Back pain is a common reason why most people call in sick during workdays. Back pain causes discomfort and may affect your productivity throughout the day. The pain varies from a mild, low-intensity throbbing to a series of sharp sensations through your spine and surrounding areas that limit your mobility. Whether the pain is mild or severe, professional treatment at West Orange Pain Center of NJ is essential to avoid further complications such as physical impairment. As the causes of back pain are broad, your specialist may recommend different imaging tests to establish the source of your condition.
How Can you Relieve Back Pain?
Back pain is a complex condition with treatment methods varying from person to person. The three categories for back pain determine the treatment method suitable for you. They include:
Acute back pain. It usually lasts for days to several weeks and may improve with over-the-counter painkillers.
Sub-acute back pain lasts for one to three months.
Chronic back pain is consistent and lasts for more than three months.
Here are some daily practices that may help prevent and minimize back pain.
Maintain Proper Posture.
A good posture creates a good impression and prevents extra stress on joints and muscles of your spine and hip. Below are simple tips to help you with the correct posture and manage and prevent flare-ups.
Avoid Long Durations of Sitting.
Sitting for a long time increases the pressure on your spinal discs. You may use a standing desk while at work or take a walk after every hour to exert pressure off your lower back. Having the right ergonomic chair firmly supports your lower back and may help you avoid slumping over your desk.
Do Not Slouch.
Elevate your laptop to your eye level to avoid bending or looking downward for an extended time. Having proper seating will also help with maintaining a straight spine and reduce slouching.
Exercise Your Core Muscles.
The benefits of exercise include strengthening your core muscles. A physical therapist may help you develop a routine exercise program that produces back and abdominal workouts. Activities develop the strength of your back and make you more flexible. Working out, in turn, reduces the risk of obtaining injuries such as strains and muscle spasms.
Quit Smoking.
Smoking puts you at risk for back pain and other severe medical conditions, including lung cancer. Cigarettes contain nicotine which causes an insufficient blood supply to the discs in your spine. Restricted blood flow may cause the discs to dry out and rapture, resulting in intense back pain. People who smoke have lower oxygen levels in the blood, which affects the nourishment of muscles and back tendons. Loss of nutrition makes your back weak and susceptible to accidental injuries strains that cause pain and discomfort.
In some cases, symptoms may flare up, and the pain may worsen. Reading a book or listening to music diverts your mind from the pain and helps you relax. However, you should seek medical attention if self-care practices have failed to improve back pain.
Living with back pain can be stressful and may hinder you from achieving the most. If you have pain in your lower back, book a session with your specialist at the Pain Center of NJ for treatment to enjoy a pain-free life.