Take Fight Against Back Pain With These Three Simple Changes

Michelle Hopkins

Back pain is one of the most common health issues facing Americans. More than 30 million people suffer from pain in the low back and it's predicted that eight in 10 people will contend with some degree of back pain at a certain point in their lives. An effective way to take ownership over your discomfort is to seek the care of a chiropractor. Getting a treatment plan and a series of adjustments can help return your back to its correct alignment and reduce the pain you're experiencing. Outside of the chiropractor's office, you can make it a priority to focus on some lifestyle changes that can aid in your back reduction.

Commit To Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise has a long list of physical and emotional health benefits, but it's also a valuable ally in your quest to reduce your back pain. Cardio increases your heart rate, which contributes to the healing process by sending more nutrient-rich blood throughout your body, including to your back. You'll also improve your muscle strength, which can help reduce discomfort. A variety of cardio exercises are appropriate when you have back pain, provided they don't cause you discomfort. Consider activities such as swimming and walking.

Improve Your Posture

If you have a job in which you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, you might be jeopardizing the health of your back. Focus on using the correct posture when you're seated. You should hold your back tall and upright with your shoulders gently held back and your weight spread evenly around your hips. Sit with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. If your chair has a lumbar support mechanism, use it to apply light pressure to your low back. Additionally, it's useful to get up and stretch at regular intervals, even if you've been sitting with the right posture.

Manage Your Stress

Stress leads to a variety of emotional symptoms, but physical symptoms such as back pain can also be common. Muscle tightness and reduced blood flow are two physiological reasons that your stress can lead to worse pain in your back. Take action by working to identify the causes of your stress, either at work or at home, and then focus on specifically reducing or eliminating them. A number of general strategies can also prove effective, including taking a yoga class, practicing meditation and allowing time each day for a quiet activity that you enjoy.

For more techniques for managing back pain, talk to a chiropractor, like those at Vanderloo Chiropractic.


Share