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What is low back pain?

Low back pain is a universal human experience—almost everyone has experienced it at some point. The area of the lower back that starts just below the rib cage is known as the lumbar spine. Pain here can be intense and is one of the main reasons for missing work. Fortunately, low back pain usually gets better on its own. If it doesn't, there are effective treatments.
Symptoms of low back pain range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The pain can make it difficult to move or stand up straight. Acute back pain comes on suddenly, usually after a sports or weightlifting injury. Pain that lasts for more than three months is considered chronic. If your pain doesn't get better within 72 hours, you should talk to your doctor.
Back Pain Culprits
Your Bag. While you can sling your purse, backpack, or briefcase over your shoulders, it's your lower back that supports your upper body—including any extra weight you're carrying. As a result, an overstuffed bag can strain your lower back, especially if you carry it day after day. If you must carry heavy objects, consider a wheeled briefcase instead.
Your exercise. Overexerting at the gym or on the golf course is one of the most common causes of low back pain from overstretched muscles. If you tend to be inactive during the workweek and then spend hours at the gym or softball field on the weekends, you're especially vulnerable.
Your posture. Mom was right: "Stand up straight!" Your back is best able to support your weight when you're not hunched over. This means sitting with good lumbar support, shoulders back, and feet on a low stool. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet.
Herniated discs. The vertebrae of the spine are cushioned by gel-like discs that are susceptible to wear and tear from aging or injury. A weak disc can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the roots of spinal nerves. This is called a herniated disc and can cause severe pain.
Diagnosing low back pain
To help your doctor diagnose the source of your low back pain, be specific about the type of pain, when it started, any associated symptoms, and any history of chronic conditions. Your doctor may order an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan to look for damaged bones or discs, or other spinal injuries. You can also use a Biophilia Tracker, which can quickly and accurately detect your lower back.
How to Treat
Home Care for Lower Back Pain. Back pain from a muscle strain usually gets better on its own, but you can take steps to make yourself more comfortable. A heating pad or warm bath can temporarily relieve pain.
Yoga If. Back pain doesn't go away in three months, there's evidence that yoga can help. In a recent study, people who took a 12-week yoga course had fewer lower back pain symptoms than those who read a book on back pain care. The benefits lasted for months after the course ended. The study suggests that traditional stretching is just as effective. Make sure your instructor is experienced in teaching people with back pain and will modify poses for you as needed.
Spinal Manipulation. Chiropractors and some osteopaths use spinal manipulation to treat lower back pain by applying pressure to bones and surrounding tissues with their hands. This treatment isn't for everyone.
Massage Therapy. A government-funded study suggests that massage may help relieve chronic lower back pain. After 10 weeks, people who received weekly massages had less pain and were better able to carry out their daily activities than those who received traditional care. This was true regardless of the type of massage they received, and the effects lasted for at least six months. You can try using a ten-point acupuncture machine to complete your massage therapy.
Acupuncture. Can acupuncture treat low back pain? The evidence is mixed. In 2009, a study of hundreds of people with long-term back pain found surprising results. Those who had simulated acupuncture (which involved tapping the skin with toothpicks) experienced the same benefits as those who had acupuncture with real needles. After eight weeks, both groups had greater relief than those who did not have acupuncture. Acupuncture pens are a more convenient acupuncture tool.

Use Biophilia Tracker to see the effects of your treatment, and you can see the results with your naked eyes!