Back pain is an extremely common medical condition that can have a number of underlying causes. Examples include – poor posture, physical overexertion during exercise, injuries from lifting heavy items, and sitting or lying for extended periods of time.
Persistent back pain can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s quality of life and lead to them being unable to work or carry out their usual daily routines.
If you are suffering from back pain, then here are some key ways to ease your symptoms.
Get examined by a chiropractor
It is important that you have any back pain examined by a medical professional to identify the cause and rule out anything serious. A chiropractor will carry out a full body examination and then create a customized treatment plan.
Chiropractic care involves the use of spinal manipulation to restore joint mobility, ease pain, and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Chiropractors can also provide you with advice on how to keep your spine properly aligned and minimize strain on your back. This should help reduce the risk of back injury occurring in the future.
Check out Best Chiropractors in New York for some detailed reviews on quality chiropractors in the area.
Maintain good posture
Bad posture will make pain worse and can actually be the cause of many back conditions, especially when you are sitting for long periods of time. When working on a computer or laptop, make sure you sit up straight, with your shoulders relaxed and your back against the chair. You should check that your seat provides the correct level of support to allow you to sit comfortably for the amount of time required.
If your feet do not reach the floor, then lower your seat or get a foot rest. This will help ensure that you maintain good posture and reduce the risk of pain or injury. Here are some simple exercises to help improve your posture.
Keep active
It is understandable that people want to avoid using their back when they’re suffering from pain. While rest may be the most appropriate treatment in some cases, inactivity can actually increase pain and worsen the symptoms of many back conditions.
This is because inactivity makes your muscles tighter and weaker, thus slowing the overall healing process. It is therefore important to remain as active as possible when you are recovering from a back injury. Try low-impact exercise like walking or swimming to help keep muscles flexible and strong.
Try ice and heat treatment
Many people find ice and heat treatments an effective way to treat back pain. Ice can be used to alleviate pain and heat can reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow to the area.
Try applying heat and ice treatments for around 15-20 minutes several times a day – you can use a cold pack or frozen vegetables as ice treatment, and a heat patch or hot water bottle for heat treatment. Most people find that alternating hot and cold treatment works effectively.
When using heat or ice treatment, make sure that you always apply a protective barrier like a sheet or towel to avoid nerve or skin damage.
