Lumbar / Low Back Pain
Oww. Oww. My back. My back.
Localized back pain? Or is it radiating? This is where things get complicated. If your symptoms radiate down your leg (pain/numbness/tingling), check out the SCIATIC NERVE PAIN/SCIATICA section below.
Information
Low Back Pain | OrthoInfo
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/low-back-pain/
Learn about disk injury and degeneration, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal fractures and the basics of diagnosing and treating said causes of low back pain.
Neurosurgeon explains: Doctor recommended treatment of Low Back Pain - the first 12 weeks. | Best Practice Health
This 4-minute video reviews conservative treatment options from neurosurgeon Dr. Dan Lieberman including self-care options at home, physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections from a pain management specialist, etc.
Lumbar Back Bracing Study | clinicaltrials.gov
This article discusses the use of lumbar braces for use of acute low back as a conservative treatment option in adjunct to other conservative treatment options vs the less effective use of them for chronic low back pain sufferers.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03484403
Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review | National Library of Medicine
This research article discusses the use and efficacy of infrared light therapy for a number of musculoskeletal conditions and admits that further research is necessary to establish formal indications and a treatment program in the field of medicine. But concludes that it can be a safe and effective complementary therapy. Read the specifics here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8946909/
Resources
For non-specific/localized low back pain more along the lines of general aching of the low back. Care and caution needs to be taken if there is disk involvement or other spinal pathologies.
Back Pain Relief Exercises & Stretches - Ask Doctor Jo
Posterior Pelvic Tilt, Bridges, Single Knee to Chest Stretch, Double Knee to Chest, Trunk Rotation, Prayer Stretch.
Yoga For Lower Back Pain | Yoga With Adriene
15-minute real time yoga practice
Yoga For Back Pain | Yoga Basics | Yoga With Adriene
31-minute real time yoga practice
Product Considerations
Back Brace: https://a.co/d/ine6N4d
Heat Therapy:
Classic Rubber Hot Water Bottle: https://a.co/d/jdsMm1T
Infrared (880nm) and Red Light (660nm) Therapy Cordless Wrap: https://a.co/d/dfFEEcS
Jade/Tourmaline Gemstone Far Infrared Light Heating Pad: https://a.co/d/2nv2Tik
Microwave Heating Pad - SacksyThyme: https://a.co/d/1kg9Y6c
ThermaCare Heating Patch: https://a.co/d/3zaq7T4
Ice Pack: https://a.co/d/c7w2Nvy
Sciatic Nerve Pain / Sciatica
Sciatica is a specific type of low back ailment that involves a disc derangement like a bulging or herniated disc with associated peripheral nerve pain/numbness/tingling down the leg. The goal is to centralize the pain that has radiated down the lower extremity.
Information
Sciatica - Symptoms and Causes | Mayo Clinic:
Here’s a description of sciatica and pictures displaying a herniated disk and bone spurs on the spine:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435
What is Sciatica | HonorHealth:
Sciatica basics along with a 2-minute video by Dr. Harvinder Deogun.
https://www.honorhealth.com/medical-services/spine-care/sciatica
McKenzie Back Exercises | National Library of Medicine
This article explains the origination and method that is called the McKenzie Method, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Learn more about the intervertebral disc anatomy, indications for this type of activity, and treatment techniques.
Resources
Absolute Best Exercise for Sciatica & Herniated Disc - McKenzie Approach | Bob and Brad:
This video demonstrates treatment techniques including Prone Lying (w/ or w/o pillows), Prone on Elbows, Prone Press Ups following the McKenzie Approach in order to centralize pain associated with pain/numbness/tingling down the leg.
7 Exercises for Back Pain Using the McKenzie Method