If never we notice the our lower back muscles, they are most prominent when they are in pain. Lower back pain is often caused by and irritation of soft tissues around the spine. There are complex groups of muscles surround the spine that are there to offer the spine support. These lower back muscles are the reason the trunk of the body moves and they help us to stand upright. There are three different back muscles that aid in the functioning of the spine. These are the flexor, extensor and oblique muscles.
- The flexor muscles are attached to the front of the spine and enable forward bending, stretching, arching the back and lifting.
- The extensor muscles are attached to the back of the spine and enable the lifting of objects and standing. These muscles include erector spinae, the large paired muscles in the lower back that help hold up the spine and gluteal muscles.
- The oblique muscles help rotate the spine and maintain proper pressure. These muscles are attached to the sides of the spine.
Lower Back Muscles Article Con’t…
We must keep in mind that muscle strength and flexibility are both essential to maintaining the positioning of the spine. It is also very important to have a strong abdominal region for added support. Weak abdominal muscles can cause hip flexor muscles to tighten which can cause an increased curve in the lower back.
If a lower back pain occurs consider doing back exercises. Often times we find that our back muscles are unconditioned and have weakened over time. To ensure a healthy back you should consider implementing strength building exercises into your regimen. The stronger the lower back, the less likely it is to endure injury.
The great news here is that most back pain is treatable with the avoidance of surgical procedure. Many have recovered from pain in the lower back by sticking with the holistic approach. If ever met with pain in the lower back here are a few things you can do:
- Hot and Cold compress: Start with a cold compress or place ice in a wrapped towel and apply the compress to the affected area of the back. Leave the compress on the affected area for 15-20minutes to reduce swelling which can cause pressure. Immediately after removing the cold compress apply a warm compress to the area. The Healthy Back Institute offers a 100% effective infrared heat pad which allows heat to penetrate deep into the muscles for long lasting relief.
- Anti-inflammatory: Be sure to take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen like Advil or Mortin to reduce the swelling and reduce pain.
- Massage: Massages works well for any pain in the lower back as it relieves tension and soothes the lower back muscles.
- Acupuncture: Many now resort to acupuncture for lower back relief. The strategically placed needles are thought to balance the flow of life force and energy. The practice is said to reduce pain.