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Back pain is one of the most common ailments among US adults. If you experience chronic back pain, discomfort can hold you back and prevent you from living life to the fullest and doing the things you want. In this post, we’ll explore some effective ways to overcome the pain barrier and manage symptoms effectively.
Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture is a common cause of back pain, particularly in people who spend long periods of time sitting at a desk or standing on their feet. If you have a desk job, or you stand for hours at work, it’s crucial to check your posture frequently. Look in the mirror to see how you’re standing or ask a friend to tell you what your posture looks like. Also, take breaks to allow for ample time to stretch and move your joints.
Know that slumping in a chair over a computer increases pressure on the spine and the surrounding muscles, causing you pain. When sitting, make sure that your spine is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. Position your computer so that you can type without stretching, and ensure the top of the monitor is level with your eye line so you don’t have to strain your neck.
If you’re standing up, straighten your back, keep your shoulders back and your neck relaxed and take regular breaks. It’s wise to invest in adjustable desks or chairs to enable you to find the optimum position and to use cushions or supports to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back.
Seek Professional Advice
Most of us experience back pain at some point in our lives. While it can be associated with sudden wrong movements, playing sports, or overdoing it while lifting objects, it can also be linked to chronic conditions and injuries that cause long-term symptoms. If you’re getting back pain more frequently or the pain has become more intense or severe, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Consult your doctor or see a chiropractor.
In many cases of short-term, acute pain, rest can ease symptoms, but it’s often beneficial to consider treatment options for chronic pain. Physical therapy, chiropractic, and being more active through targeted exercises and low-impact activities can help. Medication may also be recommended to alleviate pain and swelling. Ice packs and heat therapy can also decrease discomfort.
Exercise and Targeted Therapies
There are many possible causes of back pain and it can affect people in different ways. From mild aches to severe, prolonged bouts of pain, it’s important to try and identify underlying causes. There are therapies and treatments that can reduce the severity of symptoms, as well as lifestyle changes to benefit those with mild pain.
Tailored exercise plans can often help to strengthen the muscles and condition the body to reduce the risk of further injury while massage therapy can release tension. Activities like swimming and yoga can also help those who struggle with back pain. If you are thinking about starting a fitness regime or trying a new class, for example, beginner’s yoga, it’s crucial to ask your doctor for advice first.
Though back pain is common, it can certainly have a dramatic impact on health and wellbeing. If you struggle with pain, it’s essential to look for ways to manage symptoms. There is help available, and you may benefit from using therapies and treatments such as medication, massage, physical therapy, and targeted exercises. It’s also important to maintain good posture and to seek advice if your back pain is getting worse.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
