Say Goodbye to Back Pain and Hello to Fun!

By Donna Stark

You put on a brave face for your family. You even put on a smile. But the truth is, you would rather be doing what they are doing. And even though you tell everyone, "Don't worry. I am fine with this decision," you really aren't, because it wasn't you deciding in the end, was it? No. Pain made this decision for you and now you are sitting out, holding bags, and taking pictures while everyone else continues to enjoy the day and have fun. It kind of stinks, doesn't it?

Tips to Reduce Back Pain

Low back pain is generally brought on by things like muscle tension, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, and excess body weight. Depending on its cause and how quickly it's addressed, back pain can stay in your life for a few short hours or it can hang around for many very long years. You certainly don't want back pain to fester, so take a look at the following suggestions on how to naturally reduce your discomfort.

Correct Posture

Poor posture is one of the leading causes of low back pain. Make sure you are always practicing good posture when you are sitting, standing, and even sleeping. Here are some simple tips.

• Sitting - Sit tall, with shoulders pulled back and feet squarely on the floor. Use a lumbar support if you find yourself arching your back.
• Standing - Hold your head in a neutral position, unlock your knees, pull your shoulders back, and keep your weight balanced. Invest in a good pair of shoes too.
• Sleeping - Avoid sleeping on your stomach, use body pillows to protect the natural curve of your spine, and make sure your mattress is supportive.

Ice and Heat

For many people, ice and heat are effective ways to manage back pain. Ice should be used to reduce the pain caused by inflammation and heat should be used to relax tense muscles. You can use hot and cold compresses, frozen peas, hot towels, or hot baths to achieve your desired temperature.

Exercise

Regular exercise is also a great way to reduce low back pain. Set a goal to exercise as often as you can and if you have to sit for long hours while at work, be sure to integrate movement into your everyday routine.

Get Back to Having Fun

Of course, if the tips above aren't making a difference, you can always head on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic for help. With quick and long-lasting results, you can count on having more enjoyable (and fun) days ahead of you!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Jacksonville, Fla.