9 Ways to Relieve Back Pain
Back pain got you feeling like a pretzel? Yeah, that feeling. You know, the one that makes you sound like a creaky door when you try to get out of bed? The one that turns simple tasks like picking up a sock into a full-blown Olympic event? If your back pain is currently dictating your life choices (like whether or not you can reach the remote), you've come to the right place. Let's untangle that mess! Here are nine back pain treatment https://redefinehealthcare.com/back-pain-specialist-near-me/ options to find some relief fast. 1. Good Posture Grandma was correct! Slouching isn't good for you. Poor posture can exacerbate back discomfort, especially if you sit for extended periods. Do not hunch over your keyboard. Sit up straight, with your shoulders relaxed and your body supported by the back of your chair. Try placing a pillow or rolled towel between your lower back and the seat. Keep your feet flat on the floor. 2. Antidepressant Medications Even if you are not depressed, your doctor may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment for chronic low back pain. It's unclear how antidepressants help with chronic pain. Antidepressants are thought to change chemical messengers in the body, which may affect pain signals. 3. Prescription Pain Relievers Some patients may require prescription-strength NSAIDs or narcotic drugs to manage their discomfort. If you are taking any other prescriptions, including over-the-counter medications, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist to avoid overdosing on particular active components. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve painful muscular spasms. 4. Sleep Better When you experience back pain, it might be difficult to sleep. It can be a vicious cycle because lack of sleep can exacerbate back discomfort. A poor sleeping position might also worsen back pain. Try lying on your side. Placing a pillow between your knees will keep your spine neutral and minimize back discomfort. If you have to sleep on your back, place a pillow beneath your knees. Make sure you sleep on a comfortable, firm mattress. 5. Physical Therapy Physical therapists can educate you on how to sit, stand, and move in such a way that your spine remains in normal alignment and reduces back strain. They can also teach you specific exercises to strengthen the core muscles that support your back. A strong core is one of the most effective strategies to prevent future back discomfort. Studies suggest that increasing your strength, flexibility, and endurance reduces back discomfort, but it takes time. 6. Ice and Heat Regularly applying ice to uncomfortable areas of your back may help lessen the pain and inflammation caused by an injury. Try it multiple times a day for up to 20 minutes each. Wrap the ice pack in a small towel to protect your skin. After a few days, switch on the heat. Use a heating pad or warm pack to calm your muscles and promote blood flow to the affected area. You can also try warm baths to help you relax. To avoid burns and tissue damage, never sleep on a heating pad. 7. Nerve Stimulation Certain nerve-stimulating methods are being studied to alleviate persistent back pain. If you aren't getting relief from more conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend acupuncture. Your doctor may also recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which involves administering modest electric pulses to the nerves to inhibit incoming pain signals. 8. Biofeedback Biofeedback is a technique that involves using a particular machine to train your brain to modulate your pain response. You learn how to regulate your breathing, heart rate, blood flow, and muscle tension. Some studies have shown that it is more effective than medication in relieving back pain, reducing pain intensity by approximately 30%. The best part? It has no adverse effects. 9. Spinal Injections To relieve back discomfort, your doctor may consider a spinal injection. There are several sorts of injections that doctors who specialize in pain management may employ. For example, a corticosteroid injection can help reduce the inflammation that is causing the pain. Depending on the type of injection, your doctor may limit the number of doses you receive every year to avoid potential side effects.