Always seek doctors’ advice!

The exact cause of low back pain is very hard to define because usually many different factors are involved in the process that causes back pain. Up to 90% of back pain cases the condition is resolved within 6 weeks regardless of the type of treatment.

However, if back pain persists it is advisable to seek doctors’ advice for a clear diagnosis and a more efficient treatment plan.

The onset of acute low back pain is in almost all cases not life threatening. Many physicians will first recommend home treatment, in the form of bed rest and the use of over-the-counter pain relief medication.

Lying on the back with the legs bent 90° and supported on e.g. a chair, is the best position to relieve the spine from pressure and to get pain relief. In this position muscle activity is minimal, thus decreasing muscle spasm.

Back braces for support.

“Bracing” by means of using a variety of widely, available braces, back belts or corsets can be recommended as a supportive means. However they should not in any case be overused, as their use can reduce muscle tone over time and cause the condition to deteriorate. Bracing is recommended in situations where support of the back is welcome, for instance during hard labour, driving, etc…

The benefits of massage.

Massage is an ancient therapeutic technique, which often helps relieve acute back pain. It has the benefits that it is a drug free treatment, it has no or only minor side effects and it’s a great way to generally relax your body and mind.

It helps back pain through a mixture of relaxation of muscle spasms, increase of blood flow and changes in pain perception. When administered by a professional, massage can be a very efficient auxiliary treatment tool.

Why apply heat or cold when you have back pain?

Heat causes a local increase in blood flow, which subsequently creates pain relief and a “relaxing” sensation. The effects of heat application are similar to those of massage. Heat can be administered in various ways: hot pads, infrared light, a warm shower…etc.

Cold application or cryotherapy is a widely-used form of pain relief. It decreases the tissue temperature thus decreasing the conduction of “pain signals” along the nerves to the brain. This results in pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Cryotherapy is often used in combination with exercise therapy. There are many different ways to administer cold and each have their specific benefits, e.g. ice cubes, cold packs, sprays…etc.

When administering cold therapy, special attention has to be paid to the application time and application temperature, as not to cause any tissue damage through frostbite.

What can electrotherapy do for my back pain?

There are different types of electrotherapy that can give pain relief by altering the pain perception at the level of the nerves.

The most popular is definitely “transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation” or TENS, which uses low level electrical pulses to suppress back pain. It has proven to be particularly successful in bringing pain relief to patients suffering from spinal stenosis. There are many over-the-counter TENS devices available to administer electrotherapy at home.

Is manipulation effective?

Reports say that a one-time spinal manipulation within the first four weeks of the onset of back pain can be very effective. Spinal manipulation should only be attempted by a trained professional and after a clear diagnosis. A manipulation is a procedure whereby the structures are passively and abruptly moved beyond the physiological or pathological barrier but within the normal anatomical range of motion.

About exercise therapy and back schools

Exercise therapy is a very effective treatment tool after the acute effects of back pain have subsided. There are many different exercise methods, but the main goals are to strengthen the muscles, which support the back, improving flexibility and correcting posture. In the first phase of exercise therapy the patient learns to use the muscles and the back correctly. In the second phase the muscles can be strengthened to prevent the recurrent onset of back pain.

Back school programs are available from many different sources and in many different formats. They are essentially geared toward managing back pain and preventing its reoccurrence. Usually the program includes information about back anatomy and function and a practical part on how to protect your back in various situations.

For back pain home treatment you can use KOSMODISK CLASSIC Spine Massager / Set or KOSMODISK ACTIVE Sports Belt. Latter offers maximum comfort, additional support and warmth. And KOSMODISK LIFE 4 in 1 cold and hot gel packs are reusable gel packs for either cold or hot therapy for reducing swelling and inflammation or help relieve stiffness and ongoing pains.