Four Things To Reduce Lower Back Pain Other Than Opioids

Lower back pain can be excruciating, and many people find relief using opioids. Unfortunately, this group of pain relief medications can be severely addictive. Before you decide on using these drugs, you need to consider alternatives to these strong pain killers. The following are only a few of the things you can try that may help relieve your lower back pain.

Lose weight

When you are carrying extra weight, it can affect the pain in your lower back. This is especially true of the extra weight carried in your stomach area. This places more stress on your lower back and can result in more pain. Once you begin to lose weight, you may notice less back pain.

Exercise and stretch

Although it may seem counter-intuitive, exercise is known for reducing pain. The trick, of course, is knowing which exercise will benefit you the most. For this information, you are best served by consulting with your primary care physician. At the same time, certain types of stretching can do wonders for lower back pain. For example, those with a herniated disc may find great pain relief using a technique that allows for a particular vertebrae to be stretched.

Consider using a chiropractor

Chiropractors, such as at Bakke Chiropractic Clinic SC, specialize in making sure your spine is aligned correctly. They believe that many of the illnesses people have can be directly attributed to the spine and the nervous system. Part of the treatment they use for their patients consists of adjustments to your spine that are done with leverage or force. This is accomplished by certain holds and applied pressure with the arms and hands. To many who have not experienced this, it may seem scary, but a chiropractor first listens to your complaint, and then takes x-rays to determine the exact nature of your problem before deciding on a course of treatment. Many people with lower back pain have found great relief with chiropractic treatment.

Over-the-counter pain medications

For those who take opioids, these types of pain relief medication may seem mild and, therefor, ineffective. But if you choose to go down a path of comprehensive pain management, these medications can become an important part of reducing your pain. By not using opioids and reducing your pain by other means, these over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can have a stronger effect on your body. You may find that you only need to take them occasionally, and not routinely.

Addiction to opioids can become a serious problem, so it is best to not go down that road if possible. A comprehensive approach to pain management is a good alternative, and the four ideas above are a good for those with lower back pain. Additional ideas can be explored with your primary care physician.