31 million Americans are experiencing lower back pain at any given time. And that’s not all. According to the American Chiropractic Association, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, back pain is one of the most common reasons for missing work, and Americans spend at least $50 billion annually treating back pain.
The good news is that most back pain cases are not due to serious medical conditions and can therefore be treated. However, the medicines prescribed to treat back pain only offer temporary pain relief, while presenting side effects and the possibility of addiction.
Let’s take a look at natural approaches to minimizing and managing your pain.
1. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments are known to restore the proper function of your nervous system, and eliminate pain caused by pinched nerves and a misaligned spine. Regular visits to your chiropractor can offer safe and long-term pain relief.
However, the biggest benefit of visiting a chiropractor is the professional recommendation you will get; whether that involves corrective exercise or soft tissue therapy (to name a few).
2. Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins into your system, which stop pain signals from reaching your brain while relieving depression and stress, both which are common side effects of back pain.
If your back pain is limiting your movements, start with gentle stretches and work up to more intense activities. Also focus on core exercises, as your core muscles support your spine and therefore need to be functioning at optimum levels.
Talk to a specialist if your movements are limited. They can recommend a safe and effective exercise routine for you.
3. Cold and Heat Therapy
Cold packs, ice massages, cold laser therapy, hot packs, heat wraps, hot water bottles, and hot baths are great for alleviating back pain.
Cold therapy works by reducing inflammation and decreasing the frequency of nerve spasms that cause back pain.
On the other hand, heat therapy blocks pain messages from reaching your brain, while promoting blood flow in the soft tissues of your back which brings nutrients and oxygen that provide pain relief.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and rosemary, are widely known for their pain relief effects, and you can use them during massage therapy (deep tissue or Swedish), aromatherapy, and heat therapy (hot bath).
5. Deep Sleep
It’s nearly impossible to enjoy deep sleep when you’re experiencing excruciating pain. But the paradox here is that deep sleep offers amazing benefits for your body, including healing and pain management.
If you are struggling to get sufficient sleep every day, yoga, meditation, and exercise can be of great help.
Whether your back pain is caused by injury, poor posture, a medical condition, stress, or inactivity, the natural approaches discussed above are invaluable. Don’t let pain throw your life into chaos; book your chiropractic appointment today and let us alleviate your pain so that you can go back to enjoying your life.