Back pain is a common problem experienced by most adults today. Aside from the discomfort it brings, it also interferes with our daily activities. No matter how bothersome this condition is, relieving back pain is easy if you know the effective ways in dealing with it. While pain medications provide instant relief, taking them on a regular basis is not good for the body. Here are some alternative remedies that are proven to be effective in providing relief for back pain.
Exercise
Exercising regularly is one of the simplest yet effective ways to prevent and relieve back pain. It could be a bit challenging to get yourself moving when you already have an achy back. However, a quick walk or stretch can help reduce pain by loosening and relaxing tense muscles and promote the release of endorphins which is the body’s all-natural pain reliever. If you experience back pain a lot, incorporating an exercise routine on your daily activity can help alleviate pain and prevent future aches.
Heat and Cold Therapy
The Hot cold therapy for back pain is a popular and effective remedy for this condition. If the back pain is caused by an injury, applying an ice pack to the affected area can definitely help a lot in reducing the pain. Cold temperature also numbs the affected part, reducing the feeling of pain. Before applying an ice pack or ice to your aching muscles, be sure to wrap it first with a cloth to avoid frostbite. Limit each application within 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
For back pain caused by overly worked out muscles, applying a heating pad is an effective way to alleviate the pain. You may also use other heat sources such as a hot water bottle or a warm cloth bag. Heat relaxes stiff muscles and promotes blood flow into the affected area which helps lessen the pain and speed up the recovery of your muscles. Be sure to test the temperature first before applying it to the affected part to avoid burns.
Switch Footwear
If you’re experiencing back pain on a regular basis, it might be caused by wearing incorrect footwear. Wearing high heeled shoes increase a person’s risk of experiencing back pain because it throws off the body’s proper alignment. Some footwear also adds strain to the feet and your back. If this is the case, switching your footwear can help solve this problem. Choose footwear that provides good support and fits your feet correctly.
Stress Management
Sometimes, back pain is caused by too much stress. If this is the case, try out stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, guided imagery and other techniques that help you cope with stressful situations in a healthier way.
Practice Proper Posture
Bad posture is a contributing factor to back pain. Improper posture such as slouching strains the back muscles which lead to aching back later on. Always practice good posture whether you are standing, sitting or doing daily activities to lessen the chances of pain due to improper posture.
With these effective home remedies, it is definitely easy to combat back pain in no time.
