Back pain tips that work

Back Pain Tips That Work

Everyone eventually suffers with some physical pain, but the most common is back pain. It can be a onetime thing or a chronic condition that affects those who have it for days, weeks, months, or even years.

The end goal is pain management either on your own with the following DIY options, or medical pain management with the help of a pain relief doctor using a variety of physical therapy and minimally invasive treatments to reduce or eliminate the discomfort. But before we get into the latter, let’s discuss the former.

If you're suffering from back pain, be sure to stretch regularly. Stretching can prevent back pain from occurring in many instances. It can also ease existing back pain. If your back pain is intense, you will probably want to meet with your doctor before adding too much strenuous activity to your daily routine. Otherwise, stretching is usually a great idea.

Being overweight is especially hindering to your back as the extra pounds cause strain on your spine and lower back. A good diet needs to be implemented and a healthy weight in order to protect your back from physical harm due to obesity or extra weight.

If you suffer from issues with the cartilage in your spine such as arthritis or age-related deterioration, you can avoid pain by avoiding sitting for long periods of time. Sitting compresses the discs in your spine because it causes your abdomen to press backwards. Try reclining or using a lumbar cushion if you must sit and take frequent breaks to stand up.

When moving heavy objects such as furniture, push it rather than pull it. Pulling on a heavy object places much strain on your back and spine. Pushing transfers this effort to your stomach muscles and your shoulders which can handle the strain better than can the muscles in your back. Also, if you must lift an object remember the old saying: Lift with your knees, not your back.

If you suffer from back pain and you smoke, you need to quit as soon as possible. One of the nasty side effects of smoking is the intake of nicotine. Nicotine reduces blood flow throughout your body, including to your spine, and that increases your risk of back pain.

Avoid wearing tight clothing that restricts normal movement and contributes to bad posture. Any time an item of clothing keeps you from moving as you normally would, it can potentially cause back pain.

Very tight clothing can also cause your legs and parts of your back to go numb.

Flexibility exercises can go a long way in preventing and even getting rid of back pain. If these exercises are done properly and according to guided direction you will see the results. Yoga is a good idea for certain situations, and especially for preventative measures.

Be sure that you wear comfortable sneakers or shoes if you suffer from back pain. Walking with heels or other uncomfortable shoes can make you walk improperly and cause back pain to begin or increase. Try to buy sneakers that are fitting and have a rubber sole on the bottom for the best support.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you may want to consider a trip to an acupuncturist. Studies show that patients who use this ancient Chinese technique are shown to have significantly less back pain.

Acupuncture releases pain-relieving opioids and sends signals to calm the nervous symptom.

If the above advice doesn’t help relieve the back pain, it’s likely time to speak with a pain management physician to more aggressively tackle the issue. If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, connect with the pain management experts at Saint Camillus Medical Center. Their doctors are leading the way in pain relief with advanced treatments and minimally invasive surgeries.