Extreme Lower Back Pain

Do you have extreme lower back pain? Or, burning lower back pain?

First things first - talk with a doctor. Let them diagnose your symptoms - no self-diagnosing here!

You may easily have a pain that is not caused by anything serious. But whenever pain is intense, or is a burning pain, it should be assessed by a professional, certainly not me!

As in the case of your back, there are some serious medical conditions and diseases that can produce back aches and pain. Be particularly attentive if your pain is accompanied by:

• a fever
• pain when coughing
• loss of bowel or bladder control
• nausea
• increased weakness in the legs
• lightheadedness or dizziness

...or any other unusual symptoms.

Hopefully, you will find that your pain is nothing serious, just a bad back spasm, or pain caused by a "bad move" and the doctor will send you on your way.

If that's the case...

Your doctor is likely to advise you to keep moving and may recommend - OUCH! - exercise. That's right, exercises for extreme lower back pain.

Although bed rest and ice therapy may be most appropriate immediately following a back injury or trauma, more and more research is finding that movement and mobility are what work best for treating back pain.

Why are so many doctors no longer recommending long term bed rest?

You may also be interested in:
Back Pain Products, Back Pain Treatment, Chronic Back Pain

Chronic Back Pain Relief Research

Think about what Roger Chou, M.D., of Oregon Health and Science University, concluded after a three year study.

His findings show that rehabilitation treatments that are low-tech and noninvasive, such as exercise, are the best remedies for dealing with back pain.

• Since the spinal disks don't have a blood supply of their own, they require movement to bring nutrients and oxygen in, and waste out.
• Motion relaxes the back muscles, ligament and soft tissues which in turn allows better distribution of nutrients and oxygen.
• Motion can reduce stiffness and weakness.
  

Dr. Chou's research also found that people who participate in exercise to relieve back pain tend to not only improve their physical condition, but also have a more positive psychological outlook, due to their realization that the pain is not as limiting as they first thought it would be.

Back Exercise Workout

What kind of exercise works for extreme lower back pain?

It is important to understand...
Exercises that work well for one person may lead to further injury when used by another person. Based on your condition, your doctor or physical therapist will need to decide what is suitable for you.

In my case of extreme lower back pain I've often been referred to a physical therapist. Someone who starts me off with very simple stretching exercise, accompanied by easy stomach exercise to help re-strengthen the core muscles that support my spine.

In addition, I always try to do as much walking as possible - concentrating on my posture - to encourage the spine, muscles and ligaments to shift back into proper alignment.

Since our backs are particularly susceptible, immediately following an injury, it's important not to overdue. Instead listen to your body. My physical therapists always remind me to exercise at my own comfort level, and only increase duration and intensity, gradually.

Once my back begins to stabilize and I am in less pain, I then add to my routine. Usually with some...

• back stretching exercise
• back strengthening exercises, and
• upper back exercises

...all being done at my own pace.

And, then...

...I begin doing again the two things that I should always do, but sometimes get too busy for...

1. I return to doing back exercises on a regular basis - everyday if I can, to prevent more back pain.
2. I watch my posture - poor posture being the #1 reason for most instances of lower back pain.

That's what helps me in overcoming extreme lower back pain, and hopefully it can help you too!