How to Fix Back Pain Quickly with Chiropractic Care
While You’re Waiting to See the Chiropractor…
6 QUICK FIXES FOR BACK PAIN
According to the National Institute of Health, 80% of Americans experience back pain problems at some point in their lives. If you’re among them and in between visits to the chiropractor, hold off on the narcotics, muscle relaxants, or other therapies. Here are six simple remedies, from an article by Darria Long Gillespie, MD, MBA, that you can incorporate into your daily routine that can make a big difference:
1) Lighten That Load
You’re almost always likely to experience sudden, often severe, back pain when lifting something heavy—especially if you follow the lifting action with a twist. Such strenuous motion can damage the vertebral discs. So when lifting, don’t lift and twist. Lift and turn… meaning turn your feet and legs, before continuing.
2) Get a Move On
Medical wisdom no longer holds that rest should follow mild back injury and strain. Research shows that continuing activity—even gentle motion like walking and moving about— will facilitate healing. At first, stick to walking and avoid strenuous back exercises or stretching. Then, as you begin to improve, do back-strengthening exercises. They’ll help you heal faster, and also help reduce your chances of further injury.
3) Adjust Your Sleep Position
If you sleep on your stomach or with a couple of pillows propped under your neck, your sleep position may be contributing to your pain. The best sleep positions for countering back pain are either: a) lying on your back with a pillow behind your knees, and with your head and shoulders slightly elevated, or: b) lying on your side, with your upper knee bent and a pillow under your knees.
4) Stand at Ease
If your job requires you to stand in one place for long periods, try this pain-reducing technique: place a block of wood or a yoga block (about 4-6 inches high) at your feet and place one foot on the block. Periodically alternate feet to reduce the static strain on your spine. Use this same technique anytime you need to stand for long periods and you have a step you can place one foot on.
5) Change Your Seat
Sitting in the office all day? Staying glued to your seat for hours at a time decreases blood flow to your vertebral discs and puts a great deal of pressure on your spine. Two quick remedies: first, get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour or two. Second, try readjusting your chair when you sit back, even just a little. To minimize muscle stiffness, avoid sitting in the same exact position all day.
6) Use the Stroller
If you’re always carrying your toddler, you probably not aware of how much extra stress you’re putting on your back—especially if he/she squirms to get down. There is no one ‘optimal’ position for bearing the extra weight of a child. So if you find yourself in this position, keep the stroller handy and use it to optimum benefit—including the basket under the child’s seat for your purse and hefty shopping bags.
For more information about how chiropractic care can help with your back pain please contact Total Chiropractic Care at (631) 447-2299. You can also visit our FAQ page.
