Thread: Help, I hurt my back!

Ok, so somehow over the weekend I hurt my lower back. I turned funny and now it really hurts!! ,f::

Anyone have any good pointers for lower back pain?

Most people injure their lower backs at some point in time, and most injuries will heal by themselves. Listen to your body and try to move as much as your body will allow. If there are movements or positions that aggravate it, avoid them. Heat/massage/OTC pain relievers are nice for muscle guarding.

I have horrible sciatica some times & suffer - here's what you can do for short term alleviation:

> Sleep with a pillow or two under your knees to alleviate pressure on your lower back. Or, if you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your knees to align your legs and back.

> alternate heat and ice packs

> take advil, tylenol, etc.

> do very gentle stretches that you can find on the web to help with lower back pain.

> don't overdo exercise until you're better and that means walking

> watch the heel height on your shoes

> do not sit for long periods of time; don't stand for long periods of time

> STAY OFF YOUR FEET for as much as possible to give your back a chance to heal.

Epsom salt in the bath. If you have any inflammation in your back (feels warm when you touch the painful area) make sure the bathwater is warm but not hot. Stay in tub for 20 minutes for best results. That is if you can get in the tub.

I love the heat packs you can get fpr the back. It's on a little belt and stays hot all day. Plus, you can wear it under a lot of clothes and no one will be able to tell. I sported one at work for two days and no one knew, but it really eased the pain.

Thanks all for the advice!! I know time and rest are the best remedies, but these are great tips to speed up the process and make the pain stop! :) I liked the bath idea. I love baths so I did that one right away and it did help (along with advil, stretches and a trip to the Chiro!)