The best treatment for lower back muscle pain will depend on what is causing the pain to begin with. In many cases, lower back muscle pain is the result of an injury, while in other cases it may be due to poor posture. Still other cases may be the result of underdeveloped back muscles which can lead to muscle aches as those muscles tighten. To choose the best treatment for lower back muscle pain, first visit a doctor or other health care professional to determine the cause of the pain and research options that address those particular issues.
In most cases, stretching and exercise will help alleviate lower back muscle pain regardless of the cause. You should be careful with such exercising and stretching, however, as it may irritate an undiagnosed injury. Muscle strains or ruptures can be exacerbated by stretching and exercise if the physical motions are performed too soon after the injury occurs. If the pain is due to a muscle injury, plenty of rest and icing will help promote healing and prevent excess swelling. Once the muscle has had plenty of time to heal, exercise and stretching can be done to help strengthen the muscles and promote flexibility.
Analyzing sleeping habits can also help relieve lower back muscle pain, as can analyzing daily habits that may be causing the pain. Posture correction devices can help prevent poor posture during the day, which can put excess strain on muscles. Ergonomic furniture can help support the back while sitting for long periods of time as well. Chiropractic care may be an option for correcting posture issues, though visits to a chiropractor often produce only short-term results if not coupled with a change in daily habits. The same is true for visits to a massage therapist or acupuncturist. These treatments provide temporary relief, but the long-term problem will remain if the practices that cause the pain are not addressed.
To treat lower back muscle pain that occurs only once in a long while, over the counter painkiller medications are often enough to take care of the pain. In some cases, stronger painkillers will be necessary, and these can be prescribed by doctors. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed by doctors, but again, these remedies are only short-term fixes. A doctor may prescribe such medications in conjunction with physical therapy or a regular exercise and stretching routine to help the muscles stay limber and gain strength.
