Back Pain Relief: What You Can Do To Help
Back pain can make even the simplest of tasks difficult. It can make walking, sitting, and doing everyday chores and tasks difficult and painful. If you have back pain, it's best to see a physician for treatment, but there are also things you can do at home to help with the pain and to prevent further pain. Read on for some helpful tips.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The footwear you wear could be causing you further injury. To help prevent re-injury or further pain to your back, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You should wear shoes that are not only comfortable but are supportive as well. Keep your heels low, and make sure to have insoles that provide enough support. High heels, flat shoes, and flip-flops are all shoes that should be avoided if you have back pain.
Stretch To Improve Flexibility
Stretching has a number of benefits, and one of them is alleviating pain. Stretching can improve your flexibility and help prevent injury. Stretches such as toe touches, side bends, and gentle twisting can all be beneficial to your back. Talk to your physician about other helpful tips to improve and strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your flexibility.
Use Heat And Ice
To help with any pain associated with your back pain, use ice packs and heating pads to ease the pain. Apply for 20 minutes at a time, but watch for both the ice and heating pads to prevent injury to your skin, such as burns.
Use Over-The-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help ease pain, but long-term use of these medications can be harmful to your liver. Discuss use of these over-the-counter medications with your physician.
Sit Up Straight
When sitting anywhere, be sure to sit up straight and don't slouch. If you sit at work or work at a computer, make sure your chair is a comfortable chair that supports your back. Add a back support if needed. Utilize the chair arms, and make any necessary adjustments to your chair so you don't have to lean forward. You should also be sure to make adjustments to your computer screen so you don't have to stretch your back too much.
Sleep With Pillows For Added Support
When sleeping at night, use body pillows to help support your back and body. Place a pillow between your knees, and use a body pillow behind you to support your back. Extra pillows under your head can also help support your spine and keep it in alignment when you sleep.
Use the above tips and visit your physician for help with back pain.