Reducing stress may be a help

Return to Index Step 1: What Is Low Back Pain? Step 2: Know Your Back Anatomy Step 3: Causes of Low Back Pain Step 4: Are You At Risk? Step 5: What To Do When Pain Begins Step 6: Seeing Your Doctor Step 7: What Tests Might Be Ordered? Step 8: When Is Low Back Pain A Serious Sign? Step 9: Exercise and Physical Therapy Step 10: Change Your Work Habits Step 11: Medications Step 12: Other Treatments Key Points MedTest Glossary

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Learn to relax

Methods for relaxation can reduce pain and improve your mood. Such methods may even help you sleep more comfortably. Consider:

Meditating.
Listening to relaxing music.
Using guided imagery (a form of visualization; there are audiotapes available to guide you).
Trying progressive relaxation (a process where you tense and then relax all of the muscles in your body. The result is a greater sense of calmness and more relaxed muscles).
Practicing yoga, tai chi, or chi kung. These are Indian and Chinese exercise programs that combine low-impact movement with meditation, breathing, and other forms of relaxation. They may help both your body and your mind experience less pain.

Review Date: 6/29/2011
Reviewed By: Andrew W. Piasecki, MD, Camden Bone and Joint, LLC, Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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