Lower back pain is quite common, and it can manifest in several ways. You may feel a sharp stabbing pain or a dull ache. Whether it's chronic or acute, lower back pain can be debilitating. In addition to regularly visiting a chiropractor, there are several things you can do at home to help ease your discomfort. 

How to Relieve Back Pain

1. Perform Light Exercises

Moving might be the last thing on your mind when you're in pain. However, exercising releases endorphins, the hormones that block pain signals to the brain. Stick to simple exercises like a 30-minute walk or gentle yoga poses. But listen to your body so that you don't overextend the muscles. If you feel any pain, take a break and stick to a quick walk each day. Otherwise, staying sedentary for too long will weaken the muscles around the spine—and you'll feel worse. 

2. Strengthen Your Core

The muscles in your stomach may help the pain in your back. Your abdominal core supports your back, so strengthening the stomach muscles and stretching to increase flexibility could help you relieve existing back pain and prevent it from happening again. Choose gentle exercises like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi to strengthen your core.

3. Sit Up Straight

With so much work being done on laptops and staring at cellphones all day, it's easy to slouch or hunch over. Straightening your shoulders and sitting tall takes the pressure off your lower back. If you are a sloucher, using tape, straps, or bands can help you minimize the habit. 

4. Apply Hot or Cold Packs

While swelling and inflammation are often better relieved by applying ice, heat is usually better for loosening stiff and tight muscles. You can try both and see which works best for you. Whichever you decide, remove the ice pack or heating pad after 20 minutes and avoid using them after applying muscle-ache creams or ointments on your skin. 

When your lower back is causing discomfort, and you want help to alleviate the pain, visit Back to Health Chiropractic in Florence, KY. These chiropractors will begin by finding the root of your pain and use natural, safe, and effective methods to relieve any discomfort. Learn more about their services online, and call (859) 746-2222 to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.