Tips for How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain
For many Americans, chronic back pain is an all too common problem. The problem is so common, that many people lie about having chronic back pain so that they can get benefits ranging from workman’s comp to disability payments. Many people who have actual chronic back pain are often turned away and treated as if they are liars. While I’ve never applied for disability, chronic back pain has been an issue since I was in 6th grade. In 6th grade I was a reckless kid with a pair of roller skates. Within 30 minutes of first putting on the skates, I fell. That didn’t stop me though. I got right back up, but the next time I fell, I wasn’t so lucky. My neck was extremely sore. The next day I would find out that I had broken two of my vertebrae. One was too high in my neck and the other two low in my back for braces to do any good. The doctor mentioned that I may have arthritis later in life because of the injury. Now here I am in my early 20s, I have since hurt my back numerous times because of that one injury. I suffer from chronic back pain on a daily basis. But, I have learned several ways to reduce my chronic back pain. I hope that these tips are also useful for you or your loved ones who suffer from chronic back pain. I learnt most of these tips by Austin Texas Orthopedic surgeon doctors who have experience in treating such cases.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #1: Avoid Repetitive Motions
More than any other thing, repetitive motions can cause chronic back pain to increase. If you want to reduce chronic back pain, try your best to avoid activities that require repetitive motions that hurt your back. For example, I find that washing large amounts of silverware kills my back. Make note of activities that cause you pain and do your best to break those activities into smaller timeframes or avoid them all together.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #2: Spend Time Doing Strength Training
One of the best things you can do to reduce back pain is to do strength training. Building up the muscles of your back will help to prevent further injury. There are several exercises online for people who have chronic back pain. Take time to slowly build up your muscles. If you baby yourself too much, your muscles will become weak and will be more easily strained should you use them in the wrong way.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #3: Apply Heat
I highly suggest keeping products in your home that will allow you to easily add heat to your back. Heat will help to reduce chronic back pain. The heat actually loosens the muscles so that you can relax. A heating pad, hot water bottle, chair massager, or even a rice pack will work wonders.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #4: Get a Massage
Another way to reduce chronic back pain is to get a massage. When you have chronic back pain it may be best to get a massage from a professional. People who are not experienced may cause your chronic pain to get worse. You may also want to invest in a chair massager as well.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #5: Remember Good Posture
You can also reduce chronic back pain simply be practicing good posture. Remember to sit up straight when you’re working on the computer or driving. Also remember to take breaks to walk around so that your muscles don’t get stiff.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #6: Consider a New Mattress
The wrong mattress can make chronic back pain even worse. If you have extreme chronic back pain, consider buying a new mattress. A mattress that lacks coil springs would be best. Look for air or foam mattresses that contour to your body.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #7: Relax
Sometimes the muscles in your back just need to loosen. The best way to help in this process is to relax as much as possible. Think soothing thoughts, listen to soothing music, etc. Do whatever you can to take your mind off of your back.
How to Reduce Chronic Back Pain #8: Take a Hot Bath in Epsom Salt
Epsom salts help with inflammation and cramps. A hot bath filled with Epsom salt will help to reduce your chronic back pain. The key is to run the water as hot as you can stand it and to make sure the salts have thoroughly dissolved.
