Low back pain
Low back pain comes mostly in 2 varieties, acute (you know exactly when the injury occurred) and chronic low back pain (gradually getting worse over time). Acute low back pain may lead to chronic if not properly treated. Generally, for the for first 24 hours after the injury you may try to apply a cold compress to the back. Beyond this you may want to try heat. Remember to never apply a heat or cold compress directly to the skin as you could injure your skin.
How to correct:
Your posture is key in preventing back pain. If you are sitting at a desk for most of your day then you should adjust the chair so that your feet are resting flat on the ground and your thighs level with the ground. Your back should be vertical with most commonly utilized things at arm’s length. The Center of the computer should be eye level not having to serially look too far up or down.
The other thing that many people tend to forget is to step towards any object that you are picking up then bring them close to your center of gravity, while never over reaching. This includes a glass of water. Overreaching for anything, even small objects, could wreak havoc on your lower back through torque forces.
For acute back pain usually, the best remedy is rest and ice.
I would suggest however that once the acute phase is over then you need to involve yourself with regular/routine mobilization techniques to prevent both acute and chronic in future.
I cannot say enough how much I think having a Osteopathic physician or a Chiropractor in your medicine cabinet is important for your long term health; specifically your back health.
