Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from back pain, especially lower back pain. Some of the common causes are a muscle strain, a herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease. Depending on the cause, back pain may start suddenly and go away on its own, but it may also become a chronic condition. Some lifestyle changes can significantly improve pain when combined with certain therapies. The following are some tips for dealing with Back Pain in West Fargo.
Rest
First of all, it’s important to rest for a few days after the onset of back pain. Resting gives the muscles, ligaments, and even nerve roots a chance to heal after an injury. Not only is rest crucial to recovery, so is sleep. A lack of sleep can exacerbate pain symptoms which, in turn, contribute to insomnia. Doctors can advise their patients on treatments or medications to improve their sleep.
Hot And Cold Therapy
Many back pain sufferers get the most relief from alternating hot and cold packs since both contribute to healing in different ways. Cold helps to reduce inflammation, and it also has a numbing effect. The cold slows down the nerve impulses that cause pain. Heat, on the other hand, increases blood flow, which promotes healing. Heat also has anesthetic properties.
OTC Medications
A doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication, but many patients with chronic pain are able to get relief from over-the-counter drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can offer a lot of relief. Patients who are sensitive to those drugs can use acetaminophen, or Tylenol, for pain relief. In general, pain medications work best when they are taken on a regular schedule.
Exercise
After a period of rest, it’s a good idea to begin exercising because resting for too long can cause muscles to weaken. Exercises that strengthen the back and core muscles are especially helpful, not only to improve pain but to decrease the likelihood of further injury. Physical therapy is standard for back pain treatment, and a lower back exercise program typically includes aerobic conditioning, strength training, and stretching.
Other lifestyle changes that improve back pain include maintaining a healthy weight, using good posture, and practicing stress relief methods like meditation or yoga. For more tips on dealing with Back Pain in West Fargo, visit our website.
