Back care generally consists of any of a variety of methods utilized to restore or retain a normal, pain-free back. The term “back” can include all of the soft tissues that comprise the lumbar region of your spine. Typically the lower part of your back including the muscles, ligaments, and bone in the lower back support your spinal column. Some causes of back pain are from conditions that involve the joints and muscles at the junctions of the spine and the ribs. These conditions can range from simple strains and sprains to more severe problems such as degenerative disc disease. The less severe causes of back pain are usually caused by normal wear and tear, overextending yourself, or lifting incorrectly.
Most back problems can be treated without surgery but sometimes, especially with older people, more aggressive treatment may be needed. Treatment includes strengthening exercises to prevent further injury, stretching exercises to help correct muscle imbalances, application of medication for pain relief, and more. The most common treatment of lower back pain involves physical therapy, which can strengthen weak muscles, stretch out those that have stretched out, and exercise the spine. Surgery is used when spine damage is severe, there is no way to correct the spine, or there is an extreme case of back pain.
Back pain management includes a number of things. Simple treatment to prevent pain and injury can include a proper posture, adequate bed rest to allow recovery, stretching exercises to increase muscle strength, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce muscle inflammation. For more severe cases, surgery may be required.