treating and preventing lower back pain is such an important part of maintaining a pain-free life. If you’ve ever suffered from sciatica, a herniated disc, or any type of spinal cord injury, then you already know just how bad lower back pain can be. But what can you do to prevent these issues from happening and what back pain treatment options are out there?
What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain is an incredibly common condition. In fact, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide according to a 2014 study. 28% of adults experienced low back pain that lasted a whole day or more during the past three months, according to a recent Vital and Health Statistics Report Series. Low back pain is specific to the lumbar area. This area begins just below the ribcage and ends above the tailbone and hips. It supports much of the weight of the upper body. The lower back includes five vertebrae (known as L1-L5); the spaces between the vertebrae are maintained by pads called intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers throughout the spinal column to cushion bones as the body moves. Additionally, ligaments hold vertebrae in place, and tendons attach muscles to the spinal column. Finally, 31 pairs of nerves are rooted in the spinal cord to control body movements and transmit signals from the body to pain. Based on this complex anatomy, it is not surprising how common lower back pain is reported.
Back injury is one of the common causes of lower back pain. Injuries occurring to the back muscles, spine, or nerves can all quickly become a problem and lead to chronic issues or severe pain later on. The good news is, diagnosis is typically very simple because it's easy to tell when you are experiencing lower back pain.
There are a variety of treatments available depending on the cause and severity of low back pain. Medications, home remedies, surgical procedures, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and epidural steroid injections are some of the many options available.
How is lower back pain diagnosed?
The most common cause of low back pain is a mechanical back injury. This means an injury that occurs to the spine, back muscles, nerves, or bones near the back (such as the hips) that may cause you to become unbalanced. Common causes for back injuries can include bad posture, improper lifting, arthritis, a ruptured or herniated disc, fractures, falls, and more.
Typically, back pain of any kind is self-diagnosed. Low back pain is especially easy to diagnose because it’s an easily recognizable location. However, you should still see your primary care physician or another back pain specialist for a thorough review of your medical history and a physical exam to identify any serious conditions that may be causing the pain and to assist you in seeking treatment.
“Patients should know that lower back pain can be caused by many different things and that they should have a proper evaluation by a physician before going off on their own to find someone to treat them,” said Amy Sedgwick, MD of Yoga Medicine.
Lower back pain treatment options
Back pain treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of your pain. There are many different options for managing your back pain so your chances of finding pain relief are high. First, you can always try at-home, or self-care, treatments. These could include heating pads such as disposable self-heaters, microwavable bags, electric heating pads, or cold packs if the pain is due to inflammation. They may ease pain enough to allow for greater mobility. You could also try physical exercise at home including light aerobic activity focused on stretching or strengthening your injured area. However, you should use caution when attempting this. It’s always a good idea to consult a physician before attempting physical activity as you could worsen your injuries.
There are a variety of medications available for managing your back pain as well. These can be a great way to eliminate pain while recovering from a severe injury that prevents movement, but typically are not the best long-term solution. A few common types include muscle relaxants, narcotics, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics.
Massages and joint manipulation are both treatment options for low back pain. Massages are sometimes used when muscle pain or strain is the main issue. Joint manipulation is used to restore movement to the joints while reducing pain in the area, in this case, the lower back. Stretching can also allow for further movement without pain in the future.
Specialists in fields such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management can each provide solutions in their fields to give you the best possible remedies for your lower back pain. A chiropractor provides relief for joints through releasing pressure that has built up over time or through injury. Physical therapists help patients restore their muscles back to health through exercise and strength-building activities. Pain management specialists can help you find ways to control pain in everyday life and keep yourself living as pain-free as possible.
Lastly, there are a variety of medical procedures your doctor or another medical professional may recommend for correcting your lower back pain or lumbar issues. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, also known as TENS, utilizes a low voltage of electric impulses designed to block incoming pain signals. An epidural steroid injection is a slightly more invasive procedure that is sometimes recommended for low back pain caused by spinal stenosis or herniated discs. If there are more serious underlying causes for your low back issues, then you may require additional diagnostic tests and possibly surgical interventions.
