Help for your aching back

Lower back pain is the second most common neurologic ailment, just behind headaches. It can strike at any age, but getting older, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and sporadic “weekend warrior”-type exercise help make people ages 30 to 50 prime targets.

Your back consists of a stack of some 30 bones (vertebrae), with your spinal cord passing through an opening in the middle. Between vertebrae are round, spongy pads of cartilage called intervertebral disks that provide flexibility and act as shock absorbers. Ligaments and tendons add further stabilization. Branching out between vertebrae are small spinal nerve roots.

5 Tips for Easing Back Pain

Rest

Try to keep bedrest to a minimum, not more than a day or two. Moving around will help you heal faster.

NSAIDs
Good choices are medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen,or naproxen.

Cold
Apply a cold pack (or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) for up to 20 minutes several times a day.

Heat
After 2 or 3 days, switch to brief periods of heat with a hot pack, heating pad, heat lamp, or hot bath.

Exercise
Resume normal activities as soon as possible and begin a program to build flexibility and muscle strength.