Backpain is a common problem for many Americans,
regardless of whether they hold a blue collar or white collar job. Tasked with
the job of absorbing majority of the shock in the body, it isn’t surprising
that more than 31 million American suffer from consistent back pain.
The cause of back pain may vary from one person to
another. Nowadays, the most common cause is job-related, especially for office
workers who spend most of their day sitting. The stiff position combined with
bad posture causes pinching along the back muscles, essentially leading to pain
and discomfort. Fortunately, there are natural treatment options for back pain
that you can get, either at home or through professionals.
Hot Compress
A hot compress is your first level of defense against
back pain. The heat naturally helps the muscles relax, releasing tension and
offering pain relief. This is perfect after 8 hours of hard work and would work
best when utilized as a full-body treatment. For example, soaking in the
bathtub with warm water lets you address not just back pain but also neck pain,
leg pain, shoulders, and various other body parts. It’s usually advisable to
settle for a temperature that’s as hot as you can stand without scorching the
skin. Cold compress is also a popular option, but muscles usually respond
better to warmth. Alternating between the two also seems to work.
Massage
In some cases, soaking in a warm bath wouldn’t be
enough. If you’re suffering from consistent back pain, a massage might be the
best option available. Massage therapists are capable of finding the spot that
pain you specifically and applying a gentle, soothing pressure to ease the
tension. At the same time, the massage helps restore blood flow in the body and
stimulate the pores.
Chiropractor Care
Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that
involves spinal manipulation. A little more complicated than massages,
chiropractic medicine adjusts the musculoskeletal system so that nerve
pinching, muscle inflammation and even minor bone dislocations can be
corrected. Typically used by athletes, chiropractic care has been proven not
only as a pain-relieving method but also as a way to minimize future back pain.
Acupuncture
Another form of alternative medicine, acupuncture for back pain targets specific pressure points in the body and pushes on them to relieve the
pain. It’s a very effective system that works the same way as a massage, except
with more targeted and therefore quicker results. Acupuncture may be combined
with other forms of alternative medicine such as acupressure and aromatherapy.
Kneeling Stool
If your sudden lower back pain is mostly caused by bad
chair design, perhaps it’s time to consider a kneeling stool. This ergonomic
chair is specifically designed to promote good posture while sitting, allowing
the back to remain straight with no pinching or pressure. Kneeling stools are
typically used not just to stop back pain but also to prevent future
occurrences. You’ll find that there are currently different models available
today.
Exercise for Back Pain
Now this might seem like counter-productive for most,
but some exercises can actually help ease back pain as well as prevent it. Note
though that this does not mean strenuous exercise. Instead, you’ll be doing
stretches, mostly within the realm of Yoga movements. When executed properly,
these stretches works much like self-chiropractic care, adjusting the
musculoskeletal system and reducing inflammation. It’s best to have a video for
reference – and make sure to pay attention to proper posture! Wrong execution
can worsen the pain rather than heal it.
Resting the Back
Most of the time, a good rest is enough to stop back
pain. If this is your first time experiencing the problem, just lie down on the
bed and let your body do the work. With proper rest, the muscles and nerves
start to heal, the inflammation dies down and suddenly – you’re as good as new!
Heat application however can speed up the healing process.
It’s important to note that in the event of trauma or
chronic back pain, the natural methods offered here are no longer feasible.
Contact your doctor to get the best treatment possible, especially after an
accident. For heavy trauma, a physical therapist is best employed to ensure
that correct treatment is offered. Pain-relieving medication may also be used,
but only under the advice of a doctor!
