Back pain could be from muscular, nerves, disks, etc. yet no matter the cause, hot baths can help by relaxing muscles. Why does that matter if the source of the pain isn’t muscular? When an injury happens, muscles commonly contract around the nerve, disk, etc. to protect it. The contraction usually triggers a pain response and possibly even muscle spasms, which are even more painful. That’s where a hot bath can help.
Are Baths Good for Bad Backs?
Hot baths relax the contracted muscles and stimulate blood flow to the area. That can end muscle spasms and ease muscle pain, whether that pain is the cause of the back pain or a by-product of another back injury.
Getting The Best Results For Your Back From a Hot Bath:
- Make it Hot Without Being Scalding
- Soak for 15-20 Minutes
- Add Epsom Salts
- Consider Gentle Stretches
- Add a Beer – to The Bathwater
You want the water to feel comfortably toasty. If it’s uncomfortable, add cold water until the temperature is warm without being painful. Keep your face/head out of the water to prevent overheating.
After that, it’s probably starting to cool off anyway. Don’t stay in the tub as it grows cold.
While not conclusively proven, some doctors recommend Epsom salts because they’re made of magnesium, which is a natural muscle relaxer. Whether the hot water is the primary reason for the benefits to tight muscles, the Epsom salts, or a mix, is unclear. However, other doctors recommend soaking in hot baths with Epsom salts to decrease inflammation, which usually accompanies various types of back problems and strained muscles. If you do use Epsom salts in a hot bath, don’t exceed the amount recommended on the package or use them in a hot tub or Jacuzzi unless the instructions specifically mention it.
After your muscles are relaxed, a few gentle stretches can help. Just don’t do too many or push too far. This isn’t the time for a grueling workout routine.
This is an unusual suggestion, but Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, recommends it for stress relief, and Hop in the Spa in Sisters, Oregon, is popularizing it. To be clear, you don’t drink the beer. In fact, drinking while taking a hot bath could lead to carelessness that makes an injury worse. Dr. Zeichner’s rationale for adding a couple of beers to your hot bath water is that the hops in beer are antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation and the brewer’s yeast contains B-complex vitamins.
Total Chiro Can Help You Attain Good Back Health
Chiropractic care can be a vital step in overall health. Additionally, we can provide advice on lifestyle and exercise choices to improve your quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? Today is a great time to start being better. Fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call at (631) 447-2299 for a free consultation or to get started with treatment.