Move Through Back Pain
By Rachel Carver
If you are dealing with back pain, you are not alone. About 31 million Americans experience back pain at any given time.
Back Pain Causes
Bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles make up your back. Sprained ligaments, strained muscles, and ruptured discs can all cause back pain. Though sports and exercise cause pain, a simple motion such as picking up something off of the ground can send a shooting pain up your spine. Poor posture, too much sitting, and various medical conditions also contribute to back pain.
So, Do I Rest When It Hurts?
Pain is not fun for anyone. Back pain makes sitting, standing, and picking up a bag much harder when each movement hurts. However, in most cases, staying completely inactive can be detrimental to your recovery.
Rest is an important to healing back pain. But resting more than 1-2 days can weaken, stiffen, or decondition your back.
Regular movement during back pain gives you many benefits.
Strengthening muscles supporting the spine - A restricted disc could be the cause of your pain. Movement can relieve pressure on the spinal discs and facet joints.
Alleviating stiffness - Feeling stiff after sitting at your desk all day? This stiffness can lead to pain from being sedentary for too long. In this case, movement throughout the day will improve mobility and decrease pain.
Improve circulation - Too much inactivity makes it harder for your body to distribute nutrients to key areas, including the spinal discs.
Releasing endorphins for natural pain relief - Endorphins can improve your mood, even when you are in pain.
Your movement will depend on the severity and reason for your back pain. You probably will not run a 5K with intense lower back pain, but a 10-15 minute walk can loosen your joints and help you stretch.
Head to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to find out what specific movements you should embrace or avoid. The Joint team can address your pain and create a plan to keep the pain from occurring.
Back pain should not go untreated. The last thing you want is to overdo an exercise and make the pain worse. The Joint chiropractors can also incorporate strength training exercises into your treatment plan. A stronger back will make the pain less likely to come back in the future.
Start seeing some relief at The Joint Chiropractic clinic today. The Joint's affordable pricing and walk-in visits make care accessible to everyone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.