Back pain is very common in America; in fact, it is one of the most common ailments where 8 out of 10 people will experience at least once in their lifetime. This is why it is so important to try to prevent back pain from starting or to take active measures to ensure it does not worsen. Of course, the absolute best way to treat back pain is to come see us for a thorough analysis of what could be causing your back pain and learning the best way to treat it. However, if you are still on the fence about visiting a chiropractor, there is a couple of steps you can take to alleviate the pain at home.
Walking - The idea that rest is the best treatment for back pain has been a misconception for many years. One of the best things you can do is to keep up with your normal level of activity; when you are sedentary, the muscles around the spine can become weak and cause more problems in your back long term.
Good posture - Maintaining good helps ease the pressure on your lower back.
Stretching and Strengthening - By incorporating strength and stretching routines in your regular workouts, you can improve the muscles that support your back, especially your abdominal core. Improving these muscles will not only relieve pain but also help you prevent it in the future.
Maintain a Healthy Weight - by reducing the amount of weight your body has to carry around, you help reduce the amount of mechanical force onto the spine, reducing pain.
Quitting Smoking - research has shown that nicotine products have been proven to take away essential nutrients from your back, making smokers 4 times more likely to have degenerative disk disease.
Try Ice and Heat - depending on what is causing your pain, the old remedy your grandma used to recommend still holds true. Ice works best to reduce swelling or inflammation, and heat works by relaxing stiff or tight muscles.
Rubs, Creams, and OTC Medication - for temporary pain relief these can work, but it is not recommended for long-term relief.