There are several reasons why people end up suffering from lower back pain, whether it be a result of lifting something heavy or the factor 
of a condition such as arthritis. Whatever the cause, this is a common condition and many Americans experience it at some point in their life. Not all lower back pain is serious but if you were injured and have certain symptoms (numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs) you'll need to call the doctor. Here at Virgin Island Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists in St.Thomas and St. Croix, treat these issues with a variety of approaches—read on to learn a few.
Lower Back Pain Management
- Try icing your back within the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury, for this helps reduces inflammation. You can also switch over to using heat pads, but remove it after 20 minutes to let your skin rest.
- Continuous movement such as walking, swimming, biking, and other activities help, but you need to avoid overexerting yourself; therefore, ask your physicians about which exercises are safe and suitable for you.
- Stretching, sitting up straight, and taking occasional breaks from your desk every 20 minutes.
- Create a smart workspace that doesn't require hunching forward to reach your mouse/keyboard or see your computer monitor. Find the proper chair that supports your lower back and enables your feet to stay planted on the floor.
- Women tend to wear high heels which create an unstable posture, so opt for flats instead of four-inch pumps to avoid pain that may develop in the lower spine.
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may help reduce back pain.
If you would like to learn more about lower back pain management, call one of Virgin Island Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists' offices today:
- St. Thomas: (340) 714-2845
- St. Croix: (340) 692-5000