How to Help a Lower Side Backache

Americans spend approximately $50 billion each year on treatments for lower back pain, including pain that occurs on the sides of the back, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Pain in the sides of the lower back varies from mildly irritating to debilitating and will interfere with a person's everyday existence, including taking care of children, working and enjoying life. There are several ways to treat lower-side back pain in order to get back to the business of living.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Heating pad
• Ice pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay in bed for one to two days or longer if advised to do so by a doctor, if the lower-side back pain is caused by a trauma. Lie down on the side that is not affected, if possible. During this time, get out of bed every few hours and walk around for 15 to 20 minutes.

• 2

  Take over-the-counter pain medications according to the package directions or a doctor's orders. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen will reduce any swelling that is accompanying the lower back pain.

• 3

  Apply heat to the area in the form of a heating pad or hot bath. Use a heating pad on the affected area for 15- to 20-minute intervals every three to four hours. This therapy is used alone or in conjunction with daily hot showers or baths.

• 4

  Apply ice in between sessions of heat. After the heating pad is removed, apply an ice pack for 20 to 30 minutes. The alternating ice and heat may also provide some relief.

• 5

  Perform light exercises as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Swimming, walking or biking all are ways to stretch the muscles of the lower back and help you avoid making the injury worse or causing secondary problems, such as muscle weakness and blood clots.

• 6

  Speak to a doctor if the lower back pain worsens or lasts for longer than three months. According to WebMD, back pain that persists for longer than three months is considered chronic and is treated with other forms of therapy, such as physical therapy, strong medications, massage, acupuncture, surgery or biofeedback. Biofeedback is a procedure that allows people to control muscles and bodily functions that otherwise are involuntary, such as blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature.