Low back pain - What can you do?
Most people know it! Sudden lower back pain that can feel paralyzing to any kind of movement. Up to 90% of all new-onset lower back pain subsides on its own, but what can you do to help it along and, in the best case scenario, prevent it from happening again and again? That's what we'll try to shed some light on in this post.
The body is designed to move and constantly adapts to the physical demands we make on it. The more we use it, the more flexible, stronger and more tolerant it becomes. Conversely, the less we use it, the stiffer, weaker and more sensitive it becomes. Therefore, the best thing you can do to avoid lower back pain is to move it - whether it's through specific lower back exercises, a brisk walk, Zumba or something else entirely, it doesn't matter - movement is everything!
Do you have lower back pain?
If you have an accident and your lower back hurts, it is important to maintain your activities and movements for your back. Pain is the body's first defense to avoid tissue damage and therefore the muscles tense up to take care of it. However, sometimes they "forget" to let go when the danger is over and we end up with over-tightened muscles that limit our movements and can end up hurting even more due to the constant, static muscle work.
This can lead to a vicious spiral of worsening pain and tension, which becomes even more difficult to release.
Here it can be really good to do specific exercises for the lower back, where you try to break this pain/tension pattern with a few simple exercises that involve moving the lower back in all directions.
Lower back pain: our recommendations
No more forbidden! In general, there is nothing you can't do when you have back pain and the most important treatment is to continue your usual activity pattern. If you are used to running, yoga, horseback riding, strength training - keep it up! In general, it is recommended to maintain your usual movements. However, muscles often fatigue a little faster when in pain, so you may need to reduce the distance, speed, weight or range of motion. Most importantly for those with lower back pain: KEEP MOVING! This also applies when you are in the office! Sedentary work is one of the biggest causes of lower back pain and should be addressed in your workplace.
Does your company need more exercise during working hours? Then give our company fitness a look!
If the pain is caused by a high-energy trauma or you are experiencing signs of nerve root pressure*, you should seek medical attention. (*radiating pain, loss of strength, sensory disturbances or difficulty holding gas and water)
