Chronic lower back pain is a common problem that many Americans face. This condition can prevent you from working a normal job. However, there are different ways to treat lower back pain. Here are four ways to alleviate your pain.

Exercise Your Core Muscles

Your back and abdominal muscles are called your core muscles. With age, they tend to weaken. This can lead to a muscle strain in your back or soft tissue injury. For these reasons, you may experience lower back pain. It helps to keep your back and abdominal muscles strong with exercises.

Pilates is an exercise program that builds your abdominal and back muscles. To reap the benefits, you should include Pilates or any exercise that work your core muscles a part of your daily routine.  It is essential that you do exercises that target your core muscles. The typical person does not get enough exercise through everyday activities or the gym that target these areas.

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor uses manual therapies to effectively treat lower back pain. Two common types are spinal manipulation and mobilization. Spinal manipulation is known as high-velocity manipulation. It uses a short lever arm thrust to your vertebra. The purpose is to improve the function of the joint that is causing pain. It also decreases nerve irritation and restores the range of motion in your back.

Mobilization uses low velocity manipulation. It uses manual techniques to stretch and move our joints and muscles. The purpose is to increase the range of motion in these areas.

You and your chiropractor will set goals for treatment. The treatment plan is based on your ability to perform normal activities, severity of pain and any disability issues.

Stretch Your Hamstring

A tight hamstring puts stress on your sacroiliac joints and leads to sharp lower back pain. You can alleviate the pain by gently stretching your hamstrings. It is a technique you can use when feeling pain in your lower back.

Apply Heat Therapy

Applying heat decreases your pain and speeds up the healing process. You can apply heat in a variety of ways. Examples include taking a hot shower, taking a hot bath and soaking, using a heating pad or using a heat wrap. The purpose is to bring a healing warmth to your lower back.

There are different ways to treat this condition. You can try traditional and natural treatments to get rid of your pain.