Battling Lower Back Pain: Causes, Remedies & How Hempvana Can Help
Staff WriterKey Takeaways
- Lower back pain is very common: most Americans have it at some point, and it can range from a dull, constant ache to sharp pain that makes everyday tasks hard.
- It's most common between ages 30 and 50, and the risk rises with low fitness, excess body weight, some jobs, and conditions like arthritis.
- Staying lightly active, for example with regular walks, usually helps more than complete rest.
- Core-strengthening exercise, alternating heat and cold, OTC pain relievers, and lifestyle changes like losing excess weight and quitting smoking can all ease symptoms.
- Topical pain relief cream, a posture brace, or a TENS device can add targeted relief alongside these remedies.
- See a doctor if the pain doesn't improve after a few weeks, and get urgent care for numbness or weakness in the legs or changes in bladder or bowel control.
Lower back pain can be a chronic issue affecting the quality of life for millions worldwide. Ranging from a dull constant ache to an incapacitating sharp sensation, this condition can strike anyone, anytime, impacting your ability to carry out everyday activities. If you’re suffering from lower back pain, you are not alone. A recent study found that more than 75-85% of Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.
Who Does It Affect?
Lower back pain isn’t discriminate: it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. However, certain risk factors can increase the chances of experiencing lower back pain. These include age, physical fitness level, body weight, occupation, and diseases like arthritis or cancer.
Age and Back-related Problems
While lower back pain can strike at any age, it’s most common among adults aged 30-50. As we age, loss of muscle elasticity and bone strength, coupled with decreased lubrication in the joints and discs, increases the likelihood of back issues, the most common of which is lower back pain. Lower back pain is common in older adults because of the natural aging process. However, back pain is also more likely to occur at this stage of life due to other factors such as medical conditions and lifestyle choices.
Physical Fitness Level and Back Pain
The more fit you are, the better able your body will be to withstand injury and stress. If you’re in poor physical condition, it may take longer to recover from a back injury or strain. If you’re overweight and out of shape, it’s even more difficult for your body to heal. In addition, your muscles are less able to support your spine and protect against injury if they aren’t fit. If you’ve recently started an exercise program or have been sedentary for a long time, consult with your doctor before starting any physical activity.
Body Weight and Back Pain
Obesity is another risk factor for lower back pain, as it places additional stress on the spine and increases the chances of developing conditions like osteoarthritis. The weight of your upper body can also be a factor in lower back pain. If you’re overweight or obese, you may find it more difficult to maintain proper posture, which can lead to problems with your spine.
Typical Remedies for Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain management can vary based on severity and the underlying cause. Nevertheless, here are some common remedies:
1) Rest and Activity: Contrary to popular belief, complete rest may not be the best solution for lower back pain. Light physical activities like walking can help. This is because inactivity can actually worsen the symptoms of lower back pain. As such, try to keep moving during the day to reduce pain and stiffness.
2) Physical Therapy: The importance cannot be stressed enough of exercises that strengthen your core and improve flexibility. These exercises can help improve posture and reduce the strain on your back. They can also help relieve stress from your muscles and joints, which is often a factor in lower back pain. Physical therapy may also include heat therapy or cold therapy to relieve inflammation and soreness.
3) Pain Medication: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or prescribed medications can help alleviate pain. They can also reduce inflammation and swelling. If your pain is severe, talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
4) Hot and Cold Therapy: Alternating between heat and cold treatments can soothe the muscles and reduce swelling and discomfort. Heat can be applied in the form of moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat from a heating pad. Try alternating 10 minutes of each treatment every hour until you feel better.
5) Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can drastically improve your back health and reduce pain. If you’re overweight, losing just 10 percent of your body weight can help reduce the stress on your spine. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your back.
How Hempvana Can Help
While all these remedies can help, there’s a solution that holds great potential: Hempvana.
Hempvana’s Pain Relief Products
Hempvana offers a lineup of pain relief products that are both effective and safe. These products might just be the ticket you need to bring you relief from lower back pain. The flagship product, Hempvana Pain Relief Cream, is a topical analgesic that helps to target and relieve pain. It contains a proprietary blend of ingredients including an FDA-listed active ingredient and hemp seed oil. The cream is easy to apply and won’t leave behind any greasy residue or unpleasant odor.
1) Hempvana Platinum Pain Cream: The Hempvana Platinum Pain Cream can be applied directly to the lower back area, and quickly absorbed without leaving any greasy residue. The medicine is a topical analgesic, which means it works at the site of the pain.
2) Hempvana Straight 8 Posture Brace: A wearable solution, the Hempvana Posture brace helps corrects your posture by offering 8 points of support, aligns your spine, retrains your muscles, relieves muscle tension, and alleviates neck and back pain.
3) Hempvana Rocket Wireless TENS Pain Relief: A revolutionary tool for lower back pain, the Hempvana Rocket provides targeted pain relief in just a few minutes. It uses a TENS technology to deliver a mild electrical stimulation that blocks pain signals from reaching your brain. The device is small, portable, and easy to use anywhere.
Incorporating these Hempvana products into your regimen along with the typical remedies can lead to a significant decrease in lower back pain. Positive testimonials from satisfied customers only serve to strengthen the claim. If you’re looking for a way to reduce lower back pain, the Hempvana products are an excellent starting point. They are easy to use and very effective.
In a Nutshell…
Lower back pain might seem inescapable and daunting as we age, but with appropriate interventions, a proactive approach to health, and a little assistance from products such as Hempvana, you can reclaim your life from the debilitating grip of lower back pain. Act now, and ensure your lower back pain doesn’t hold you back from the joys of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Back Pain
How Long Does Lower Back Pain Usually Last?
Most lower back pain improves within a few weeks with home care like staying active and using heat or cold, although it can come back. Pain that lasts 12 weeks or longer is considered chronic. If yours hasn't started to improve after a few weeks, it's time to see a doctor.
When Should You See a Doctor for Lower Back Pain?
Book an appointment if the pain doesn't improve after a few weeks, stops you from doing everyday activities, is worse at night, or comes with unexplained weight loss, a fever, or feeling generally unwell. Get emergency care right away if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in both legs, numbness around your groin or buttocks, new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or pain that started after a serious fall or accident.
What's the Best Sleeping Position for Lower Back Pain?
Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent and a pillow between them helps keep your hips and spine aligned. If you sleep on your back, a pillow under your knees eases pressure on your lower back. Sleeping on your stomach tends to strain the lower back, so it's best avoided while you're in pain. A mattress that supports the natural curve of your spine also makes a difference.
Can Sitting All Day Cause Lower Back Pain?
It can contribute. Staying in one position for long stretches puts steady strain on the muscles and discs in your lower back. Use a chair that supports your spine, keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, and get up to walk and stretch regularly throughout the day.
Disclaimer: This blog post aims to provide general information and discussion about health and related subjects. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for direct professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment program.
Sources:
Low Back Pain | American Association of Neurological Surgeons
