Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions in those suffering from chronic pain. Our lower backs are responsible for helping us sit, stand, and move comfortably, so it’s no wonder that thousands of people seek advice, each year, on how to best achieve lower back pain relief.

As with any kind of chronic pain, treatment should always try to address the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. In many cases, lower back pain is caused by weakened abdominal muscles. Weak abdominal muscles don’t provide the proper support to the lower back, and can cause the back to pull out of alignment more easily.

A study recently published in the journal Neurology find that the popular TENS unit, used in pain management has only limited effectiveness in treating lower back pain. In fact, the research suggests that the TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) unit should not be used in lower back pain treatment at all.

Back pain is one of the most frequent ailments taken to physicians in the United States. More than six million cases are seen every year, with the majority of back pain complaints being about the lower back. This condition is pricey, too, and is the 3rd most costly disorder, after heart disease and cancer. Approximately 80 percent of people get back pain at some point in their lives. Although back pain can be grouped in a number of ways, the most obvious is by location. Back problems can occur almost anywhere along the spine.