A lot of us have occasional sore backs from time to time. Whether we had a long day in the office, or we lifted something just a little too heavy, after a few days, it eventually subsides. However, for others who may have suffered a serious injury or have a spinal condition, back pain is a constant issue.
Rather than a simple nuisance, their back pain brings their life to a grinding halt when it flares up and makes anything hard to enjoy at all. Chronic back pain, is to say the least, a debilitating condition that affects all areas of your life. The good news is that it’s possible not only to manage but alleviate back pain. Here are some of the best tips to try out.
See a Doctor
First and foremost, nothing replaces the advice of a medical professional. If you haven’t already received an official diagnosis, then that should be your first priority. A doctor will be able to diagnose the main cause of your pain and suggest the proper treatment moving forward.
They may suggest solutions like acupuncture or even surgical intervention. You can decide how you want to move forward from there, but having a professional opinion is the best place to start.
Stay Active
While your first instinct may be to lay down when you experience back pain, this is the opposite of what you should do. It helps to stay as active as possible to strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility. Think low-impact movements like walking, yoga, or even swimming.
Intense exercise could make your symptoms worse, so focus more on gentle exercise, and of course, consult with your doctor first.
Practice Good Posture
One of the biggest reasons that many people suffer from back pain is due to poor posture. If you sit in an improper position for the majority of the day then it will lead to more pain. Consider wearing a brace or using an ergonomic chair if you have trouble maintaining proper posture on your own.
Practice Healthy Habits
A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your chances of back pain flaring up. If you go over your recommended weight then this puts unnecessary strain on your spine, leading to substantial pain in many cases.
Eat a well balanced diet so you stay within a healthy weight range for your height and build. And make sure that you drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration. Although it’s ok to indulge once in a while, water is always the best beverage choice.
Perhaps most importantly, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively. These vices aren’t just unhealthy for you in general, but they can reduce your blood flow to the spine, hindering the healing process.
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