Low back pain is the most common pain experience. The majority of adults will experience low back pain in their lives; for most people it is short-lived and resolves on its own. For others, low back pain is an on-going concern that needs to be managed.
Self-care tools can help reduce the frequency and duration of low back pain. Knowing what to do to take care of yourself can give you some control and confidence. Home care exercises—such as stretching, the use of ice or heat and this simple acupressure routine—are great strategies to manage low back pain.
Acupressure involves pressing on certain areas of the body, both in the area of complaint (the low back) and in other areas like the lower legs and hands. The nervous system and the brain react to pressure in these areas and provide relief. Pressure reduces inflammation and relaxes tight muscles in the back.
This acupressure routine is specifically designed to help with low back pain. It only takes a few minutes to learn and practice this technique. Once learned, the acupressure routine can be repeated several times a day to reduce back pain. There is a handout linked beneath the video that accompanies this routine to better remember the points so it can be repeated as needed.
Ready to try acupressure for your own self-care? Check out this 11-minute self-care acupressure session for low back pain led by Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Stephanie Gregory from the Portland VA Medical Center.
Most of us have bodies that are out of alignment due to the ways that we sit, stand and move each day. Learn more about positioning your body for optimum alignment and ease: Ergonomics_Final508_07-25-2019.pdf (va.gov).
