Backache Prevention

Avoid any sudden strain. If you are going to have to bend in any way make sure that your back is not cold and stiff. Exercise regularly to loosen up the back and strengthen its supporting abdominal muscles. Stretching your back helps loosen it and prevent injury.

If you sit for long periods, make sure your back is properly supported. Place a small roll in the arch of your lower spine (at waist height) to maintain its normal S-curve. Simply a towel, or cushion rolled up will do.

When lifting, never bend down from the waist, lower and raise yourself at the knees. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. If you are going to carry anything any distance that may be heavy, make sure that your way is clear. You do not want to be dodging around things when you are carrying.

Balance items you carry evenly on both sides of your body and hold them close or use a knapsack.

Sleep on your back if possible, with knees raised on a pillow. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between the knees is a big help.

If you need a firm bed, place a board between the mattress and the box spring.

Lower Back Pain

Eight out of ten Americans will experience a backache at some point. Back pain is the second most common reason for doctor visits in the U.S. The causes of lower back pain are numerous. Some of the more common causes of lower back pain are:

Sudden injury to the back such as may occur in an auto accident, fall, sports, or other manner.
Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, menstrual cramps, fibroid tumors, and pregnancy are sometimes the cause of lower back pain in women.
Stress to the muscles, nerves, or ligaments in the lower back.
Certain jobs such as those that require repetitive movements, sitting in chairs that are not ergonomically proper for your back, or standing for long periods of time often increase back stress and cause lower back pain.
Arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and other bone or joint diseases often cause lower back pain.
Not getting enough physical activity, being sedentary, or being overweight often stresses the lower back causing pain.
Slipped discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, aging, and infections are other common causes of lower back pain.
Smoking. More than 1300 physicians were followed from time of graduation (1948-1964) from John Hopkins University, some for over fifty years. The researchers found that smoking history, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (risk factors for atherosclerosis, occlusion of the arteries) are significantly associated with development of lower back pain.

Because there are so many causes of lower back pain, some serious such as spinal tumors, if you experience lower back pain see your health care provider for diagnosis. If your lower back pain is sudden and severe and it is not during your provider's office hours, go immediately to your local hospital emergency room.

Muscle Relaxants

Once the cause of your back pain has been been properly diagnosed, there are supplements to physical therapy and good posture that can help, such as skelatal muscle relaxants like Soma, Selaxin and Flexeril. Muscle relaxants such as Soma Selaxin and Flexeril are prescription medications that are used to treat pain caused by muscle spasms like muscle injuries, spasms, sprains, and strains. Skelaxin Soma Flexeril and other muscle relaxers are recommended as a supplement to physical therapy, rest, or other treatments your doctor may recommend, and will not replace these treatments.