Back pain isn’t something to joke around about; it’s a pretty big deal. It’s such a big deal, actually, that at least $90 billion per year is spent by Americans on its treatment and at least 59 million of Americans have experienced back pain in the last three months. Drugs aren’t necessarily the best option to free you from your pain, so here are some tips from our Jonesboro Chiropractors on how to alleviate symptoms:
Alleviate Back Pain
1.) Go get regular chiropractic adjustments: As one proven, effective way to treat back pain, chiropractic care should be at the top of your list. The non-invasive, gentle adjustments our Jonesboro Chiropractors provide can help restore structure and function without putting you through the potential dangers that drugs or surgery can inhibit. In fact, a study in the journal Spine suggests that surgery often worsens the pain as a result of a failed recovery.
2.) Increase core strength: Having a strong core serves a significant role in reducing back strain and pain. Some great avenues to strengthen your core are pilates, lifting weights and bodyweight exercises.
3.) Don’t become dependent on a back brace: You might be prescribed a back brace to treat lower back pain, which has proven to be a great tool for temporary relief. Yet, it’s very important that you don’t become entirely dependent on it. By wearing it too much, you can weaken your muscles and expose your back to a potentially higher chance of injury.
4.) Practice excellent posture: Sitting up straight and other good forms of posture do more than just affect your look. By practicing good posture, you maintain the right spinal alignment, prevent muscle strains and lower stress on your ligaments, among other things. Make sure to ask our Jonesboro Chiropractors for advice on proper posture techniques.
5.) Ice and heat: These two actions can help you with your pain. Icing can also bring swelling down following an injury. The common advice after sustaining an injury is to ice for 48 hours before heating.
6.) Improve flexibility: Having flexibility can help alleviate stress and tension in your back muscles. Without overdoing it, make sure you stretch the major muscle groups carefully. Our Jonesboro Chiropractors will have tips for you on proper stretching techniques.
7.) Check your mattress, pillow and sleeping position: Each of these things plays a role in the state of your back and the amount of its pain. Your mattress shouldn’t be overly soft or firm, providing uniform support for your entire body. A firmer foam pillow that keeps your spine in a neutral position and fills the space between your ear and the bed is recommended, and you should always avoid sleeping on your stomach. Doing so takes away the curve of your neck and puts pressure on your brainstem. Sleeping on your back puts the least amount of stress on the spine.
Contact AICA Jonesboro Today!
Call us to help you alleviate your back pain at (404) 602-0387.