If you suffer from chronic back pain then you know that it is more than just an ache that you have to deal with every day. It is a condition that can take a toll on the way you live your life and can affect your lifestyle as well. Normal everyday tasks, as simple as picking up a grocery bag can become extremely painful. You are also unable to participate in any of your favorite activities, hobbies, do any household chores, or have a good night’s sleep. Simply put, back pain affects every aspect of your life. Additionally, not being able to live your day-to-day normal life can have a huge impact on your mental health as well.
Being in constant pain can make anyone feel angry and agitated which can lead to more serious consequences like depression. Since back pain prevents you from doing simple chores, it can have a negative impact on your self-confidence as you may feel like you are imprisoned by your own limitations. Back pain can also affect your personal relationship because chronic pain makes people avoid social situations which can take a toll on their relationships.
Chronic pain can make anyone feel miserable and hopeless. Most people deal with this pain by taking a couple of painkillers. However, painkillers can only numb the pain for a few hours, and then it is back. Additionally, knowing that the pain will come back any minute can make you stressed and anxious all the time. There are many things that you can do that can relieve your pain. Some people consider surgery, but it is a big step that many people may not be ready for. Some prefer MLS laser therapy from Total Stem Cell, as it is a non-invasive and painless treatment that can help you get rid of your chronic pain. This is why you need to find something simpler that won’t just give you temporary relief, rather should be something more permanent. Read on to learn some ideas on how to treat chronic back pain that will give you more control over your pain and thus, your life.
Change Your Diet
Whenever a person has any health problem, one of the first things their doctor asks them about is their diet. Your diet can either make you better or worse, it all depends on what you eat. The food you eat can either improve your chronic back pain or make it worse. Some back pain is a result of inflammation which is usually caused by consuming certain kinds of food like sugar, fats, and processed food. However, just like there are foods that cause inflammation, there are types that are anti-inflammatory as well. An anti-inflammatory diet can be a great and natural reliever for your pain. If your diet is mainly focused on processed foods or fats, you should consider changing it for healthier options. Fruits and vegetables can be really good for you, especially bright colored and leafy ones. Seafood like salmon will also do the trick. Nuts and seeds are good for your pain as well. Fats aren’t good for you, but your body still needs them in portions, so ensure to consume healthy options. You will find healthy fats in olive oils or avocados.
Consume Calcium
Since childhood, our parents have been telling us to drink milk because calcium is good for our bones. Calcium and vitamin D can be a great remedy for people suffering from chronic back pain. Though, before you take any supplements, you should consult with your doctor first regarding the dosage which is appropriate for your age and requirement. You can also get calcium naturally through foods like dairy, salmon, soybeans, and leafy vegetables. It can be hard to incorporate calcium into your diet, so if you feel like you aren’t taking enough calcium then maybe you should consider seeing a dietitian who will help create a healthy diet for you and prescribe a calcium supplement as well.
See a Chiropractor
Getting chiropractic care can be really good for your back pain. There are various types of chiropractic treatments that can really help you manage the pain. Some of these treatments include spine manipulations where a chiropractor manipulates your joints using force which will give you instant relief. Chiropractic care will help you easily manage your back pain so that you can perform certain exercises that can be good for your muscles and joints.
Consider Physical Therapy
We have mentioned that exercise can help your muscles and joints. As a matter of fact, exercising should be on the top of your list since it is one of the most important methods that can help you manage your chronic back pain. However, you need to find the right exercise for your condition because when it comes to exercising, there is no such thing as one size fits all. This is why you will need to seek the help of a physical therapist. A physical therapist will first learn about your symptoms and your overall condition before recommending exercises that are suitable for your case. These exercises should become a part of your lifestyle that you will need to work on at home as well. In order to help relieve your back pain, your physical therapist may suggest aerobics, stretching, and exercises that will help strengthen your core.
Practice Yoga
Some people manage their back pain by consuming medications or pain killers. However, if you practice yoga on a regular basis you may not need to take any pain medication in the long run. In addition to that, since yoga is very therapeutic, it can really help people suffering from any chronic pain. Yoga can have a huge impact on reducing your back pain as it helps in loosening your tight muscles. If there is one thing that yoga is popular for, it is promoting relaxation. When you are relaxed, your muscles in turn relax which can help in reducing your pain.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Heat and ice therapy can actually help in relieving your back pain and may even be a good remedy to treat your condition. If you have started suffering from back pain recently, then ice therapy is the right choice for you. It will help in reducing any inflammation or swelling, therefore relieving your back pain. If your pain is chronic then you should consider heat therapy. As a matter of fact, heat generally helps a lot with reducing pain and promoting healing which means it is a great treatment for people suffering from chronic back pain. Heat will increase your blood circulation and will help in loosening your tight muscles which will reduce your pain.
Try Meditating
We have mentioned before that chronic back pain can negatively impact not only your physical health but your mental health as well. Meditation can help you manage mental issues that are caused by chronic pain like irritability, frustration, or depression. This is because meditation helps the body release endorphins which improve your mood and make you less stressed and anxious. In addition to that, meditation can change your body’s perception of pain as well. Try to meditate a couple of times a day for only five or ten minutes and increase gradually as per your convenience.
Get a Massage
Who doesn’t love to get a massage? Massages not only help in loosening muscles and relaxation, but they can also help a lot with reducing back pain. Many times people suffer from back pain as a result of muscle strain which is why a good massage can be a great remedy. Consider seeking the help of a massage therapist who will use their magic fingers to relieve any tension in your muscles and thus, reduce your pain. This will give you the flexibility you need to perform tasks that you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. To find a great therapist, try an online search for an RMT Burnaby or your close location, and always remember to check the reviews and their credentials. This will help you find a therapist you can trust and that you feel most comfortable with. Although massage will make you feel pain-free, it is more of a temporary solution. For this reason, consider getting massages on a regular basis.
Give Acupuncture a Chance
Acupuncture is an eastern practice in which a professional inserts needles in certain areas in your body to relieve pain. If you are dependent on painkillers to numb your pain then maybe you should consider giving acupuncture a chance as it has been proven to be a better and stronger option than painkillers. This is an approach that has been in the works for generations, and it is also one of the most sought after currently. These days, more and more people are becoming familiar with the science behind acupuncture and so have a better understanding of why and how it works. Initially, the thought of being stabbed by a ton of needles was something many thought was insane. Now, people all over the world understand the value and effect of acupuncture for chronic pain management.
There is no denying that living with back pain isn’t easy and it can really impact your quality of life. Taking painkillers every time you are in pain isn’t safe for your overall well-being. You need to find natural and healthy ways to not only temporarily numb your pain, but to feel better in the long run. Don’t let your back pain take over your life and affect your mental health. Try any of the ideas we have mentioned here and you will notice an improvement in time.