Lower back pain medications
Medications are often used to treat low back pain. Due to the range of causes and levels of pain in the lumbar area, medications used to treat this pain will vary as well. For some, using anti-inflammatory medications called NSAIDs, which include aspirin, can help. For others, stronger medications like narcotics are needed. As always, you should discuss your medication options with your doctor as narcotic medications have a higher risk of dependence, abuse, or addiction when used long-term.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
If you’ve ever had an ache or pain, chances are you’ve taken an NSAID. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are a class of drugs that reduce inflammation without help from a steroid. They make a great treatment for joint pain, muscle aches, sprains, and more. While NSAIDs can be a good solution for low back pain they do come with a number of side effects from long-term use. Stomach irritation may progress to ulcers that can bleed, and kidney issues can arise or get worse. There are many different brands (and generics) on the market including ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. You should only combining NSAIDs with other medications under the oversight of a medical professional. NSAIDs may have additional side effects when used with other classes of medications.
Analgesic
Similar to NSAIDs, this treatment is available over the counter, without a prescription. Analgesics relieve pain, and can reduce swelling. The most commonly used OTC analgesic is acetaminophen. Many patients will use an analgesic if they cannot use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or vice versa. Side effects of this type of medication include kidney and liver issues, stomach upset, and headaches. It is important to consult your doctor when using an analgesic for a long period of time.
Muscle relaxant
A common cause of lumbar issues is back muscle strain, so muscle relaxants are frequently prescribed. These medications work by releasing the tension in the muscles that are the source of pain. Commonly prescribed muscle relaxers include carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and metaxalone. The side effects of these medications can include drowsiness, stomach issues, and nausea.
Narcotic
When non-narcotic medications are not providing adequate pain relief, a doctor might recommend a narcotic. Narcotics are a type of analgesic. Also known as opioids, they are available by prescription and work by relieving pain that is not responsive to other therapies. A commonly prescribed narcotic for treating low back pain is tramadol. Narcotics should ideally only be used on a short term basis, as they are associated with complications such as misuse and overdose. Side effects of narcotics can include nausea, lightheadedness, and drowsiness.
What is the best medication for lower back pain?
| Best medications for lower back pain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Drug class | Administration route | Standard dosage | Common side effects |
| Ibuprofen | NSAID | Oral | 800 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (maximum daily dose is 3200 mg) | Constipation, dizziness, liver and kidney issues |
| Naproxen | NSAID | Oral | 500 mg 2 to 3 times daily as needed (maximum daily dose is 1250 mg) | Heartburn, drowsiness, and stomach ache |
| Aspirin | NSAID, analgesic | Oral | 325–500 mg up to every 4 hours | Nausea, heartburn, and stomach ache; patients should not use in combination with other NSAIDs or blood thinning products due to increased risk of adverse events |
| Tactinal (acetaminophen) | Analgesic | Oral | 325–650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (maximum daily dose is 3000 mg) | Rash, nausea, liver issues |
| Soma (carisoprodol) | Muscle relaxant | Oral | 350 mg taken 3 or 4 times daily | Drowsiness, upset stomach, and headache |
| Fexmid (cyclobenzaprine) | Muscle relaxant | Oral | 10 mg taken 3 times daily | Dry mouth, nausea, and heartburn |
| Robaxin-750 (methocarbamol) | Muscle relaxant | Oral | 500-750 mg taken 4 times daily | Discolored urine, upset stomach, and blurred vision |
| Skelaxin (metaxalone) | Muscle relaxant | Oral | 800 mg taken 3 or 4 times daily | Drowsiness, nervousness, and nausea |
| Ultram (tramadol) | Narcotic | Oral | 50 mg taken as needed every 4 to 6 hours | Sleepiness, uncontrollable shaking, and mood swings |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are common side effects of lower back pain medication?
