Back discomfort can severely alter your life in many different ways. It may stop you from being able to go out, exercise, or even completing regular daily activities. Use the tips in this article to feel better now.
It may not be possible to get a same day appointment for treatment of a serious back issue, and while waiting for an appointment, it is difficult for many people to sit or lie down comfortably. Lying on your back with knees bent is often the most comfortable position for someone suffering from back discomfort. The muscles and tendons that go from your back down through your legs have less tension when you lay this way.
Avoid slouching, even if performing common household chores like vacuuming. If you are constantly bending while vacuuming, then back pain will be the result. Try to move a vacuum cleaner forward with the weight of leg muscles rather than using your back.
Many people try to pick up things that are a good distance away from them because they are trying to rush. We reach for something that is a bit beyond our reach and cause ourselves pain. Move closer to objects before lifting them, keep your arms as close to your body as possible, and take a minute to protect your back by picking heavier things up properly.
When battling back discomfort, start with the most simple things. Resting for two or three days can be helpful. While you await your back discomfort to simmer down, take some anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen for some pain relief. You can soothe the pain by alternating cold and hot treatments.
There is a wide variety of both prescription and non-prescription medications that help with back pain. Consult your physician if your pain is not relieved by over the counter medication. Sometimes and over-the-counter medicine is enough and other times you might need a prescribed medication from your physician.
Carrying around as few as 10 extra pounds is not a good idea. Extra weight will shift your body’s center of gravity and put stress on your muscles and tendons. This puts more strain on the lower back which can result in chronic lower back discomfort.
Use good posture when sitting. Bad posture is detrimental to your spine, causing back strain unnecessarily. You need to have a supportive chair that is comfortable if you are sitting for the majority of the day. Sit on an exercise ball and you can maintain a strong back and improve your posture.
Be aware of the position that you sleep in. It might not be comfortable to sleep in this position, but it’s ideal to sleep on your back. This will keep your pain down and if you need to, you can use a heating pad. Never sleep on your stomach.
If your back discomfort is causing you problems, please try to apply some of these tips in your life, and see if you can make a difference for yourself and live better. Back pain is a serious problem that needs to be treated.