Are you feeling a bit uneasy with your back? Does your back pain starts to flare up every now or then? Is it serious? Or is it only temporary?
No matter what could be causing you the pain, the truth is that back pain is a fact of life. But guess what, like most things back pain too can be treated with methods ranging from massage to exercise.
The good news is that with a little bit of adjustment, your back pain can become history.
Whether you have reason to believe your back pain is serious or just a one time deal, some simple tips might help you keep it manageable:
Ice, Ice Baby
If you are injured and are experiencing back pain because of it, doctors recommend having a pack of ice cubes handy. In the first 24 to 48 hours, it is crucial that you apply ice to the affected area in order to stave off inflammation. Failure to do so can allow the surface area of the pain to expand, leaving you with a bigger problem than the one you initially had. Ice can help stem the slide of the pain.
Movement Is Key
If you prefer to stay stationary, the pain is only going to get worse. This is why even massage can be helpful for you if moving around is not an option for you. One of the benefits of a massage is that they exercise and relax your muscles at the same time.
Remain Strong after the Event
So, your back pains might have been taken care of with a bit of massage and ice cubes, but as they say, it’s time to be wiser after the event. To avert such painful episodes in the future, you need to partake in regular aerobic exercises. Even massage helps. A muscle that is regularly exercised is at lower risk of grievous injury later on. It helps make your whole body formidable, especially the muscles in your back.
Don’t Forget To Stretch Those Muscles Every Chance You Get
That’s right. Slumping back into the chair for gargantuan periods of time just won’t do. It’s a good idea to take a break after every 20 minutes and to partake in some stretching exercises. So, stand up and stretch backwards (as a counter to stretching forward on your desk) every chance you get.
It’s All in the Ergonomics
Your workplace is an area you may find yourself in for the better part of the day. It is a good idea to overhaul the ergonomics of your workplace so that your monitor-forward-hunching skills don’t get as much work as before. The goal is to have everything else work for you, not the other way round. Massage experts recommend using something which keeps your feet planted on the ground and supports your lower back.
Posture Is Important
Do you find yourself slumping more often than usual? That is detrimental to your lower back too. Also, one should carry heavy objects with care.
Low Heels Are Game
Avoid wearing four-inch high heels at all costs. Wear flats or low heels instead. They are about an inch tall. High heels tend to place undue stress on the lower spine. Massage your lower spine if issues crop up.
Watch Your Weight
Dieting and exercising regularly will keep the likelihood of you developing lower back pain negligible. So, make sure you stay healthy.
No Smoking
Smoking results in a higher risk of you contracting osteoporosis of the spine. This can result in fractures in the spine. Low calcium levels in the body are also caused by smoking so it is best to kick the habit while you are ahead.
Pain Relievers as a Last Resort
Get some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs if massage and exercise don’t help out. They are effective for pain management. Before going to buy them, it is prudent to discuss any side effects that can result from the pain relievers. Being forewarned is to be forearmed.
With these tips, you can make backaches more manageable and less intrusive. Living your life without the constant worry of back pain is not only possible but achievable with basic lifestyle changes.