Since lower back pain sufferers are looking for pain relief, the medications used to treat this condition will generally have the same or similar side effects. While these side effects tend to be similar they are not always the same for everyone and their severity will vary. This is not a complete list and you should always consult your doctor regarding your potential risks when starting a new medication. Potential side effects of lower back pain medication can include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Headache
What are the best home remedies for lower back pain?
Depending on the severity and cause, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your lower back pain at home. Many of these remedies are short-term solutions, but can help you avoid medications while you wait for your next doctor’s appointment. After consulting a healthcare professional, you may be able to rely on these solutions entirely for minor pain.
- Treat inflammation Ice is a great solution for immediate relief within the first 24 to 72 hours after an injury. If your pain is caused by a recent back injury, apply small amounts of pressure using ice or an ice pack to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.
- Focus on your core Physical therapy and at-home exercise routines are often recommended for preventing or reducing chronic lower back pain. Your core is an essential muscle group to protect your lumbar area. One study published in 2017 showed that focus on core exercises significantly reduced lower back pain.
- Support your posture Ensure that your posture is supporting your lower back and not causing further damage in the future. If you work in an office it’s worth investing in a chair that supports your back or cushions that can improve posture. Poor posture will only worsen your lower back troubles in time.
- Stretch Look for stretching routines that will help strengthen your back and entire body. This can help you to move your body and keep your lower back muscles flexible, preventing stiffness that may lead to more pain later on. Your healthcare provider may be able to suggest resources as this is a commonly-recommended practice.
- Turmeric This spice is a natural anti-inflammatory that is commonly added to food and drinks. It can have a strong taste when added in large doses so some people choose to take it as a vitamin. Turmeric has been shown to help treat issues like inflammation and joint pain. Use with extreme caution if taking other medications that work to thin blood, as turmeric may affect the blood’s clotting abilities.
Frequently asked questions about lower back pain
What can I do to relieve my lower back pain?
There are many options for relieving lower back pain depending on the cause, severity, and duration of the pain. For some patients medications or treatments such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and epidural steroid injections can help. Others see specialists like chiropractors, physical therapists, or pain management physicians. Each patient’s needs are different. A great first step is seeing your primary care provider.
What is the best therapy for lower back pain?
Since each patient’s needs and situation are different there isn’t one best therapy for treating low back pain. There are a number of options to explore. Physical therapy, pain management therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture can all help to manage lower back pain.
How do you get rid of back pain fast?
The quickest way to get rid of back pain is with over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs, like as ibuprofen and aspirin. If your back pain is due to a new injury or inflammation you can apply light pressure with ice to the area until you are able to seek medical attention. This will reduce the swelling and pain until further treatment is available.
Is walking good for lower back pain?
Regular exercise may help manage, reduce, and prevent lower back pain. This can include walking, stretching, yoga, light aerobics, and more. Each patient is different, so it is important to discuss your workout plan with a doctor first. Typically, staying active helps back pain.
What are the best natural ways to treat lower back pain?
Turmeric is a popular natural remedy for lower back pain. The root’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce joint pain and inflammation. Use caution if you're taking prescription medications known to thin blood. They could interact with this supplement. Another natural treatment is applying ice directly to the affected area to reduce swelling.
How can I relieve back pain at home?
You can manage back pain at home with over-the-counter medications, natural remedies, or very light exercise techniques. Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or aspirin can alleviate pain. Natural remedies like turmeric or ice can reduce inflammation. Or, you can try stretching, walking, or other light exercise. However, you should consult a doctor before starting new physical activity to avoid injuring yourself further.
What is the best medication for lower back pain?
Every patient is different and every case of lower back pain is different. There is no single best medication to treat it. Commonly-used medications include muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, narcotics, and analgesics. Always consult your doctor about the medications you should consider to manage your lower back pain.