Experiencing lower back pain is something that sends excruciating pain to your very core. The causes of this discomfort can range from a simple strain to severe spinal conditions. When in the midst of this suffering, it may seem plausible to keep yourself on bed rest until you feel that the pain has subsided. However, studies have shown that moving around and going about your life normally actually quickens the recovery time. There is no reason to allow lower back pain to control your life. If you will follow these few steps you will be on your way to a brisk recuperation.

1. Pain Relievers are your friend

Most back pain is caused by muscles or ligaments which have become inflamed. With over-the-counter medication readily available (such as Aleve, Tylenol, and Advil), the swollen muscles and ligaments have no chance of survival. Be sure to take the medication as directed to ensure the greatest results.

2. Ice, ice, baby

Being a close friend of pain relievers, an ice pack on your lower back is a fool-proof way of diminishing pain and inflammation. The ice will constrict the blood vessels in a way that will reduce swelling. It may be cold, but it is a sure-fire way to start recovering from that pesky lower back pain.

3. Know your limits

While it may be more effective to continue your daily life as you would without lower back pain, if every day includes tackle football, you may want to take it easy. You should not completely isolate yourself by lying in the bed all week, but neither should you push yourself too hard making the back pain incredibly worse. Each individual has their own limits and a pain tolerance that is unique to themselves. You must be aware of yours and not push past that limit. Doing so will sedate time of recovery immensely.

4. Heat things up

Once you have been successful at managing the swelling and you have taken life easy for a few days, it's time to start opening those blood vessels that you have been constricting through ice and pain relievers. By opening the blood vessels, you allow more oxygen and nutrients to the lower back pain. When this happens, healing is able to begin. Ways to apply heat are either through heating pads (which are great for targeting only the lower back pain), or by taking a hot bath. Both routes are very effective, and provide soothing to your lower back pain.

After two weeks, if the aching persists you need to make an appointment to see your doctor. While lower back pain is easily treatable, there is a possibility that it may be something more serious. Neglecting to consult your doctor after failing to relieve the pain at home could be very detrimental to your health. You must do your best to take care of your body. Once you have been healed of this pain, try to be more active or sit with better posture. By doing so, you will greatly reduce your chances of ever again experiencing this agony.