Avoid Back Pain Naturally!
By Sara Butler
Back pain is a common problem – a problem your chiropractor knows all about! About 31 million Americans will experience back pain at some point, so it’s a serious public health concern that more people need to be made aware of. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons people miss work, costing about $86 million a year! So, how can you avoid it or treat it without expensive drugs or treatments? It’s easier than you think!
Just Say No
If your back hurts, then one of the easiest things to do is grab some pain relievers – but you might want to think twice about that. Taking over the counter medicine for pain on a regular basis increases your chances of side effects such as:
- Heart attack
- Kidney problems
- Digestive tract bleeding
- Increased blood pressure
- Stroke
So, your best bet when dealing with back pain is to do it naturally!
Natural Remedies!
Of course, seeing your chiropractor for back pain is the number one natural remedy you have in your arsenal. Chiropractors adjust your back and realign it without the help of drugs – they just use good, old-fashioned elbow grease! Chiropractic also happens to be safer and less expensive than other back pain treatments. Other things you can do to naturally treat back pain include:
- Keep moving – You should avoid sitting for long periods of time since it puts more pressure on your spine than walking or standing does. Plus, walking -- not bed rest -- is a great remedy for back pain. Just remember not to push your body too hard if you’re in pain and avoid actions such as bending over or lifting, and whatever motion initiated the pain in the first place.
- Stretch it out – You should work every day to keep your muscles stretched out since it helps to relieve any muscle tension that may be causing back pain. Also make sure you’re strengthening the muscles that help to support your spine, such as your abs. Strong muscles help to create a strong spine!
- Use ice and heat right – For an acute injury, you always want to use ice as a natural pain reliever. For chronic pain, moist heat is going to be your best bet. If you aren’t sure which to use, ask your chiropractor!
- Have healthy habits – Prevention is your best defense against back pain. You can do this by seeing your chiropractor regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing your body with proper nutrition.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.