It is common for people to experience lower back pain but hard to diagnose the source of back pain. Understanding how an unhealthy spine can cause pain is a step in dealing with lower back problems

Chronic lower back pain is a sign of a potentially serious lower back problem and is most often nerve-related. The spine is composed of bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked together like blocks. The five bottom vertebrae make up the lumbar spine. Lower back problems can be caused by many different things and can manifest itself in many different ways.

Symptoms of Lower Back Problems

Symptoms of lower back problems vary from one person to another. Some people experience pain after undergoing a certain activity. For others, pain is constant and is a part of everyday life. Chronic low back pain is just one of the many symptoms arising from an unhealthy lumbar spine. Here are some other symptoms to be aware of.

Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain

The disk that separates vertebrae can push out and press on a nerve. Vertebrae can also slip out of place, or it can also begin to rub against each other. All of these cause pressure on the nerves, which consequently result in lower back pain. Here are some of the causes of lower back pain.

Pressure on the nerves coming from a disk – Disk degeneration results in the weakening of the disk. As a result, it pushes outward, and the protruding portion may press against a nearby nerve.

Pressure on the nerves coming from a bone – As an individual gets older; the disk that separates the vertebrae may eventually wear out. Without a healthy disk, the bones may begin to touch. This can cause a lot of pressure on the nerves.

Pressure on the nerves coming from slipped vertebrae – Instability in the spine can cause a vertebra to slip forward. This can also cause a lot of pain due to the irritation of not only the nerves but the joint as well.

Lower Back Pain Treatment Options

Regardless of the symptoms and causes, lower back problems can be debilitating. It can limit an individual’s life. Performing simple tasks, even as simple as lifting groceries or picking up a child can be challenging and at times frustrating. To some people, the feeling of being in constant pain can cause of depression. To help an individual reduce back pain, surgical or non-surgical treatment may be recommended.

Non-Surgical Treatment

This treatment option requires a change in daily activities and lifestyle. It can also include physical therapy and medication.

Surgical Treatment – Surgery may include procedures that remove a portion or entire bone at the back of the spinal canal or a portion of a damaged disk. It may also include procedure wherein bone graft is used to stabilize the spine.

The key to creating an at-home chemical peel is fruit juice. Fruit juice contains an acid that helps dissolve dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and fresh. Chemical peels using fruit acid are referred to as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels, since certain fruits contain AHA. Also, creating your own fruit-based chemical peel is less harmful than chemical peels with synthetic chemicals.

Types of Acids

Many fruit acids can be used to create an all-natural chemical peel. Even though a homemade chemical peel is made from natural ingredients, it can still cause skin irritation in some people. For example, people with sunburn or people who are planning on going tanning should avoid chemical peels, since this can cause further skin irritation. Also, you should always be careful to avoid rubbing the mixture near your eyes.

Acids that can be used in homemade chemical peels are malic acid, which comes from apples; tartaric acid, which comes from grapes; citric acid, which comes from lemons, oranges and limes; and lactic acid, which comes not only from milk and yogurt, but also from blackberries. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is a protease. Proteases help get rid of dead skin cells by breaking up proteins. Papaya contains papain, another type of protease.

Mixing

When creating a chemical peel, the important thing is to provide your skin with a form of moisturizer. A great source for moisture is honey. When creating a peel, be sure to add about two tablespoons of honey.

Choose the type of fruit you would like to use. Feel free to use up to two different types of fruit. A good way to make an effective chemical peel is by using either pineapple or papaya as one of the ingredients. The proteases in the fruit will help smooth your skin by removing the dead skin cells. Begin by cutting up or crushing the fruit, making sure to remove all skins, pits, cores and seeds (with the exception of blackberries). Crush about a cup of pineapple or papaya and place it in a blender. Add about a half cup of the other cut-up or crushed fruit. Puree the mixture and add the two tablespoons of honey. Blend well until there are no chunks left.

Application

Make sure to wash your face before applying the chemical peel. Smooth the mixture all over your face, avoiding the eyes, and leave on for no more than five minutes. If you have sensitive skin, leave the peel on for even less time. Rinse the peel off with cool water, then pat dry. Apply a skin moisturizer immediately afterward, preferably one that is fragrance- and alcohol-free. Do not use the peel more than once a week. Doing this can cause redness and irritation on your skin.

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