7 Tips on How to Treat Lower Back Pain

No one should have to suffer with lower back pain. Sufferers know that the pain impedes on every aspect of your life.

Whether getting out of bed in the morning or bending down to tie your shoes, lower back pain can be awful.

If you suffer from lower back pain you need to address the issue. Start by following these 7 tips.

back pain
Lower-back pain; image source: pexels.com

1. Visit a chiropractic clinic

One of the first ways that you can help alleviate lower back pain is to visit a chiropractic clinic. Chiropractors specialize in the misalignment of your body and can help take some of the pressure and strain off of those sore muscles.

2. Rest and cut back on lifting

Especially if you lift weights or work out hard, you will need to ease up while your back recovers.

This by no means that you should do bed rest, but instead just cut back on the intensity of your workouts.

3. Try stretches and gentle exercises

Stretching out your back gently can help alleviate some of your back pain, restoring that essential oxygen back to your muscles.

Gentle exercises, such as walking and swimming can also improve the blood flow to your muscles, while keeping them from seizing up.

4. Check out the bed that you are sleeping on

What is the quality and firmness of your mattress? A bed that is too soft can actually do more harm than good for your back, allowing it to curve into unnatural positions.

As you sleep, your muscles will naturally tighten up, causing you more discomfort and pain. If you are waking up in pain, then it might be time for a new mattress.

Use an ice compress

For more immediate relief, you can try putting an ice compress on your back. This can help reduce acute inflammation in your muscles and take away some of the discomfort.

Ice compresses are not appropriate for long term or chronic back pain as it can exacerbate your symptoms rather than alleviating them. Ice is best used for an injury or pain that has just occurred.

Try an Epsom salt bath

Alternatively, heat might be a solution to help with that aching back. Epsom salt contains magnesium which is a natural muscle relaxer that can help reduce inflammation.

A warm bath with Epsom salt can help heat up the muscles as well, sending more oxygen their way and allowing them to relax, relieving built-up tension.

Take care of your back

You should also check out what you are doing with your back. If you are doing any lifting that could harm or injure your back, you will continue to have back pain. Sometimes it is as major as lifting heavy boxes and items without the proper support or lifting incorrectly. If you are not lifting with your legs, your back could easily be pulled the wrong direction, causing injury.

Likewise, sitting in a chair with improper posture all day can also cause you injury and pain. If you pay attention to what you are doing with your back, you might be able to limit the pain in the future.

Regardless of what method works for you to alleviate your pain, if the pain is not improving, make sure to consult with a professional, like a chiropractor, to help find the source of your discomfort.

 

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