You’ve probably read about different techniques to treat back pain. These include exercises, heat therapy, and the use of NSAIDs. But what about psychological therapies? These therapies can have an even greater impact on your overall health than you may realize.
Effective Ways to Manage Back Pain You Might Not Know Yet
But before we jump on the bandwagon and take any drugs, read on for some tips to treat back pain. Here are some examples.
Just as with any other medical condition, there are many ways to treat back pain. For other means to manage back pain, we can take natural compounds from these seeds that we can grow at home.
If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s essential to consider holistic approaches to overall well-being. Additionally, understanding how factors like hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to discomfort may provide valuable insights. Explore informative articles on health and wellness, including topics like menopause bloating, at Better Body.
NSAIDs
If you’re suffering from back pain, you’re probably wondering if you should take NSAIDs. These medicines can reduce inflammation and pain, and are the first line of defense in many medical offices.
But they don’t work as well as they’re advertised, and there’s a risk of significant side effects if you take them long term. For effective pain relief, a chiropractor is a better choice.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are prescription and over-the-counter medications that reduce inflammation in the body. They’re widely used for acute and chronic back pain, as well as for ankylosing spondylitis.
They’re also great for maintaining the mucosal lining of the stomach. They may also reduce the risk of heart attacks. You should talk to your pharmacist about the proper dose for your condition.
Exercise
There are many different forms of exercise for back pain. Aerobic exercise helps strengthen the entire body, as it gets the heart rate up and increases your breathing rate. Swimming, cycling, and walking are all forms of aerobic exercise.
They can be beneficial for back pain because they strengthen the entire spine, and swimming helps support your body weight and prevent twisting movements. However, you should be sure to consult a health professional before beginning any aerobic exercises.
As a back pain sufferer, it is important to remember that exercise is not a cure-all. Rather, exercise is a great way to manage back pain and help you get back to doing things you enjoy. The best way to get started is to start slowly and build up your exercise program.
Begin with small, regular episodes of exercise, and don’t forget to take a painkiller beforehand. As time goes on, you’ll begin to feel better and stronger.
Another exercise that helps manage back pain is the bird-dog exercise. This strengthens the low back. Begin by standing with your legs crossed, and then lift one leg or arm to shoulder height.
Hold for at least 10 seconds, then switch arms or legs. Remember not to slouch, as you should be able to stand comfortably in this position for only a few seconds at a time.
Heat
Besides being beneficial for managing acute pain, heat is also effective for chronic pain management. It reduces inflammation and pain due to muscle tension, which can often lead to other physical problems like headaches.
Moreover, heat can also deliver nutrients to damaged tissues, enhancing their flexibility and improving their overall functioning. If you suffer from back pain, heat is a great solution. This therapy can be easily applied on the affected area with the use of heating pads.
During the first couple of days after an injury, heat is recommended to reduce inflammation. However, heat application on damaged tissues can also increase inflammation. Therefore, localized heat therapy is not recommended immediately after a traumatic event.
Alternatively, cold compresses may be used to reduce inflammation. If you can’t afford to take a hot bath, use heat-free ice packs. Ultimately, heat will reduce pain and inflammation.
While applying heat to the affected area may be effective for mild cases, it will have the greatest effect if it is applied for a prolonged period of time.
For example, 15 to 20 minutes of heat at a time can reduce minor stiffness and tension. But for severe cases, you may need up to two hours of heat.
That way, you can benefit from the heat treatment without going under the knife. It will also relax the muscles and reduce pain and stiffness.