Back pain can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. People often wonder how to get rid of back pain. Fortunately, there are treatments that may relieve it before a visit to your orthopedic doctor if you can not prevent your back pain in the first place.
How To Relieve Back Pain
The first thing you can do to relieve back pain is to figure out what is causing the back pain. Different problems require different treatment. Back pain can be caused by a variety of things. It could be a muscle strain or a bruise. It could be an injury. Scoliosis or arthritis can cause back pain, as well. If you don’t know what is causing your back pain, see a doctor.
Back pain can be eased by rest. Try to lie on your side to get rid of lower back pain. This will take the pressure and weight off of your lower back. Extra support can be given to your back by placing a small pillow between your knees. If you use a heating pad, make sure that it has an automatic shut off. Falling asleep on a heating pad can cause a burn to your skin.
If you spend a lot of time working on a computer or sitting at a desk, make sure that you’re working in an ergonomically correct manner. Your chair should be adjusted for your height and for the height of your desk. Change your posture regularly to keep your back from becoming stiff. Take a five minute break every hour to stand up and stretch.
If it is a muscle spasm, stretch your back. If stretching causes an excessive amount of pain, stop and make an appointment with your doctor.
Ice can be used to relieve pain because it shrinks the blood vessels. This will dull the pain and ease the swelling.
Heat is beneficial to relieve back pain. Moist heat for 15 minutes can bring comfort to the sore area. Alternating heat and ice can bring the most comfort for back pain.
Exercise is a great way to strengthen your back and relieve back pain. It is important that you talk with your doctor or orthopedic specialist before you begin an exercise regimen. The doctor can show you a set of exercises specifically for your particular back problem.Walking is another way to relieve back pain. It also increases circulation.
Getting a massage is another beneficial form of back pain relief. It is important to choose a massage therapist that is certified and has experience with back problems. Some forms of massage therapy will make back pain worse.
Get rid of as much physical and emotional stress as possible. Stress is known to tighten muscles throughout the body. This increases back pain. A massage may also help by alleviating your feelings of stress.
Visit a chiropractor. A spinal adjustment may help significantly with pain. Before scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor, consult with your doctor or orthopedic specialist first.
If home treatment does not work, set an appointment with your doctor to get a referral to an orthopedic specialist. An orthopedic specialist knows more about back injuries because they specialize in the skeletal system. They can design a treatment plan and give you suggestions on how to relieve your back pain.
Robin is a blogger for Matthew Boes M.D. Orthopaedic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina. She wants to know how to treat a back injury.
