Back pain can be incredibly debilitating and can impact every aspect of our lives. It can stop us from doing the things we would normally do, such as visiting friends and relatives or celebrating Presidents’ Day, and it can also prevent us from getting a good sleep, which can impact all areas of our health. Increasing numbers of people of all ages are suffering from back pain, but the good news is that you can take steps to alleviate or prevent it. Here are four effective strategies for dealing with back pain that can change your life for the better.
1. Buy a High-Quality New Mattress
A good night’s sleep is important to our physical and mental health, so it makes sense to ensure that we have the most comfortable sleep possible. The most important ally to a night of great sleep is a great quality mattress, but if you’re using an old mattress, you could be lacking the support where you really need it. Experts say you should change your mattress around every seven years as a matter of course, but the truth is that you may need to change it sooner than that. Listen to what your body is telling you; if you find it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position, or wake with aches and pains, it’s time for a new mattress.
A high-quality mattress can cost less than you think, so why not buy one during this Presidents Day mattress sale and treat yourself? Your back will thank you, and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed.
2. Keep Active
Studies have shown that around 80% of Americans suffer from back pain in their lives, but taking the right actions can greatly reduce the effect it has. When we suffer from pain, it’s natural that we want to rest, but in fact, keeping as active as possible can be one of the best strategies when it comes to showing back pain who’s boss. The key to this strategy is to indulge in gentle exercises, and one of the most effective of all is walking. When we walk, our body enters an upright, neutral stance, with less stress being placed upon our spine. Try to walk every day, but avoid strenuous activities such as gym work or golf.
3. Take a Look at Your Posture
All too many of us have a lazy posture, slumped forward, and with our muscles doing little of the work they were designed to do. Taking a look at your posture and improving it can make back pain much less likely. Try to keep your back straight at all times, and if you’re unsure what a correct posture is, have a word with your physician. Keeping the correct posture becomes easier the more you do it, and your back will thank you for it. Remember – less slumping, more straightness. Modern sedentary lifestyles can also lead to posture problems, so if you sit down all day at work, try to get up and walk around at regular intervals.
4. See a Professional
When we feel the first surge of back pain, we often reach for the painkilling tablets or apply a heat or ice pack to the affected region. These are perfectly legitimate strategies and may help to relieve discomfort caused by a sudden pull or strain, but if the pain persists, it’s important to realize that you need professional help. If your pain becomes severe or lasts for more than a day, then you should see a physician or nurse as soon as possible. They’ll be able to ascertain the cause of the pain and find the best course of action. Remember that back pain can be a symptom of an underlying condition or disease, so the sooner it’s diagnosed, the sooner you can be treated.
Gentle exercise, good posture and medical help if the problem persists can help you beat back pain. Buying a new mattress will also help keep your back in great, pain-free condition for years to come, so combining these strategies can give you a happy, healthy life.
