Ice Bath Weight Loss My Aching Back.
You bend over to pick up a piece of paper when it hits - that pain in your lower back. You try an over-the-counter pain medication, but it doesn't help. Now what do you do?
Four out of five adults will go through this scenario at some point in their lives. In fact, the most frequent cause of lost work days among adults under the age of 45, other than for common colds, is lower back pain. Back injuries are considered one of the most costly health problems that affects industry and society. A study of workers compensation claims indicates that low back strain costs an average of $8,831 per claim in lost time and $618 per claim in medical costs. This means that on the average, back injuries cost nearly $8 billion in lost work time plus $556 million in medical costs each year.
For those who have mild to moderate symptoms associated with low back pain, simple at home treatments often work. Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen may relieve the symptoms. Within the first 48 hours of the problem, you might try an ice pack for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. After 48 hours, try a heating pad or a hot shower or bath.
If your symptoms are more severe, then you need to see your doctor for a specific diagnosis and treatment options. Most low back pain can be treated without surgery. Today advances in physical therapy, pain management and rehabilitation enable orthopedic surgeons to treat low back pain without surgery.
Treatment for low back pain often begins with a period of rest or modification of your activities combined with medication that relieves the pain and reduces the swelling or inflammation. Once the initial pain has eased, then a program will be designed to help you recover and to increase your muscle strength in your lower back and abdominal muscles. Your doctor may suggest a weight loss program and a program to prevent further injury to your back.
When should you see a doctor?
You should see your doctor if...
Your symptoms are severe and don't go away after a few days.
The pain keeps you from continuing your normal activities.
You have problems controlling your bowel or bladder.
Your groin or rectal area feel numb.
Your leg(s) become weak or feel numb, extreme discomfort in my fingers and toes.
