4 Ways to Alleviate Back Pain

Today’s the fifth day in a row you woke up with that excruciating pain in your back. Everything seems to be a blur and you just can’t seem to get out of bed.

For those of us who suffer from chronic back pain, this situation isn’t entirely alien to them. It’s a debilitating condition that can quickly dampen our outlook on life. And it’s far more prevalent than you might think – up to 80 percent of adults experience lower back pain at least once in their lives.

So how do you contain this condition and start the road to recovery? Here are some common tips and tricks:

1. Investigate Your Sleep Environment

Are you suffering from back pain due to faulty paraphernalia? An important thing to note is whether your home mattress and pillows are up to the task. If they haven’t been replaced in several years or their springs are no longer in working condition, you might want to make a change.

2. Stretching

This may seem like the last thing you want to do during a bout of pain, but stretching out your muscles helps improve blood flow, circulation, and strength. Common stretching poses like child’s pose and touching your toes loosens the muscles and makes you alert and fresh.

3. Hot and Cold Treatments

Applying an ice pack on your back can alleviate injury and reduce inflammation. It induces a numbing effect which decreases pain and soreness. In a similar vein, heating pads loosen stiff or achy muscles.

Use these two techniques liberally for whenever you’re in a particularly uncomfortable period of back pain.

4. Exercise

As a general rule, it’s advisable not to spend all your day in a sedentary state. Whether it’s a short walk, yoga, or swimming, exercise helps stimulate muscles and release endorphins, your brain’s natural pain killer. Regular exercise has a number of health benefits, all of which will contribute to a reduction in back pain.