Why is it always on a Friday evening that something goes wrong? If it’s not a plumbing issue, it’s a healthcare issue. Always when it’s harder to get access to the help you need. Back pain is no different. Perhaps you injured your back playing sport or you sat for too long at work, but you’ve come home and your back is hurting. What can you do? Back & Body is closed til Monday and the issue isn’t bad enough to warrant a trip to urgent care, so what other options are there?
Well, fortunately there’s a few things you can do. Let’s have a look at 5 great back pain relieving tips right here:
Medication
Take a couple of ibruprofen if you are able to and they will help reduce inflammation and give you a bit of relief.
Ice Your Back
Studies have shown that 20 minutes of use of an ice pack on the area of pain can really help reduce inflammation and give relief. There’s no need to go anymore than 20 minutes at a time and to then take it off for 20 minutes. If still in pain, reapply for 20 minutes. If you do this frequently throughout the day, it can really help to speed up healing as well as reduce pain.
Exercise
The old school way of thinking is to rest your back, but latest studies have shown that trying to remain active and mobile actually helps. Of course, don’t go overboard and if you experience any sharp pain, stop what you are doing. If you can get to us, come in, but if not go and see urgent care and get help there and follow up with us when we are open again.
Meditation
While this may not be evidence based, there is certainly power in the mind and meditation can help you to manage your pain. Taking in deep breaths along with meditating may give you some release from the pain. Never underestimate what your mind can do for you given the right attitude and way of thinking.
TENs Unit
If you have a TENs unit use it. This therapy can interupt the pain signals going to your brain and thus provide relief. If you don’t have one, if you have someone who can get one for you, they don’t cost a lot from the likes of CVS or even Walmart. 20 minutes or so at a time can give you the break you need.
Bonus Tip
Try to remain active. Trying to move in your normal manner as well so as to not injure other parts of your body through improper movement is beneficial. Obviously, if you are having sharp pain, then limit your movements to within more comfortable parameters, but come in to see us as early as possible so we can examine you and treat you properly.
We are walk in friendly but we do recommend making an appointment.
Schedule an appointment or download our mobile booking app. Enter clinic ID ORTKJR.
