It is estimated that anywhere from 70 to 85 of all adult men and women will experience some degree of back pain at some point during their life. Back pain can be caused by medical conditions, injuries, or even poor posture. This selection of tips and tricks will help you to more effectively manage your back pain.
After you’re finished exercising, make sure you stretch. This will help keep your muscles loose and limber and prevent them from tightening up. Having muscles that are overly tight is a very common source of back pain so you want to avoid that. By stretching as a cool down, you’ll be able to keep those muscles loose.
Try to eat a healthy diet, and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. A nutritious diet provides a number of benefits, and one of those benefits is that it can help you avoid back pain. A healthy diet full of essential nutrients can decrease back pain and lead to overall better health.
Do not lift anything that is too far away from you. Always move closer to the object and do not twist around to grab something like in the back seat of a car for example. Do not extend from the couch and reach for things that are too far away either.
To help relieve back pain resulting from strained or injured back muscles, give your back plenty of rest. Strained back muscles need rest and recovery, which speeds up the healing process. Try lying on your back or on your side, whichever is most comfortable for you. Keep your spine properly aligned in its normal position. Some people find that lying on firm surfaces, like a firm mattress or a carpeted floor, helps immensely.
Apply an ice pack to the painful area. Despite its simplicity, an ice pack is one of the most effective methods for reducing back pain. Applying ice or a cold pack to the painful area reduces swelling and blood flow, which also reduces the pain. It can also help relieve stiffness.
Back pain got you down get up and move. Sitting still or lying down will cause your muscles to stiffen and tighten up. Although you shouldn’t twist or turn try doing some safe exercises at least 15 minutes a day; consult your doctor to see what exercisers are safe for you and your back.
If you are suffering from back pain, try to do what you can to reduce your tension. Feeling stressed or anxious will only cause your muscles to tense up more, worsening any muscle spasms you are already having. You may find you feel a lot less tense if you make sure you are getting enough rest, avoid caffeine, listen to soothing music and pray or meditate.
Whether you are suffering from back pain caused by a sports injury, on-the-job accident, or preexisting medical condition, follow the advice from this article to keep your pain levels in check. Hopefully, you will gain insight into your treatment options and alternatives for achieving long-term relief from your pain and suffering.