How do I heal a muscle inflamation in my lower back?

Question

back pain

Answer 1

Youve got to lay on ICE and take an anti inflammatory. Either one from the doc, or one like Aleve.

Answer 2

Not a doctor, and I haven't even stayed in a Holiday Inn Express.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but you should see a doctor to get the best advice.

Disclaimers out of the way, exercise may be your best bet. I've had lower back issues for several years now, so I started reading up on it. Surprisingly, rest is NOT the best treatment. Perhaps initially or for a day or two, but exercise/stretching was recommended.

I used a heating pad as necessary, but I started doing more yoga stretches. I did avoid the arching stretches, such as wheel, bridge and cobra, but anything where you hump your back was fine. I did do some of the inward arching poses (that's the only way I can think to describe it) but only to offset the bowing poses. I just found that with my back, doing some of those made the pain worse.

Anything you decide to do should be done gently. And don't jump into anything; start slowly.

Check around for yoga that's aimed for healthy backs. You can find tons of books on the subject, and yoga tapes as well.

Answer 3

Be sure that an inflamed muscle is the problem because many other things can mimic the same symptoms. Depending on the answer to this that can definitely be given by someone such as a back surgeon or orthopedic surgeon, two of the things that can help you are Aleve (OTC) and cortisone injections in the specific area of your back where the problem is. Good luck, and be careful!

Answer 4

Ice pack for about 20 minutes 2 to 3 times a day to help reduce the inflamation. OTC pain meds either Advil or Momentum (specific for back pain) to also help the inflamation. A heating pad or hot bath are also ok but are more to relax the muscle but will do nothing for the inflamation. Lastly, careful mild streaching exercises and strength exercises to losen and strengthen your back. If it persist for more than a week see a doc.

Best of Luck

Answer 5

I've read a few answers to your question, and they're all useful. However, I don't think you are going to rush to a Health Food Store and spend $40 on herbal oils and vitamins.
Get some IcyHot and maybe one of those "sacs" that can be heated in the microwave and applied to the sore spot.
I have always been advised to alternate using hot and cold to help my lower back. Lying flat on the floor and gently stretching is a relief for me, also.
A muscle inflammation can also cause your lower vertebrae to get out of whack, as you are walking and carrying yourself like a puppet on a string to compensate for your pain.
Sometimes, a simple muscle relaxer can immediately give you relief, so if all else fails, or if you have lots of extra cash, go to your doctor, get a prescription, and /or see a chiropractor .

Answer 6

I know this will sound ridiculous, but this worked for me...
Soak some paper towel in vinegar and put it on your back where it is sore. You can use an old bandage to wrap around your body to hold the paper towel in place.

Remember the nursery rhyme Jack and Jill - vinegar and brown paper....

It's an old remedy - I stretched the crap out of my foot playing tennis at a staff christmas party. By the end of the night I could not walk on my foot and I have never been in soooo much pain. My parents wrapped my foot up as stated above and I went to bed with some paracetamol (panadol). I woke up the next day and was able to walk easily on my foot. I have used this method on neck pain as well.

Good luck and I hope you are feeling better!

Answer 7

Many people would put heat on it, but actually ice and cooling, if not overdone, works better.
Baseball pitchers cool an inflammed arm in ice after a game to reduce swelling.
The best thing is a cold pack, which can be reused.
It is best to place a dry cloth over the skin, and the pack on top to prevent frost bite or injury. Ten minutes on, ten off.
Ice in a bag can be used, but keep a dry towel in between to prevent overcooling.
Cold packs at any pharmacy. Put in freezer in plastic bag.

Answer 8

I am not a believer in medicines because all it does it treat the symptoms and not the causes. Most muscle pain is caused by stressed or overused muscles. Start stretching, take a yoga class, learn how to relax, see a chiropractor these are all good ideas and you could do all of them. Never put heat on it always put ice. And if you must take some type of medication just take an anti-inflammatory. But ice, ice, ice and stretch, stretch, stretch.

Answer 9

When I had back pain my doctor prescribed me muscle relaxers, they worked great, but I don't like taking medication, so instead I used a heating pad when I was at home and I also had my husband massage the muscle for a little while twice a day to relieve any tension.

It's probably a good idea to take some over the counter ibuprofen (like Advil) because ibuprofen is naturally an anti-inflammatory medication (not to mention it's not too strong) so over time it will relieve any muscle inflammation you may have.

Good luck and get better!!!!

-Anna-

Answer 10

You have 43 answers.
My answer is that you pl consuslt your doctor only.
The inflamation cause is to be seen.
There are many questions to be asked.
How you got this inflamation
Your medical history.
Your age &what type of job you do..
Did this happen anywhere in your body earlier.
How is the inflamation.
Any sign of itching.
Colour of inflamatiom
Since how many days you have this.
The size of inflamation.
Is there any Pain.
Unless we know this it is not advisible to say"you do this"

Answer 11

Bath in hot water with Epsom salt does work well.

Also any type of pain killer with Ibuprofen will help because it will reduce inflammation.

For the pain you can rub in some Ben-gay or Tiger Balm.

Get a good massage in the area around the inflammation, relaxing the UN-inflamed muscles around it will help them retain pressure that the main muscle is taking on.