Many people have continual troubles with back pain. Back pain can be the result of many different things. Read the tips in this article so you can rid yourself of back pain and live a happier life.
Many people with a back injury need to wait a day or two to be seen by their physician. During those days, sitting and lying can be excruciating. Various types of back injuries will benefit from lying flat and bending the knees. The muscles and tendons that go from your back down through your legs have less tension when you lay this way.
You can reduce the frequency of back pain when you wear shoes that offer the right fit and support. Uncomfortable shoes, or those that fit improperly, can shift your posture and cause back pain. If you absolutely cannot avoid wearing high heels, make sure to wear them with insoles. Also, never wear them for many hours at a time.
Standing for a prolonged period of time is a common cause of back pain. Most people place too much pressure on their back when they are upright for too long. For improved back health, it is better to alternate between standing and sitting postures to keep the back from getting tired.
Women who are pregnant often have to contend with back pain. Carrying a child puts extra weight in the front of the expectant mother. This added weight makes most women overcompensate by straining their lower backs. The strain is created when these mothers lean backward. The best course of action to take is to massage your muscles in order to loosen them up.
Treat yourself to a massage. Many people with back pain have benefited from touch therapy. Tight muscles are loosened with massages, and massages help to relax. Get a massage once a week to help keep your back pain in check.
Water therapy can help you to overcome back pain. Water therapy helps reduce inflammation and minimize the stress placed on your back muscles. In addition, the water helps in improving the range of motion that your back problem can affect. Your local YMCA or community recreation center might offer water therapy.
When you are experiencing back pain, it is important that you relax your muscle spasms. The fastest way to relieve the discomfort is lie down and put heat on the painful muscles. Drinking a good amount of fluids and cutting back on salt is a good way to reduce pain. When you feel dehydrated, your spasm can be even worse.
Provide your back with needed support. You can reduce back pain at work by using an articulating arm. This device holds your computer monitor and allows it to be moved out of your way.
When carrying bags or other heavy items, be sure to switch the load from side to side. Carrying the heavy items using one half of your body continually can put excessive strain on certain back muscles, potentially causing pain later.
If you experience any type of considerable back pain, you should consult with your doctor so that he or she can diagnose the issue. Doctors could run some tests, including blood tests. They will also glance at your medical history to look for other reasons you might be suffering from this condition.
Sit properly. Not sitting correctly can strain your spinal cord and back. A chair that is comfortable and supportive is very important if you are stuck at your desk for an extended time period. Having an exercise ball to sit on can help your posture and help build your supportive back muscles.
Several different types of medications exist that can help with back pain. You need to consult your physician before you begin taking any new medicines. Many times OTC medication can suffice, but other times you need a prescription, like for painkillers.
Sleep on an appropriate mattress. Many people feel a firm mattress is vital, but many people find more comfort in a pillow top mattress. But mattresses that are excessively firm will cause painful pressure points, so you must find your happy medium between the two. It may take quite a few visits to different mattress stores, and testing a number of types before you are satisfied with a particular mattress.
It is almost impossible to count the number of people who suffer from back pain. Knowing what is causing your pain can make it easier to know how to treat it. You may find that relief is closer than you think.