Chiropractic Tips to Deal with Back Pain
By Sara Butler
There’s a lot of information available to the average person to help them deal with back pain – and for good reason. Back pain happens to be one of the most common conditions in the United States. It’s estimated that 80 percent of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, and behind the common cold, it's one of the biggest reasons for missed work. To help you from becoming a part of that statistic, here are a few suggestions and tips to help you deal with back pain from the chiropractors at The Joint.
Be Proactive with Your Health
Your health is important and should be a priority in your life. Don’t wait until something is wrong before you see a healthcare professional. If you can see a professional when you’re well, then you can formulate a plan to help you stay well instead of a plan to help you fight back pain. But if you’re seeing someone because you’re experiencing back pain, then it’s good to take control of your health and work with the chiropractor to create a treatment plan to help. That can help you feel in control of your health.
Do Something
The absolute worst thing you can do for back pain is to ignore it. There’s a lot of research out there that points to the benefits of seeking care from a healthcare professional such as a chiropractor and how it will positively impact the outcome of your condition if you do. Over time, people who seek help experience reduced pain and discomfort because the condition will improve and be less likely to come back with professional guidance.
Use Ice Therapy
The best thing you can do to treat acute back pain is to utilize ice. Applying cold to an injured area helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It works by decreasing blood flow to the area, restricting the inflammation that can occur. This is a better option than simply popping some over-the-counter pain medication. Remember, that will only mask the pain instead of targeting the inflammatory process that is creating it. Ice is your best bet for pain control until you can get in to see the chiropractor.
Use Heat When Needed
If you suffer from chronic pain and discomfort, then heat can be useful too – especially moist heat. Heat is most recommended for stiff or tight muscles and joints. The first 24 to 48 hours you should be using ice. But after that time, heat will help keep your aches and pains under control.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.