Low back pain tends to be one of the most common complaints regardless of age, gender or race. Lower back pain can occur due to a very wide variety of reasons, injuries or even due to genetic issues and can be very pragmatic to properly diagnose and treat.

What Is Low Back Pain?
Lower back pain can originate in the spine, nerves, muscles or other tissues and materials that combine and work together to comprise a person’s back. In addition to this, lower back pain can also originate in other regions such as a woman’s ovaries or even the mid back and then feel as though it is coming from the lower back.

How Is Low Back Pain Treated?
Due to the amount of different causes and issues that contribute to lower back pain there is no one way to effectively treat it. However, there are many small everyday factors that can contribute to relief from chronic lower back pain.

Sitting:
When seated chairs with straight backs should be used and a person’s knees should be slightly higher than their hips. If a chair cannot be adjusted a small footrest or stool may help create this ideal position.

Standing:
If standing for long periods one foot should be rested on a small stool in order to relieve pressure. Periodically, the foot rested on the stool should be switched. It is also important to always use good posture and avoid slouching.

Sleeping:
For sleeping, many people will feel relief if they sleep on their side with knees bent and a pillow supporting one’s neck. If it’s not comfortable or possible to sleep on their side, sleeping on one’s back with pillows positioned under the knees and lower back may provide some relief. Also, a firm mattress that is not too soft should be used with support boards placed under the mattress to provide support.

General tips for preventing back pain:
1. Lift by squatting instead of bending over
2. If seated for long periods of time, take frequent breaks to stretch and stand
3. Avoid high heels and wear flat shoes or heels less than an inch tall
4. Exercise regularity to keep muscles firm and flexible
5. Consider losing weight to reduce spinal pressure
6. Use comfortable positions while standing, sitting and sleeping
7. Quit smoking
8. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated