Back pain is a pervasive issue in the world today. Researchers estimate that nearly 80% of the world’s population will experience back pain at least once in their lifetimes. Beyond that, many people will suffer from multiple bouts of back pain over the years.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best tips for avoiding and easing back pain symptoms.
Top 5 Back Pain Tips
When it comes down to it, you need to figure out a back pain management technique that will work well for you. However, these tried and true tips have helped many people overcome their back pain symptoms. If you are struggling to find relief, try these options out today!
Tip #1: Don’t Rest Too Much
It seems intuitive that people should rest if they’ve suffered an injury. After all, if a tissue has been strained, it makes sense to shut things down and let the area heal, right?
Well, research and tons of patient data have shown that this is not the case.
In fact, moving tends to improve back pain symptoms significantly. For instance, going for a daily walk, performing regular stretching exercise, and completing appropriate resistance training movements can be incredibly beneficial for lower back pain.
These options tend to be much more effective than rest for those suffering from back pain.
Tip #2: Avoid Painful Positions
When it comes to back pain, there are a number of ways to manage the condition. One such way is a method known as “directional preference exercise”.
Before managing your condition through a directional preference exercise, you’ll want to perform a few simple tests. Specifically, you’ll need to bend forward, backward, and side to side, at a minimum. Odds are, at least one of these positions will be comfortable for you, and at least one of these positions will reproduce your symptoms.*
In the early stages of your back pain, you should avoid the positions and movements that cause pain, and emphasize those that relieve the pain.
*Please note that it is always best to receive an official diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider, rather than relying on a self-diagnosis.
Tip #3: Focus on Flexibility
We touched on this point earlier, but it’s worth going deeper into the topic of stretching and flexibility.
If you’re experiencing back pain, your back muscles are likely very tight.
For this reason, you need to be sure to incorporate daily (or at least every other day) stretching exercise. This will help to keep you limber and better able to recover from your back pain symptoms.
Tip #4: Clean Up Your Diet
Interestingly, there seems to be an association between dietary choices and pain. People who regularly eat less nutrient-dense foods tend to have more pain and may have a more difficult time recovering after an injury.
Make sure you eat lots of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, quality meats, and other foods. At the same time, you should aim to avoid sugary candy and foods that promote inflammation.
Tip #5: See Your Chiropractor
One of the best ways to keep your back healthy is to regularly visit your chiropractor. Chiropractors are experts in dealing with back pain and associated symptoms.
When the spine is out of alignment, which happens very often, people are at much greater risk for injury. Therefore, by receiving frequent spinal manipulations, patients can often avoid and quickly resolve any back pain symptoms.
If you’re suffering from back pain, or if you want to avoid ever sustaining a back injury, try out the tips listed above. If you require more assistance, book a visit with your Plano, TX chiropractors at Keystone Chiropractic today.
