Most of us suffer from back pain at one point or another during our lives. You might have pulled a muscle or slipped a disc trying to lift something, or you may have to deal with it as part of an ongoing illness or condition, but whatever the reason behind it, back pain can be incredibly debilitating. While any unexplained back pain needs to be checked out, there are a few ways that you can relieve general backaches and discomfort.
Check your mattress and sleeping position
One of the most significant causes of backache is sleeping on the wrong type of mattress. A lack of support from a mattress reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help to keep the spine in alignment, all of which contribute to backache. While you should always choose the mattress that matches your own preferences, a firm mattress is generally advised if you are prone to backache.
Gentle exercise
When your back is aching and sore, the last thing that you probably feel like doing is exercise, but sometimes, gentle exercise can make a world of difference. We are not on about hitting the gym and lifting weights, but very gentle exercise to stretch the muscles, ease pain and build your strength back up. Resting for too long can cause your back to seize up and lead to a further loss of movement. However, pushing yourself beyond your pain threshold can cause adverse effects, so take it easy.
A Chiropractor
Some types of back pain require a professional. If you are frequently suffering from back pain, it may be worth visiting your local chiropractic clinic. They can do realignment therapies, and regular deep muscle massages can really help your back. Unlike a standard masseuse, a chiropractor has the ability to diagnose the source of the pain and why.
Evaluate your weight
If you are carrying a bit of extra weight, you might want to consider losing a few pounds. Being overweight puts more strain on your bones and your joints and can put your back out of alignment. Try eating a healthy and balanced diet – quick fixes are not your friend here – and see if that makes a difference.
Switch bags
If you are carrying a heavy bag around all day to work or to school, particularly if it is a shoulder bag, this may well be the source of your back pain and needs to be looked at. The most obvious solution is to reduce the number of things that you are carrying about, but if that cannot be avoided, a high seated, close-fitting backpack that distributes the weight across the shoulders evenly is the best option.
Painkillers
No one should have to live in pain, and sometimes, if you are suffering backache, you may well need to take pain killers to be able to move about freely and get on with your life while you are waiting for longer-term treatments and remedies to kick in. Make sure you talk to a medical professional about this who can point you in the right direction.
