At some point in all of our lives we have had to figure out how to relieve back pain. Sometimes it is because we lifted something we probably shouldn’t have tried. Sometimes it is simply because we sat too long at the computer with the wrong posture. Or maybe you’re like me and you need to figure out how to relieve back pain because you’ve caused a strange spasm thanks to a tremendous sneeze. Whatever your reason, here are some tips to help you out.
If It Hurts – Rest!
When we want to figure out how to relieve back pain immediately, many of us start twisting, turning, and stretching in order to get rid of that nasty pain right away. However, the best thing for an aching back is to simply stop using it. That means resting. Find a firm but comfortable place where you can lie down in a natural position. Placing something under your knees to raise them will help take pressure off your back as well and you can give your neck a break by placing a small roll underneath it too.
When in Doubt, Ice it Out!
If just resting doesn’t help your back, then you can figure out how to relieve back pain on other ways. For instance, ice. Whenever you injure yourself, blood rushes to the injury in order to promote healing immediately. Too much blood causes swelling, which in turn causes pain and discomfort. In fact too much inflammation can actually deter the healing process. Applying ice for the first couple days after hurting your back will help reduce the inflammation.
Compress the Inflammation Out
If ice isn’t working to reduce the inflammation and discomfort in your back and you’re looking to figure out how to relieve back pain in another way, then compression might just be the ticket to end your discomfort. Compression also helps relieve lingering inflammation and will give you a bit of added support should you need to continue to be active. Many times compression and ice are used together to speed up the healing process.
Now You Don’t Need an Excuse for a Massage!
Just like anything else that creates movement, your muscles generate waste products as they are being used. Too much waste being stored up can cause your back to ache like the dickens. If this is happening to you, then if you need to know how to relieve back pain in this manner, just go visit your local massage therapist. Not only will they get you feeling better in no time at all, you will also learn some great individualized tips that will help prevent you from needing to know how to relieve back pain again in the future.
There is nothing more irritating that chronic back pain that won’t go away, so knowing how to relieve back pain as soon as you can is beneficial to yourself and quite possibly those around you.