If you’re experiencing back pain, you are not alone. It is a common problem among approximately 65 million Americans, affecting men and women equally.
However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean you should just live with it. Consider these tips for properly caring for your back to achieve relief and get back into your normal routine in no time.
Relax.
Back pain can sometimes be psychosomatic, which means it may be triggered by mental factors, such as anxiety and stress.
Studies show that yoga, meditation, massages, and other mindfulness techniques can produce calming effects on the mind and are effective at helping soothe back pain.
Perform regular but gentle stretches.
Stretching exercises are an integral component of all back exercise programs. In fact, if you consult a doctor for your back pain, you will likely be advised to do regular, gentle stretches to alleviate it.
If you have chronic back pain, you may need to do regular stretching for weeks or months to successfully manage it.
Correct your posture.
Unsupported postures, such as slouching, hunching, and sitting on your bed while working on your laptop, can cause the loads on your back to disperse incorrectly. These also result in your backbone pressing down unevenly on the cartilage discs, gradually wearing them away. So, when you have back pain, try to improve your posture, and see how that pans out.
Moreover, when lifting objects, bend your legs—and not your back. Your legs are better equipped at withstanding lifting forces, so your back should simply serve as a stabilizer and not the prime mover.
Prolonged sitting is a no-no.
If your job is the culprit in your back pain, you can manage it by taking adequate breaks in between. Standing up, walking around, and/or doing some light stretches during your short or lunch breaks will do wonders on your back.
Consider chiropractic care.
Pain relievers are usually the first-line treatment for back pain. However, here’s the caveat: they only provide short-term relief and are only recommended for short-term use due to their potential side effects on your health.
One of your best bets for achieving effective relief for your back pain is to see a chiropractor. A study done on 42 patients who sought chiropractic care for their back pain over a period of two months found that low-force spinal adjustments were highly effective at relieving their back pain.
Apart from spinal adjustments, a chiropractor may recommend additional treatment options to enhance the outcome of your care. These include deep-tissue laser therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and 3D active traction.
High-Quality Back Pain Treatment in Delaware
At Delaware Back Pain and Sports Rehabilitation Centers, we literally got your back! Our dynamic, multidisciplinary team of providers includes highly skilled chiropractors who can provide you with individualized care for effective, long-term relief from back pain.
To schedule a consultation with one of our chiropractors or for more information about our services, call one of our offices nearest you or use our appointment request tool.