I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
While your experience with back discomfort may have begun due to a vehicle crash or another reason, once it becomes chronic in nature and seems to be there constantly, you might be literally crying for relief. Medication can work; however, side effects and other factors may mean you don't want medicine to be your only relief. The following endeavors will require some time to feel benefits, but over time can surely ease discomfort.
Lose Weight
While very difficult for so many, significant discomfort in the back muscle groups can be soothed by taking fat off your body's frame. Extra weight is hard for the entire body, but belly fat specifically can ruin the back. Too much fat draws the body forward and you'll find, if you haven't already, your spine is in an uncomfortable, unnatural position. Relieving your body of unnecessary fat and additional weight should relieve muscles in time. Exercise and healthier beverages and foods can accomplish that. Visit fitness centers and consult dieticians or professional nutritionists for weight loss guidance.
Bag Carrying Practices
You could actively sabotage your own muscles without knowing. If you carry a catch-all, large handbag, lug around class books all day in a backpack or pride yourself on a thick wallet, those carrying practices could hurt. Weighing down shoulders and misaligning hips to accommodate back pocket wallets can twist back muscles. Back away from this extra strain and see if pain doesn't ease slightly.
Sleep Properly
Your relationship with sleep is likely compromised because of what's going on with your back. Pain makes sleep almost impossible many times, and if you're losing sleep, you're probably handling discomfort less effectively. Eating too much and other bad habits are tougher to fight when sleepy. Therefore, you're going to have to address sleep straight on if you'd like back pain relief. Ask about sleeping medication, power down devices early and treat sleep like an essential part of the day.
You must re-evaluate your bedding setup too. If you're sleeping on a rather old or lumpy bed, not only is it disrupting general comfort but it could be horrible for back muscles. You might need to considering making room in your budget for a firm mattress and enough pillows. Back discomfort could vanish after some nights with supportive, high-quality materials.
Commitment and effort can lead to soothed, relieved muscles with suggestions like these. Discomfort can be discussed with a qualified physical therapist who specializes in chronic back aches and discomfort. To learn more about improving daily habits to reduce back pain, contact Hands-On Physical Therapy.
Share25 June 2018
