How To Manage Back Pain
An injury. A diagnosed condition. A simple mistake in moving or lifting. These and any number of things can cause back pains. And you may suffer from it at one point in your life or throughout your lifetime, but know that there are steps you can take to manage the pain.
One of the most recommended approaches would be to consult with a chiropractor. Chiropractors provide non-surgical treatments for nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders; among them back pain. The core treatment, particularly for lower back pains, involves getting hands-on spinal manipulation, which aims to reduce nerve irritability and improve function.
The prevailing theory with this treatment is that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure will promote healing without the need for surgery and/or medication. In delivering the treatment, chiropractors will not only reduce your pain or provide relief, but they will also be able to help you prevent injuries from occurring once again.
Aside from getting chiropractic adjustments, treatments may also include lifestyle counseling (e.g., stopping smoking, dropping the excess weight, etc.), advice on nutrition, and rehabilitative exercises. The holistic approach will save you a lot of money on prescription medication that you might not need, as well as prevent you from experiencing any side effects from painkillers.
The treatment plan you receive will, naturally, depend on your condition and the very cause of your back pains. Chiropractors will conduct a thorough examination, which will include the necessary tests, and take your medical history before coming up with the appropriate treatment plan.
Chiropractic care is not the only way for you to manage the pain. There are certain things you can do to reduce incidence, apart from following your chiropractor’s advice on what to eat and what exercises to perform.
One, and perhaps the easiest, thing to do would be to get quality sleep. Most people who experience chronic back pains rarely get a good night’s sleep. If you’re one, you might want to transform your bedroom into a more conducive space (i.e., take out the TV or anything that will distract you from sleeping), and to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Sleeping on your side and with a pillow can prevent curvature of the spine, which aggravates back pains.
The other thing you might want to think about would be to take a spa. The heat from the spa will promote muscle relaxation while the soothing movement of the water can improve circulation. So not only will a spa allow you to relax after a back breaking day at work, but it could also bring pain relief.