We often think healing means doing more, but sometimes the most important part of getting better is simply slowing down and resting.
A painful swelling on the lower back or side can make every movement hard, from sitting at a desk to rolling over in bed at night.
Many of these swellings start as a small cyst or blocked follicle under the skin that slowly fills with keratin and oil.
When bacteria get inside, the cyst can turn into an abscess: red, hot and swollen, with a yellow or white point forming in the middle.
The lower back is easily irritated by waistbands and tight clothing, which keep rubbing the area and make the inflammation worse.
