Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
If you’ve ever experienced back pain (acute or chronic), you know, all too well, how negatively it can affect your life, work, and overall well-being. The simplest activities suddenly become arduous or even impossible. It isn’t long before your mood plummets and the joy flies out the window. The good news is there are remedies and therapies out there that can help, as well as preventative measures you can take to reduce discomfort. Remember to consult your health care provider before trying new techniques or supplements. Here are some powerful ways to fight chronic back pain.
Fight Chronic Back Pain #1: Know What Causes Your Back Pain
There are many different reasons why people develop back pain. Injuries are a common source and range in severity from a simple pulled muscle or trapped nerve to potentially life-threatening spinal injuries caused by trauma. It’s also very common to experience pain when you’ve been immobile or inactive. The muscles atrophy and tighten up, limiting movement and flexibility. This becomes apparent the first time you try a new fitness program after being inactive. In some cases, spinal misalignment or inflammation triggers pain as well.
Fight Chronic Back Pain #2: Seek Help If Needed
Most common back pain goes away with proper care and rest, however, if it persists or gets worse, it may be time to seek medical advice. Additionally, if you have pain on a regular basis, have episodes of severe discomfort or pain impacts your day to day life, get an appointment. Do also consider adding some alternative forms of care like chiropractic and osteopathy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
Fight Chronic Back Pain #3: Improve Your Posture
If you’re prone to bouts of back pain, there are some effective self-help techniques you can try. Believe it or not, poor posture is a common cause of pain but also very fixable. Though not always easy, simply being aware of how you stand, sit, and sleep can begin to set things straight. It will take some practice to change bad habits, but it’s worth it.
If you have a desk job, take regular breaks and ensure that you have a chair that offers support for the lumbar region, as well as the top of the back. Adjust the height of your desk or chair so that the monitor is at eye level and you can reach the keyboard without stretching forwards. When you’re standing up, relax your shoulders and stand tall.
Fight Chronic Back Pain #4: Exercise
Exercising is not just for losing weight, it also helps to condition the body, which reduces the risk of injury and pain. If you have back pain, take care when selecting activities and types of exercise. You may be advised to avoid high-impact exercises and go for gentler activities. Swimming is good for the back, as the water supports your body weight. You may also find exercises that increase your flexibility beneficial such as Pilates and yoga. If you’re unsure what kinds of exercise to do, ask your doctor, a physical therapist or a personal trainer for advice. Articles like this can also be helpful http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-exercises.
Fight Chronic Back Pain #5: Choose the Right Mattress
If you struggle to get comfortable due to back pain at night, consider investing in a new mattress designed to provide additional support. Many companies allow you to trial their products before completely committing to them. This ensures that you get the right fit for your body.
Go here to learn more at www.mattress-guides.net/top-premium-mattresses-chronic-lower-back-pain. It’s also important to make sure you have the right pillows. If your pillows are too low or high or too soft or hard, this can cause pain in the neck and shoulders. Replace your pillows at least once a year.
Fight Chronic Back Pain #6: Nutrition and Supplements
For some people, simply getting better nutrition helps to conquer pain without any additional intervention. Because food allergies and intolerances can actually cause aches and stiffness, it’s important to know where you stand with the foods you eat. I’ve overcome chronic back pain by eliminating wheat and dairy from my diet. I also supplement with vitamins and minerals that help to relax the muscles such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Again, make sure to consult your doctor before taking new supplements and completely changing your diet.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
