Friday, July 5, 2013

Are You Suffering From Lower Back Pain? Get Relief From Back Braces


Do you feel pain in your lower back? Do you think it may be low back strain or lumbar sprain?

What is a low back strain and why do we have to be careful not to suffer from it? What about lumbar sprain? Why do we suffer from it?

Low Back Strain

A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. A lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together, are torn from their attachments.

The main cause of low back strain or lumbar sprain is the inflammation of the soft tissues resulting when the lumbar spine is strained or sprained. This inflammation causes pain and can cause muscle spasm.

Why Do We Get Injured?

There are many reasons why we could suffer from lower back pain. Following are some of the contributing factors:

  • Poor conditioning coupled with over-exercising. While it is good to exercise, the body needs to be well conditioned to strenuous activities. In training for a marathon, for example, you need to do leg raises in order to strengthen your abdominal muscles. However, you need to be careful not to train too much at once, as it puts too much pressure on your back and could cause the strain.

  • Obesity or excessive weight. If you are too big, and your back muscles are not defined, this could cause too much pressure in that area, since the top portion of your body will be too heavy without the needed support of strong muscles in the lower back.

  • Smoking. According to scientific studies, smoking does increase the risk of getting low back pain. Quitting it will not only save your back but your lungs as well.

  • Improper use and/or lifting technique. When you lift weights, you put pressure on certain parts of your body. An improper technique could injure the lower back.

Symptoms of a Low Back Strain or Lumbar Sprain

The following are some of the symptoms that could be felt when you have back problems:

  • Pain around the lower back and upper buttocks

  • Lower back muscle spasm

  • Pain associated with activities, which generally goes away when you are at rest

Treatment for Lower Back Pain

  • Ice - this is a well known home remedy to control pain and swelling when you get injured.

  • Rest - this can really ease out pain. It is free and can help you out a lot. Make sure that you get enough of it.

  • Back Braces - if resting and putting ice compress on the lower back do not work, the next best thing is to get a back brace. Back braces are easy to wear and give comfort. It reduces pain and promotes healing of the injured area. You can wear them before, after, and even during rigorous physical activity.

It is important to seek for professional help if you experience severe back pain. This article is for health information and should not be seen as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.

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