All you did was try to empty the dishwasher. Leaning over, you grab the forks…and then comes the sneeze…followed by a sudden pain in your lower back. Throwing out your back is almost always unexpected, unwelcome, and inconvenient.
Usually a result of a strain or sprain in the back muscles and/or tendons, back injuries are common and can occur when muscles are overstressed (like when improperly lifting something heavy) or due to a sudden twist, bend, or fall1. Often, as long as the injury isn’t too severe, you can mend at home. The pain should ease in a few days up to a couple of weeks.2
Here’s how to get yourself on the road to recovery.
1. Rest – Resting can relax muscle spasms and reduce your pain. When lying down and/or sleeping, use pillows to support your body and maintain healthy alignment. You may want to place a pillow under your pelvis when you’re on your stomach or between your knees when on your side.3
2. Ice and heat – Reducing inflammation via ice and heat will ease pain and swelling in the injured area.4 Apply an ice pack (or even a bag of frozen peas). A warm heating pad, bath, or shower can also feel soothing.
3. Gentle stretching – This may sound like the last thing you want to do, but gently moving and stretching the affected muscles or tendons keeps them from getting too stiff, which can prolong your pain and recovery.5 Go for a mellow stroll or try some yoga. Avoid movements that might repeat the strain, like twisting or bending.
4. Pain relievers – Another way to reduce inflammation is through pain relievers such as ibuprofen or the Aspercreme® Lidocaine Pain Relief Patch. A fragrance-free, topical treatment, the patch soothes aggravated nerves and minor pain in targeted areas.
You never know when your back might go out. It always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Get back to your regular routine with the help of the Max Strength* Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Patch. It offers relief to backs, shoulders, or wherever pain is acting up.
When back pain strikes, the good news is it’s usually possible to take care of yourself at home. Rest as needed. Cut down on inflammation with ice and/or heat and over-the-counter pain relievers. And do some gentle stretching and movement to keep muscles and tendons flexible and healing. (If the pain is severe or long-lasting, consider seeking medical attention.)
Soon, you’ll be doing all the things you love best.
Shopper Tip: Over-the-counter Aspercreme offers the maximum-strength lidocaine pain relief available without a prescription* and is FSA/HSA eligible.
Try it for yourself so you can be free to Act Your Age. Click here to shop for Max Strength* Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Patch.
*Among OTC topical analgesics for the indicated Use(s).
Use as directed.
SOURCES:
1, 2 Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10265-back-strains-and-sprains
3, 4 GoodRX: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/musculoskeletal/throwing-your-back-out-meaning
5 Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911
Getty Images
