At Home Healing: How to Handle Back Pain Without Medication
Back pain is pretty common. Most people, at some point in their life, will experience a soreness, nagging pain, or constant pressure in the back or somewhere along the spine. The tough part about back pain is how difficult it is to get rid of!
While it can be tempting to turn to medication, studies have shown medication to be one of the least effective means for treating back pain. Before turning to medicines, take a look at these home remedies that may effectively treat back pain at home.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to increase the body’s natural flexibility and range of motion. When you get too still, it contributes to soreness and stiffness, which then contributes to pain. Even just a little bit of exercise can really go a long way. Try a gentle walk, an easy aerobics class, the practice of yoga, or whatever strikes your fancy. The real key is to stick with it for the best results.
Lose Weight
If your body has too much weight, it can cause undue pressure and tension on the spine. Think about when you carry around something heavy...a bag or a suitcase or backpack. Your arms and legs and back get tired! If you have enough extra weight, this is essentially what you are doing to your body every day. If you want to keep your back (and whole body) more healthy, get your weight down to an appropriate level.
Apply Heat
Heat is excellent for reducing inflammation in pain for minor aches and pains. This can work for the back as well. Buy a heating pad and apply it at the end of the day. It can also be beneficial to hop in a steamy shower or a hot bath. Heat not only feels good, but the effects can last for hours after the last application. The only kicker is that you will need just a little bit of time to lie down or sit still in order to reap the benefits of this tip.
Chiropractic Care
Another great way to reduce pain in the back is with regular chiropractic care. A chiropractor may be able to fix misalignments (or subluxations) of the spine. These little misalignments can contribute to pain and poor health for the spine. By allowing a chiropractor to align them on a regular basis, you may be able to reduce pain and keep it far away long term.
If you would like to get chiropractic care for your back pain, get to The Joint...the Chiropractic Place. At The Joint, getting care is easier than ever with their affordable pricing plan and walk in appointment policy. Let a chiropractor at The Joint align your spine and get your back feeling pain free and better than ever.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Emilien ETIENNE