If you struggle with frequent back pain, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s difficult to focus on what you need to do, and if you try to do physical activity the pain gets worse.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to address back pain and make it better. Apply heat or ice to the painful area that can help ease pain and reduce swelling. You can easily buy these ice or heat bags from Bodyice.com. If over-the-counter medications aren’t working and you’re at your wit’s end, this article will help you find new ideas. Here are four tips to help you manage your pain!
Improve Your Sleep
If you have significant pain, you probably struggle to sleep well. Improving your sleep is an important part of helping your body health, though, so it’s important to take the steps you can to improve your sleep.
First, make sure your sleep posture is good. The best option is to lay on your side to sleep. You can also place a pillow between your knees to help your spine stay aligned. Your mattress should be firm but comfortable.
Also, be sure to practice good sleep hygiene. That means having a routine so you wind down before bed, avoiding screens for an hour before bed, and having a consistent sleep schedule. These steps will help you sleep better even when your back is healed, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of it.
Consider Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can make a big difference for those suffering from significant back pain. You can stretch on your own too — in fact, your physiotherapist will probably give you homework. However, if you don’t work with a physical therapist you might not know how to stretch properly to help your back and avoid further damage.
It’s important to find a qualified professional. This clinic for physiotherapy in Ajax has excellent reviews, as do these Guelph physiotherapy clinics. Be sure to find a practice that’s close to your home so that you can attend your appointments without any difficulty.
Follow the directions of the therapist so that you can consistently improve and eventually overcome your pain. It will be hard work and you may feel like your hurt worse after your appointment, but in time your muscles will strengthen and the pain will subside.
Visit a Chiropractor
Another way to get treatment for back pain is to see a chiropractor. Sometimes your pain is due to a misalignment in your spine or neck. These misalignments can pinch nerves or affect the overall movement of your muscles.
If you live near Kitchener or Waterloo, consider this KW chiropractor. A chiropractor can help many patients manage pain and regain mobility without having to use surgery or strong medications. Chiropractic can also help bring all of your body’s systems into alignment so that they work better.
The spine is like the trunk of a tree. If it’s not properly aligned, your entire body will be affected. That’s why chiropractic care can be so helpful.
Use Good Posture
Sometimes we aggravate our own back pain without realizing it. Many people work in desk jobs where they sit for too long and slouch over their keyboards. Or you might have a more physical job and not use the correct posture for walking, or lifting and carrying objects.
If you sit at work, sit upright, using the back of your chair for support. You might consider a pillow between your lower back and the chair. Keep your feet flat on the floor and be sure to get up and walk around every hour.
If you walk around a lot, stand up straight and keep your eyes forward and chin up. Keep your core tight. When you lift items, keep your back straight and lift with your legs. Don’t lift items that are too heavy — ask for help without shame. It’s not worth weeks of pain!
Solve Your Back Pain Quickly
Sometimes the simplest steps are all it takes to heal back pain, and other times you’ll need to go to a physical therapist or chiropractor regularly for a period of time. Either way, using the tips above will get you on the road to less pain and stronger muscles.
Don’t suffer another day. Take action for back pain now.