Almost all Americans have experienced back pain at one time or another; it is a common problem that makes people call in sick at work or miss school. You can develop back pain as a result of everyday activities done wrong. For example, sleeping awkwardly, sitting too much, or lifting something heavy. Fortunately, most back pain is not indicative of a serious problem. The following are some tips that your pain management physician Dallas may recommend to relieve back pain. These same suggestions can help you prevent back pain; they include:
Sleep smart
The ideal bed offers you comfort, and that varies between people. As for sleep posture, you sleeping on your side or back may help. It is best not to sleep on your belly because your head will be in constant motion due to turning, which can cause neck pain. You also want to tuck a pillow between your legs; this aligns your hips and eases back pain.
It is also important to choose your mattress carefully if you are prone to back pain. One factor that influences your mattress selection is your preferred sleep position. A softer mattress can help you maintain good posture if you sleep on your side. But if you sleep on your back, you want to choose a firmer mattress.
Stay active
Being on the move is the last thing you want to do when in pain, but it is important to resist the temptation to stay in bed. While rest can help ease the pain, lack of physical activity can cause your muscles to become stiff and more susceptible to pain. Back pain is not a serious issue in most cases, even if it may be very painful. For this reason, it is okay and important to stay active despite the pain. However, move within your limits and avoid strenuous activities that can worsen the pain. Walking and gentle stretching are good choices; these activities can help your lower back muscles heal faster. It is best to check in with your doctor before signing up for any exercise program since some types of back pain worsen with activity.
Maintain good posture
Poor posture makes your back muscles stiff and tense, often causing back pain. Therefore, you want to be attentive to how you position your back when you sleep, sit, stand, walk, or engage in everyday activities. You can use several tips to ensure all the bones in your spine are aligned correctly. For example, use a desk and chair when using your laptop instead of sitting in your bed hunched over; this is a surefire recipe for a sore back.
Use cushioned chairs instead of hard seats if you need to sit for a long time. Sitting on a hard surface may prevent you from maintaining the right posture.
Manage your stress
Non-physical problems like stress and tension can cause or aggravate existing back pain. Therefore, it is important to learn relaxation techniques or mindful practices such as meditation and yoga to uplift your mood and stretch your muscles to relieve stress and ease muscle tension. A simple practice such as meditation can help you feel alive, especially when you are sidelined by pain.
If your back pain does not go away after four weeks of using these suggestions, visit your doctor at Magnolia Pain Associates for diagnosis and treatment to improve your quality of life.
