Back pain does not discriminate. This debilitating condition is known to affect adults of all ages, races, and sexes, limiting their activity levels and preventing them from enjoying life to the fullest. In fact, according to a recent statistic, nearly eight of every ten Americans will suffer some form of back pain during their lifetime.
For many, the lower back is the area most prone to back pain. If you or someone you love is suffering from lower back pain, doing one or more of the following things may help you find some relief:
Lose excess weight
Extra weight, particularly that located in the abdominal area is a leading cause of lower back pain. Not only does the extra weight affect your posture and pull your spine and supporting musculature out of shape, but it also tends to make people refrain from participating in healthy activities like walking or cycling.
Invest in ergonomic chairs and desks
The work environment can also contribute to lower back pain, especially if you work in a sedentary office job. Spending hours in a chair that does not properly support your spine or one that is not the right size or height for your body can aggravate lower back pain.
Investing in ergonomic office furniture and making sure that your desk and chair allow you to sit with your feet comfortably flat on the floor will help support your spine and lessen pain. Also, taking a short break every hour to stand up, walk around, and stretch can also be very helpful.
Exercise to help release endorphins
Healthy movement, especially when done regularly, helps the body release endorphins, which lessen pain and help relax tight muscles. Establishing a daily schedule of regular activity, even if it is just a thirty-minute walk around the neighborhood can help relieve pain and burn calories, as well.
Know when to seek medical care
If you are experiencing mild levels of back pain that only occur after strenuous activity or lifting a heavy object, rest and an OTC pain reliever may be all you need to feel better.
But when lower back pain is more severe or does not go away after a few days, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. To be sure, those who are experiencing lower back pain that is preventing them from living life to the fullest should make an appointment to see reputable orthopedic doctors as soon as possible.
Share13 November 2017
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
