Back pain can be crippling. It can affect the way you walk, sleep, and even your day-to-day activities. For that reason, it’s extremely important to treat the discomfort as soon as you feel it coming on. Whether it’s because of a pulled muscle or because of an injury, finding a solution quickly is critical. From finding a San Diego chiropractor to using heat and ice, here are a few ways to ease your back pain and help you to reduce discomfort: - Massage therapy. If you are suffering from muscle pain or discomfort in your lumbar area, massage therapy is a great idea. Using specific techniques, a massage therapist will rub and manipulate different muscles and joints to relieve pain and reduce tension. If your discomfort is due to stress, a massage can help you relax. Massage therapy has also been shown to help induce restful sleep, which can allow your body to heal.
- Heat and ice. Often times, back pain is a direct cause of inflammation in the muscles. Because of this, cold therapy can be extremely beneficial. By regularly applying cold packs or ice, you can reduce inflammation. Also, applying cold to the affected area can act as an anesthetic and slow down nerve reactions. However, just because you are applying cold doesn’t mean you should skip the heat. Heat application can help increase blood flow to the lumbar area which can speed up the healing process. It has also been show to inhibit messages of pain from being sent to the brain. By alternating between hot and cold, you can naturally help your back to heal and feel relief from pain and discomfort. Find what works for your particular situation. Taking baths, showers, hot tubs, ice packs, and hot water bottles are all excellent things to try.
- Stretches. While it might seem counterintuitive, exercise and stretches can actually help to heal back injuries and reduce pain. It can increase mobility and help muscles to grow stronger. This can add support to an aching spine. Also, experts believe the release of endorphins that occur during exercise can act as a natural pain reliever. By engaging in aerobic exercise, your body will release endorphins into your brain, which can help to block pain signals and stress.
- Chiropractic adjustments. Sometimes it’s best to leave the treatment of back pain to the professionals. If you are dealing with tension, pain, headaches, or an injury, consulting with a chiropractor is a great idea. These medical professionals are specifically trained and educated in the musculoskeletal system. This means they can treat the muscles and bones in your back that could be causing you distress. Through different types of therapy, your chiropractor can create a treatment plan specific to your condition. With a chiropractor helping you, you may find that your pain and discomfort decrease much more quickly than by treating it by yourself.
- Over the counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, and ibuprofen are all over the counter pain relievers that can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They shouldn’t be used as a permanent treatment, however. Speak with your doctor or chiropractor if you find that your condition does not improve after using medication for a few days.
If you are suffering from back pain, your best bet is to combine a few of the above therapies. By finding a San Diego chiropractor and trying a combination of the other treatments at home, you may find that your back pain decreases significantly. No matter what you do, it’s important to act quickly. Back pain can become more severe over time if not treated correctly.
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