Back pain should be faced head on. Being limited in terms of flexibility and range of motion, and enduring intense ache and discomfort, can do devastating damage to many major areas in your life: your performance at work, your relationships with other people, even your plans for the future. Studies have shown how people suffering from back pain can also suffer from psychological and emotional stress. If you are experiencing any kind of pain in your back – whether it’s piercing, throbbing, numbing, etc. – it pays to seek relief fast before it progresses into further complication leads to more serious consequences.
Back pain care NYC therapists say, should be tailored to the unique situation of each patient. What works well for you can be harmful for others. For instance, your physician may advise you to take up aerobics, which for another person with an injury can be a big no-no. This is why when you seek the help of a back pain relief therapist, you will most likely be asked to undergo a series of diagnostic tests that will help your healthcare provider determine the specific healthcare plan that matches your needs and condition.
In the meantime, there are also other things you can do on your own, with advice from your back pain specialist, to alleviate as well as prevent the pain and discomfort that you may be suffering from:
- Refrain from carrying heavy objects. If you must, learn the right lifting and bending positions that won’t put too much strain on your back.
- Make lifestyle changes. Quit smoking and drinking too much alcohol to help your body absorb the nutrients it needs to become stronger and recover from injuries.
- Maintain your ideal body weight. The excess pounds can contribute to the pressure and tension in your back.
- Ask your doctor about the type of exercises that are safe for you to engage in. Stretching and strength training are usually recommended as these can help strengthen your core and abdominal muscles, and add support to your spine.
- Re-assess your work situation. Sitting, standing or remaining in a single position for long periods of time and doing repetitive motions can cause injuries in the tendons, ligaments and joints. Take regular breaks and do some stretches to aid proper circulation.
- Get sufficient sleep. Insomnia and lack of sleep have been known to cause chronic pain. A good night’s sleep restores your balance and helps your cells in their self-repair and recovery functions.
Remember that all these tips are just supplementary to your personal back pain treatment. Depending on your condition, your therapist can recommend one or a combination of the following: Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Graston Technique, Posture Correction, Trigger Point Injections, and other form of therapies that will alleviate your pain and get your body back to better shape and function.
