Living life in motion is essential toward reducing back pain. Your natural craving to leap into action when the sunshine peaks out reveals the kind of mobility our phenomenal physiology was made for. Too much inactivity or a lack of physical conditioning can lead to increased back pain when you zip into action for summer or other seasonal activities. Be perseverant and patient with yourself by jumping on these tips for a healthy back.
MOVES TO MINIMIZE BACK PAIN
- Think incrementally, while thinking big. When the urge hits to step up your exercise or tackle that physically demanding project like weeding your entire garden, pause a moment. Then, map out the incremental steps to reach your goals.
- The right gear for any task tends to make it go more efficiently and successfully. Use a lumbar support belt during prolonged lifting. Buy a shoe that’s best for your body, stride, and activities. Get the correct firmness in both your mattress and pillow for the proper neck and spine alignment while you sleep.
- Stretch your legs at work for benefits toward improved posture and creativity. Perhaps you might even use a standing desk, an ergonomic ball chair, or simply take the stairs more. For every 60-90 minutes you sit, try moving or standing for at least 15 minutes. Anytime you shake up your routine, you’re seeing the world from a different perspective, and who knows what you’ll discover.
- Build endurance for seasonal or unexpected physical demands with 15 minutes a day of back stretches, as shown here by Mayo Clinic.
- Be purposeful and kind when you fuel your body. Avoid smoking and foods that drag you down. Your body can feel the difference between the high-powered salad that can pack a healthy punch vs. the greasy meals.
SCALING YOUR TREATMENTS FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF
When back pain does slow you down, there are plenty of treatment options that range from non-invasive to surgical. Just like with the steady, incremental progress of exercise and many goal-setting situations, pursuing a step-by-step treatment plan with your clinician is less stressful on your body.
The American College of Physicians organizes noninvasive back pain treatments into three levels that cover acute, subacute, and prolonged pain.
Level one varies from heat therapy, massage, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) medicine, muscle relaxants and other topical pain relievers. Those with chronic low back pain may benefit from introducing level two treatments such as exercise, rehabilitation, or yoga. Lastly, level three cautiously moves into (NSAIDS) therapy and opioids.
Should you seek opioid alternatives and topical pain relievers powered by active botanicals and minerals, NeoRelief for Pain and NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping & Restlessness can be applied up to six times a day and are designed to work with your body’s natural healing capabilities.
So keep these back pain relief tips and treatments in mind as seasonal or spontaneous opportunities arise for a rewarding task or amazing outing with family and friends. Life’s many adventures are best enjoyed in good health, at a pace that’s uniquely you.
