Whether your back pain is the result of an accident, or a chronic issue brought on by a condition like arthritis, the fact still remains— back pain can bring your life to a grinding halt. Back pain sufferers know that when you’ve got an aching back, it’s hard to do just about anything without suffering. From sleeping to sitting to walking, just about everything is a struggle. To help you relieve your aches and pains, here are some of the best tips for a bad back.
Get a Brace
There’s a reason why there are so many consumers who seek back braces— they’re incredibly effective! They hug your abdomen in all the right places and encourage proper posture. Not only can they help heal current back problems, but they can also prevent future ones.
Wearing a back brace may be recommended by your doctor for a temporary period of time, and perhaps permanently depending on your lifestyle and career. Whether you have an active job, or you work in a lab, a back brace is a great tool for ensuring you avoid slouching.
Get the Right Mattress
You’d be surprised how many people there are who sleep on a poor-quality mattress with very little back support yet are baffled why they have back pain. Considering we spend an average of 35 hours a week in our beds, it’s clear why a high-quality mattress is important. Not only does a high-quality mattress avoid back problems, but it promotes better sleep. The more comfortable we are, the more likely we are to drift into a deep sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated and free of aches and pains.
Take Medication
If your back pain is particularly bad to the point where nothing seems to be working, then you should take over-the-counter medications like anti-inflammatories. It’s always important to talk to your doctor about which ones they recommend for you based on your allergies and other health conditions. In extreme cases, you may be prescribed stronger medication. However, many of these medications are extremely addictive and can be a gateway to issues much larger than simple back pain.
Stretch
Stretching is a wonderful way to elongate your spine and ease pain accumulating in your lower back. There are many different stretches to choose from that can strengthen, stretch, and relieve your discomfort. One of the simplest stretches is raising your arms to the ceiling while slowly bending over toward the floor. In the event of chronic back pain, an inversion table may be a great solution. By stretching daily in an inverted position, you can relieve even the most intense back pain.
Go Swimming
Many people turn to swimming to ease their back problems. When you immerse yourself in warm water, you won’t just feel instant relief, but you can also strengthen your back by engaging in the low-impact exercise of swimming. Because you’re buoyant in water, a lot of the pressure will be taken off your joints, and you’ll feel even more relief than you would sitting or laying down.