Chronic back pain can be extremely difficult to live with. Having pain as a constant companion can be exhausting, and can even cause the sufferer to go into a deep depression. However, there are certain things chronic back pain sufferers can do to help relieve the pain.
Don’t lie around too much. When you’re feeling pain it can be hard to find the motivation to get moving. But, remaining stagnant for too long can make the issue worse. It can cause the muscles and joints to stiffen which creates even more pain. It can also reduce blood flow, which actually slows the healing process. So, stay active. Light exercise like walking can help strengthen your core muscles. This helps to support the weight of your upper body from within, creating a healthier back. Also, regular stretches can help loosen any tension in your back muscles. Doing so regularly can reduce tension from building in the first place, and keep your back healthy. Here are a few stretches you can try, but keep in mind the stretches should never hurt. If the positions start to be painful, retract until it doesn’t hurt anymore. Don’t make the injury worse by trying to overextend the muscles.
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- Lie on your back with your arms out in a “T” shape. Bend your left leg and bring your knee over your right leg to touch the floor. This position should make your legs resemble the shape of a 4. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, release and repeat on the right side.
- Sit up in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Bend forward and reach for your toes. Hold this position for several seconds, release and repeat.
- For upper back pain, try rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards, 10 times each. This helps release any tension you may be carrying there.
Get hot and cold. Temperature therapy can often help relieve chronic back pain. Cold will help reduce any swelling that may be causing pain, so try a cold compress or even a package of frozen vegetables. Heat helps reduce tension in strained muscles, and increase blood flow to promote healing. For chronic back pain sufferers a traditional heating pad may not be a good solution. Try an infrared heating pad, which allows heat to penetrate much deeper into the affected area and provides long lasting relief. The Healthy Back Institute carries a variety of infrared heating pads to suit your needs. Visit losethebackpain.com to browse their selection.
You may even want to try some unconventional methods. Many people are now finding success with things like acupuncture and inversion therapy. Acupuncture works on the ancient Chinese principle that’s based on your body’s energy flow or life force – called your “Chi.” A skilled acupuncturist will insert several thin needles into your back in various positions to help restore the flow of your Chi. The Chinese believe if your Chi becomes sedentary, that results in pain in your body, and stimulating it via acupuncture helps get it moving again. Recent studies have actually shown acupuncture to be effective at relieving pain, back pain in particular.
Another method is inversion therapy. It involves getting strapped into an inversion table and flipping your body entirely upside down. This helps reduce pressure on the spine and uses gravity to help everything get back into its natural alignment. For those that want to try this method in their own homes, The Healthy Back Institute sells a number of inversion tables.
The Healthy Back Institute has a variety of ways to provide treatment for chronic back pain. They strive to offer their clients the most effective strategies to become pain free. Visit losethebackpain.com today for more information on relieving chronic back pain.
