If you have sustained a back injury and find that you are now faced with chronic back pain as a result, there are measures you can take to ease the discomfort. It is rare that you will be able to completely heal your back, especially depending on the severity of the injury. But, with knowledge and practice, you can learn to lessen and live a productive life with moderate back pain. It takes time to get feeling better and learning to cope with the setback. Here are 4 tips to help you manage the pain.
1) Walking. Walking is a simple, low-stress exercise that will help to keep you healthy overall as well as reduce back pain. Walking will strengthen your bones and muscles, as well as improve balance and stability. Walking every day is something you can build up to. Start slowly if you need to, but go walking every day. With each day, try to increase your speed and lengthen your stride. Walking two miles every day will greatly improve your back health.
If your back injury is too severe, you may not be able to walk for exercise. If this is the case, consult your physical therapist for other types of aerobic exercise you can do to stay in good shape. Water aerobics are helpful to those with lower back pain.
2) Physiotherapy. Certain exercises will strengthen your core and slowly increase your flexibility and range of motion. Your physiotherapist can be your greatest ally in recovering from an injury and building strength. There are exercises your therapist will help you perform on a weekly or even daily basis, as well as administering pain relief treatment including electrical nerve stimulation and sometimes massage.
3) Pain relief medicine. If your back pain is causing you major discomfort that interferes with your ability to lead a productive life, then you need to ask your physician what type of pain medicine he or she can prescribe to you. Often, people with debilitating pain find themselves suffering from depression and stress brought on by the inability to carry on as they did before they were injured. Antidepressants will work at alleviating physical pain, as well as helping you cope with depression.
If your pain is severe enough, talk with your doctor about getting a prescription for stronger than over-the-counter pain medicine. This is a last resort that should be closely monitored by your doctor. This is not the route to take for long-term pain treatment, as some pain medications are highly addictive. Look into natural foods and supplements that can help you with pain management as well, such as turmeric supplements and capsaicin. Keep in mind that natural sources of pain relief can take longer to take effect, but are much safer in the long run.
Remember that you will probably need a combination of treatments, and you may need to change methods of pain relief treatment if one has stopped working over time. Every body is different, and the key is finding what works best for you.
For more information, contact Surreyside Physiotherapy Clinic or a similar location.
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