If you suffer from lower back pain, you’re not alone – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey 2014-2015, approximately 3.7 million Australians suffer from back issues. Further, it has been estimated that up to 90% of individuals will suffer from some type of lower back pain during their lifetime. 

 

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is typically caused by the ways the bones, tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and muscles of your body work together. It is often the result of a fall, injury, or medical condition. Common causes of lower back pain include:

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Disc degeneration and herniation
• Spondylolisthesis (one vertebrae slipping forward on top of another)
• Osteoporotic vertebral bone fractures
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Poor posture
• Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)

 

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain 

Symptoms of lower back pain vary dramatically among individuals, and can range from a mild ache to a debilitating shooting or stabbing type of pain. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the lower back 
• Stiffness of the lower back 
• Muscle spasms in the lower back 
• Pain, numbness and/or tingling in the legs

 

Treatment for Lower Back Pain 

While most cases of lower back pain due to muscle strains and sprains will resolve on their own, there are things that you can do to speed up your recovery and make yourself more comfortable. Treatment options include ice and heat packs, as well as alternative therapies such as physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic.

 

Ajnamat for Lower Back Pain 

The Ajnamat has been designed with more than 5,000 spikes that help to activate the natural healing abilities of your body. The Ajnamat aims to relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, decrease pain, and restore the natural flow of energy within the body, which can help to decrease lower back pain. 

 A 2016 study published in The European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that individuals using an acupressure mat daily, for a period of two weeks, reported immediate pain relief. While these results weren’t long lasting, they were significant. Just like many therapies, you will notice optimal results by using the Ajnamat on a regular basis.  

 Another way in which the Ajnamat can help if you suffer from lower back pain is by improving your sleep. According to a study published in Rheumatology International, 78% of lower back pain patients reported sleep difficulties. Sleep issues may be due to the actual pain that is experienced throughout the night, or be the result of worrying about how your pain will interfere with sleep, which ultimately makes you anxious and frustrated, further complicating your sleep. The Ajnamat helps to relax your body and mind before bedtime, which creates an ideal condition for you to have a restful nights sleep. Improving your sleep may also reduce your lower back pain because your body repairs, restores, and regenerates itself during your sleep cycle.

 

 

 

 

Using the Ajnamat for Relief of Lower Back Pain 

To use the Ajnamat for relief of lower back pain, lay the mat down on a flat surface and sit at the base of the mat. Slowly roll yourself down until you are lying on the mat. You may have some discomfort initially, but within minutes, you will notice that the spikes in the mat bring warmth to your back, which signals an increase in blood circulation. 

 There are two ways that you can target the lower back. The first way is by placing a rolled up towel under the mat that molds to the curve in your lower back. The second option is by bending your knees and resting them on a rolled towel or pillow, which forces your lower back into the mat. Alternatively, the Ajnamat Pillow is an ideal tool for targeting this area. Once you’re in position, aim to lie on the Ajnamat for 20 minutes to experience all of the benefits that this therapy has to offer. 

 

Conclusion:

 If you suffer with lower back pain, using the Ajnamat regularly, or in combination with other therapies such as physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and/or chiropractic, can alleviate your symptoms and help you maintain an active lifestyle.  

 

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About the Author-  Dr. Shaina McQuilkie

Dr. Shaina McQuilkie is a practicing chiropractor based in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Dr. Shaina graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Kinesiology before obtaining her Doctorate of Chiropractic from D’Youville College in 2008. After graduating, Dr. Shaina worked in a multidisciplinary clinic gaining experience treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions before deciding to open her own clinic in 2010. In addition to running her practice, Dr. Shaina has a passion for writing and works as a freelance medical writer for various clients in the medical field.

 

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References 

 Back problems, What are back problems? - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2018. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/arthritis-other-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems/what-are-back-problems. Accessed June 17, 2018.

 

 Back Pain. Painaustralia.org.au. 2018. Available at: http://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/back-pain. Accessed June 17, 2018.

 

 Top Causes of Low Back Pain. WebMD. 2018. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/causes#1. Accessed June 17, 2018. 

 

 Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Low Back Pain. WebMD. 2018. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview. Accessed June 17, 2018.

 

 Saha F, Ostermann T, Jacob N, Cramer H, Dobos G, Lauche R. Effects of a mechanical acupressure needle stimulation pad on chronic low back pain − prospective, single-armed trial. Eur J Integr Med. 2016;8(4):368-372. doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2016.06.015.

 

 Bahouq H, Allali F, Rkain H, Hmamouchi I, Hajjaj-Hassouni N. Prevalence and severity of insomnia in chronic low back pain patients. Rheumatol Int. 2012;33(5):1277-1281. doi:10.1007/s00296-012-2550-x.