You wake up with a stiff back, unable to bend? You are not alone! Back pain is a prevalent health condition. It is estimated that around 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point in their lives. Also, it is one of the top causes of job-related disability around the world. On a positive note, back pain is manageable. Let’s take a look at six ideas to manage back pain.
Get Moving
Slumped in your desk all day? Or are you a couch potato at home? If the answer is yes, you need to get moving. Most people today spend a lot of time working in front of computers and laptops. At the end of the workday, most people are so tired all they want is to relax and unwind in front of the television. This is the wrong approach. If you are struggling with back pain, you need to incorporate at least 20 minutes of workout in your routine every day. Get some stretches, go for a walk, or swim in the pool. Keeping yourself physically active is one of the best ways to manage back pain.
Maintain Posture
As mentioned earlier, people are glued to screens, whether at work or home, and it is not uncommon to slouch as you sit. Unfortunately, most people slouch without realizing it. Inappropriate posture is one of the leading causes of back pain. When at work or home, make sure you maintain your posture. Sit upright both at work and at home as you watch your favorite TV show. If your job requires you to sit for long hours, make sure you stand up, stretch a bit, and take a short walk once every few hours. If you maintain the right posture, you will not only manage back pain but also keep your back’s natural curves.
Sleep Right
If you are experiencing back pain, the best position is to sleep on your side. This will help you sleep comfortably and get enough rest so you wake up fresh the next day.
Try Chiropractor
Most people go for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, but medicines come with side effects. So it is a good idea to try chiropractors. They are alternative health care professionals trained to diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders, especially disorders of the spine. Using specialized techniques, chiropractors can help you manage back pain.
Although their techniques can help relieve back pain, there is no scientific evidence to prove significant spinal health improvement. However, this technique comes without any harmful side effects.
Keep an Eye on Your Weight
Being overweight can cause stress on your spine. So maintaining a healthy weight goes hand in hand with managing back pain. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain your weight within a healthy range.
Reduce Stress
You might not be aware of it, but stress can have detrimental effects on your spine’s health. Since stress leads to muscle tension, the constant tension in the muscles can cause back pain. Don’t forget to include activities in your day that can help reduce stress. Some of the healthy ways to reduce stress include swimming, yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Back pain may not be a life-threatening condition, but it is a serious one. If not managed, it can affect your mobility and, eventually, your ability to perform day-to-day tasks. By incorporating physical activity, maintaining the right posture and weight, reducing stress, and seeking alternative medical assistance, you can manage your pain and live a healthy life.
