Low back pain is a very common complaint among people of varying ages and affects both men and women. While it may be difficult to determine what originally started the back pain, it is often better to focus on a solution than to rack your brain about it. Obviously, maintaining a strong low back is key to avoiding a lot of problems, if you still are unfortunate enough to sustain a low back strain, I find that heat coupled with stretching exercises are the best and fastest approach to alleviating the pain. Soaking in a hot bath works well, using a heating pad, and thermo gels and lotions also are effective. Just be careful when using them together, as I have discovered that often times a hot shower, even hours after applying a thermo lotion, can get very uncomfortable as the hot water intensifies the heat. I’d suggest a thermo lotion during the day if you are working and on your feet, and then using a heating pad in the evening before bed. Also, many of the gels and lotions contain an anti-inflammatory agent, like Arnica, which I prefer versus using one without it. When compared to using cooling agents for low back strain and discomfort, I find that heat works much faster. So try this next time you have some low back discomfort.
Melissa Allen, BS, CPT, CES. Please visit my website at OptimumCondition.org.
