Nothing can ruin your day quickly than some back pains. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can ignore until it goes away. There are several ways to not only immediately treat back pain, but to create better habits to help the underlying problem and strengthen back problems.
stretching
Stretching serves two purposes. It limbers up tense muscles and strengthens those that need some help. Depending on the location and cause of your back pain, some stretches could help your back pain, while others can cause more pain. The key to stretching is that if it hurts, stop. Stretching should be gentle. If you force something, you could do more damage than good. If you’re nervous about deciding which stretches to do, consult your doctor. Once you get the hang of it, regular stretching can help ease back pain quickly and effectively.
fix how you sit
Most of us have to spend good amounts of time sitting down, whether it’s while you’re at work or during the commute to and from it. Though sitting down for long periods of time may be far worse for you than you realize, you can minimize its impact by sitting properly. Correct posture in a chair means having all the bones in your spine lining up neatly, like a new game of Jenga.This means keeping your feet flat on the floor and your computer keyboard within easy reach so you’re not leaning forward.
how you sleep
Sleeping on your back is best. Spending a few nights on the f loor with a pillow underneath your feet can really help your back, even if it might be a little trickier to stay sound asleep. If you’re a side sleeper, putting a pillow between your knees can help by allowing your muscles to relax more. If you’re a stomach sleeper, stop it.
ask for a massage
Gently massaging a sore or tense muscle is one of the most effective ways to loosen it up and relieve pain. However, not everyone can afford a personal masseuse when back pain kicks in. So, you might want to practice your come-hither look with your significant other to score your self afree massage. For added benefit, ask your loved one to use some medicated ointment to double your pain-relief.
rubs & ointment
There are plenty of pain rubs and ointments on the shelves. Some standards include Icy Hot or Tiger Balm. The effectiveness of these medications can vary from user to user, so go with what feels best and suits your needs. Some typical turn-offs with these ointments are the smell and difficulty putting it on your own back.
medicines
There are many over-the-counter medicines for pain, even some targeted for back pain, such as Tylenol or Advil. Sometimes back pain can be so severe, that using the occasional pain pill can help. Be sure to follow the guidelines and not take too many at a time. If you’re taking pain medication regularly for your back pain, you should talk to your doctor, as these medicines may have more unwanted side effects in the long run.
slow it down
Too often, the body’s aches and pains aren’t caused by physical injury, but because we push ourselves too hard. If this is your case,take your time. Schedule some breaks while doing physical activity if your back is hurting or it gets worse when you’re most stressed. Stress also adds to how your body reacts to pain, so the calmer and more relaxed you are, the more your back will thank you.
You only get one body, so you might as well take care of it.
Recent Comments