Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Back Pain Problems

Sep 30, 2016

Pain that persists in any area of the back for longer than twelve weeks is generally considered chronic. It’s common to experience back pain after a car accident, but sometimes the discomfort can drag on even after the tissues have healed. Following any kind of car collision, seeing a chiropractor can help rule out serious injuries and minimize the chance of chronic back pain down the road.

Puzzle Image of Person's Back With Radiating Back Pain | AICA Jonesboro

Chronic back pain can range from mild to severe, and can either come in waves or linger continuously. The most telling sign is that it never fully leaves and has been nagging for three months or longer. If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, accident-related or otherwise, your Jonesboro chiropractor can help determine the root cause and recommend a treatment plan that may alleviate your discomfort. Certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce chronic back pain, restore mobility, and contribute to overall health.

Daily Stretching

Ongoing back pain is often due to tight muscles. Gently loosening and lengthening the muscles and other soft tissues in the back and hips can often help reduce chronic back pain. If you’re already experiencing discomfort, be sure to get approval from your doctor to go ahead with therapeutic stretching. Your chiropractor can determine whether stretching will help or further harm your condition, as well as show you how to perform specific stretches based on the location of your pain. Stretching for just 10-15 minutes every day can often alleviate chronic back pain and improve mobility within a few weeks. Consistency is the key! It’s best to stretch when the muscles are warm, so consider going for a short walk or doing some jumping jacks to get things limbered up. Stretching in the evening while watching TV or getting ready for bed can help you relax and sleep better, especially if your chronic back pain keeps you awake at night.

Regular Exercise

While regular physical exercise has many benefits, it can be particularly helpful for chronic back pain sufferers. You may be tempted to skip working out because of the pain, but in some cases exercising can help reduce back pain over time. Increasing muscle tone and shedding any excess weight can help alleviate the strain on your back and may address the underlying cause of the pain. Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor, try incorporating some low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga. If you notice an increase in your chronic back pain, hold off and consult with your chiropractor before continuing. If low-impact exercise is manageable, try slowly increasing the intensity and duration. Strengthening the whole body not only helps reduce any pain you may currently be experiencing, but it will also make you more durable and less prone to injury in the future.

Routine Chiropractic Adjustments

Regular chiropractic care can help those suffering with chronic back pain. Along with a physical exam, your chiropractor can use xrays, CT scans, and MRI imaging to help pinpoint the cause of the discomfort and then develop a customized treatment plan. Spinal manipulation and other manual therapies can help correct any misalignments that may be causing discomfort.
Chronic back pain can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to continue. With a team of medical professionals and access to the latest technologies, your Jonesboro Chiropractic Clinic can diagnose and treat the source of your ongoing pain. Find out how we can help you get back to living a life free from chronic back pain. Don’t wait—contact us today!

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