Managing Back Pain 101: The Steps You Need to Take

By Stepy Kamei 

Back pain is one of the top health concerns among Americans every year, so it's good to know that there are many tools out there to help manage this issue. However, when you're confronted with so many different treatment plans and options, many of them seem to contradict one another, and it can be difficult to know the best way to go about managing your pain without accidentally harming the health of your back and spine. Know the steps to take immediately after sustaining back pain, as well as what to do in the days afterward, so you can be sure back pain does not take over your life by becoming a chronic condition.

What to Do Right Away 

If you abruptly experience back pain as the result of a strain, immediately discontinue whatever activity you were engaged in. Find a place to stay seated or lay down, and alternate the use of ice packs and heat packs for the next few hours. First, apply an ice pack to the affected area for about 30 minutes. The cold will create a numbing effect, which can reduce pain as well as inflammation. After this, use a heating pad for the same amount of time. Heat encourages circulation and blood flow to the area, which can speed up the healing process and provide immediate comfort. 

Self care is important, but you should also do what you can to see a doctor. In addition to meeting with your primary healthcare provider, consider a consultation with a chiropractor. Chiropractic has been proven to bring safe pain relief to patients with back problems using all-natural treatment techniques.

What to do in the Aftermath

It seems like it would make sense for you to avoid moving as much as possible if the pain is intense, but you actually want to make sure you aren't creating stiff muscles as a result of staying sedentary. The muscles in the back should still be exercised regularly. Engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling to help in the recovery process. These low-impact exercises are ideal since you will be able to set your own pace and time limit based on the amount of comfort or discomfort you feel.

Prevention is Crucial

Of course, it's best to not have to deal with back pain in the first place, which is why so many people turn to chiropractic treatment for preventative care. Come into The Joint Chiropractic today to see what this reliable treatment program can do for your health.