Back pain is a common physical ailment in the United States. Studies have revealed that 8 out of 10 Americans suffer from back pain generally, lower back pain sometime during their lives. People experience severe back pain due to issues such as ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, etc. They may suffer back pain due to a chronic condition or an old sports injury. Sprains and back pain are quite common. In case of nagging pain due to lower back issues, it may adversely impact the overall quality of life. As such, you should take proactive steps to manage the pain and seek suitable treatment.
Maintain Good Posture
Good posture is effective in easing the pressure exerted on the lower back. It is best to use stretchy bands, tapes, and straps to ensure the spine is well aligned. Make sure that your head is over your pelvis. Avoid craning your chin forward or slouching your shoulders. Keep stretching and walking in between when you need to sit all day in front of the computer screen. You may find your chiropractor in Canton, GA. They can recommend the perfect posture and use effective techniques to alleviate back pain.
Massage or Manipulation
Manipulation is when chiropractors and physical therapists use effective techniques to move or manipulate your spine to facilitate a complete range of movement. You may require several sessions of chiropractic manipulation or physical therapy for noticeable pain relief. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession for treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system or the nervous system without any surgical intervention. Chiropractors usually focus on spinal manipulations.
According to Harvard Medical School, a study published in 2018 in the JAMA Network Open. It claimed that after receiving chiropractic care for six weeks, people involved reported a reduction in the intensity of pain. They experienced a noticeable improvement in function and were satisfied with their treatment. Moreover, they required less medicine. Massage may also provide pain relief in some patients. Relaxation massage and structural massage in some cases, helped improve the symptoms.
Stay Active and Work on Your Flexibility
Getting back into a fitness regimen can be scary since you don’t want to aggravate or reawaken any old injuries. Initially, you might feel stiffness and pain, but the key to overcoming it is to keep moving. When your muscles get used to moving around, they become stronger and don’t lock up as much. This means fewer spasms and less pain overall. You can walk, swim, bike or try low-impact sports or even aerobics- all it takes is stretching and activity.
Lose Some Weight
Your lower back literally bears the weight of your entire body, so shedding a few pounds can do wonders in easing your pain. This is not an easy task, and you must speak to a doctor and nutritionist. The key is discipline, a proper diet, and a calorie-burning exercise regimen.
Stop Smoking
Research has definitively been able to link nicotine, one of the most prominent ingredients in cigarettes and tobacco products, to degenerative disk disease and other issues that affect your spine. Smokers are, in fact, as much as 4 x more susceptible to spine issues along with the host of other problems the habit is associated with. Getting away from this habit may not make you feel better, but it will certainly ensure the condition does not get worse over time.
Conclusion
Back pain is a silent killer; it finds its way into the most mundane activities and takes a toll on your productivity, your relationships, your finances, and your mental health. The best thing you can do is to take definitive steps towards adopting healthy habits that also improve your mental well-being.