As you're reading this, chances are you've suffered lower back pain at some point.
If so, you know how debilitating it can be.
Lumbar pain can sap your spirit and energy.
It can render you housebound or even bedridden, unable to enjoy your favorite activities.
And it can make you depressed with the loss of independence and mobility.
So what can you do when lower back pain strikes? First, let's look at the causes of lumbar pain.
Back pain has many causes.
In some cases it's the product of some injury or trauma.
It might be an old sporting injury or a recent attempt to life a heavy object.
In other cases, it can be caused by physiological factors such as disc problems, pinched nerves, or degenerative conditions as arthritis.
In the above cases, it's important to get professional medical advice.
However most cases of lower back pain are the result of posture, especially when sitting down.
Our bodies weren't really designed for extended sitting but that's what many of us do for hours daily, in the office, at home in front of the TV, or traveling.
What's worse is that most chairs are not designed to offer our lower backs the proper orthopedic support.
And without this lower back support, lumbar pain begins.
If you've been sitting for a while and feel that dread pain starting in the small of your back, here's what to do.
Firstly, lie down on your back with a pillow under your knees.
This takes the weight off your back.
If the pain is bad, apply an ice pack to the affected area for five to ten minutes.
You can also take a non-prescription painkiller such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
After the initial pain has subsided, you should try to walk around for a while.
Later try heat therapy.
A sauna is a good option.
Failing that, you can use heating pads.
Microwavable heat pads are good as they have a moist heat.
If you don't have pads at hand, just soak a small towel in hot water and use that.
These measures should relieve acute lower back pain but bear in mind it will soon come back unless you do something about your posture.