Low back pain due to disc degeneration is a common complaint from people of all ages.
The column of ligaments, muscles, bones and joints that run down your back and hold your body upright is a wonderful but delicate structure where something can go wrong sometimes. It could be a pulled ligament, a strained muscle, or more and more frequently, disc degeneration or a herniated disk. Disks are fibrous rings that surround and protect a pulpy center, and when a disc degenerates, portions of the pulpy material in the center may push against a nerve root, causing back pain.
When this pulpy material pushes against the sciatic nerve, sharp pain shoots down the leg, resulting in a condition called “sciatica”. Disk problems are the most common — but not the only cause of back pain. Insults to the spine causing hairline fractures, even kidney infections can cause back pain.
These are a few of many ways you can protect your back to avoid low back pain, including that caused by disc degeneration:
Mind Your Posture
In a standing position, find a posture that places the least amount of stress on your back. This is the position you should maintain when standing or walking.
When standing for long periods of time, place one foot on a footrest so that it’s slightly higher than the other. After a few minutes, switch positions, so the opposite foot now rests on the footrest, slightly higher than the other foot. This gives the muscles on either side a chance to rest.
When lying in bed, place a pillow under your knees to relieve pressure on your lower back. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs. If sciatica is an issue, sleeping on your stomach is usually recommended.
When sitting in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor with your hips slightly higher than your knees. A lumbar back support (this can even be a rolled up towel) behind your lower back will take some of the pressure off.
Explore using magnets near the site to relieve the discomfort. Users report less discomfort when applying flexible magnetic pads to the area of concern, securing it in place by slipping it into the waist elastic or special harnesses. Some others report that using magnetic shoe inserts somehow helps as well, possibly by aligning the feet and legs properly, placing the back in its rightful position.
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