Authors: Therabody Scientists: Tim Roberts, MSc; Kyle Silvey, PhD, CSCS; Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, LDN  

Lower back pain is an all too common and pervasive complaint. The World Health Organization estimated that in 2020, an astonishing 619 million people globally were affected by this condition. [1] And if you fall into this group, you’re likely familiar with the dull, achy sensation, a sharp jolt, or tingling or burning stemming from the lower half of your back and even radiating into your glutes, hips, or legs. While low back pain does become more prevalent with age, anyone can be affected, with the group most at risk being between the ages of 50 and 55. [1] 

The problem for everyone, though, is that the longer you experience low back pain, the more challenging it is to recover from it, and the more it may impact your overall well-being now and even decades down the road.   

Even as little as 20 years ago, the only available solutions for low back pain were NSAIDs (over-the-counter painkillers) and care from medical professionals. While working with a healthcare provider is important for long-term success, now, several at-home solutions can help alleviate back pain. As we look to the future of musculoskeletal health, effective, efficient at-home solutions for low back pain are rapidly evolving to address a critical need.  

Let’s dive into what you need to know about low back pain and the lifestyle habits and technology solutions you can implement to help manage it.    

What Is Acute vs. Chronic Back Pain? 

Low back pain is often split into two categories: acute or chronic pain. Acute refers to short-term pain that only lasts a few days to a few weeks. It typically results from a sudden injury to the muscles or ligaments supporting the spine. The pain often resolves with the injury (and the necessary rehabilitation), and there are few to no long-term implications. [2] 

When pain lingers or builds gradually, it’s considered chronic back pain. Chronic pain persists for 12 weeks or more — often worsening as time goes on. It is often caused by one or a combination of structural problems, like changes in the spine, discs, muscles, ligaments, or nerves of the back, inflammation, or another medical condition. [3]   

Who Gets Chronic Back Pain?  

Almost everyone will experience some type of back pain in their lifetime. And these are some factors that are known to increase your likelihood of experiencing it. [4]  

How Do I Know if Low Back Pain is Serious?  

All back pain is serious, but some types are more emergent than others. If you have pain after a traumatic event (such as a car crash or sports injury) or pain accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control or a fever, it may warrant an emergency room visit.   

Alert your doctor or health care provider if the pain you’re experiencing is consistently intense (especially when lying down), spreads down the legs, causes weakness or tingling, or is red and swollen. This type of pain may require more medical treatment than lifestyle adjustments alone. [5]  

If you’re experiencing some discomfort when bending over or lifting things or notice intermittent discomfort, stiffness after sleeping, or general tightness, it may be a sign that chronic back pain is starting to accumulate.   

Remember, chronic pain is persistent. Even if it starts as intermittent, it may become more continuous (and disruptive to your life) if it’s not addressed.      

Managing Low Back Pain Through Lifestyle  

Your healthcare provider should be involved in your treatment plan for back pain, and they may recommend a personalized program with a physical therapist.  

Several lifestyle habits are well within your control that can help prevent, manage, and mitigate low back pain. [6] 

Technology Solutions for Low Back Pain   

In addition to these lifestyle habits, recent advances in science-backed technological therapies have evolved to help alleviate discomfort. Consult with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing unexplained pain to discuss the best course of action for you. [9]  

Heat therapy: Heat therapy, the direct application of heat to a treatment area, can stimulate blood flow and alleviate both acute and chronic pain. [10] Heat therapy can be applied to the lower back via a heating pad, patch, band, or a device that delivers controlled heat. While cold therapy can help ease the pain for other parts of the body, there is limited evidence of its role in back pain. So, heat therapy may be the better option in this case. [11, 12]   

Percussive therapy: Percussive therapy is the rapid and repetitive application of pressure to the body — typically with a massage gun. Percussive therapy can treat the areas of the body adjacent to the area of pain. When we experience pain, the nervous system tries to protect the area, causing the muscles around it to become tight and sore themselves. Treating surrounding muscles can help relieve tension, reducing pain in the adjacent area. [13] 

Cupping: Cupping is a therapy that applies local suction to the skin through a heated cup. Cupping can help you feel physically and mentally relaxed — increasing the body’s natural opioid production in the brain, which can help pain control. [14] One study even found that cupping reduced perceived low back pain more than common over-the-counter pain relief medications (NSAIDs). [15] Wellness clinics provide cupping services, and there are some cupping devices you can use at home.  

Infrared LED light therapy: When applied near the skin, infrared light creates a warming sensation on the skin. It can improve blood circulation, promote injury healing, and help alleviate feelings of pain. [16] Some massage guns even have a red-light therapy treatment attached — so you get both benefits at once.  

The Future of Solutions for Low Back Pain 

The last two decades have delivered critical advancements in treating low back pain. From the increased number and type of professionals who can treat low back pain to at-home technological treatments, low back pain is no longer unescapable. And as we look to the future, the treatment of low back pain will evolve to exist both at home and in-clinic so that treatment is accessible, effective, and efficient.     

Key Takeaways   

*This article provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information provided in this article and any linked materials are not intended for and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

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