Back pain is often a significant problem that can prevent you from enjoying daily activities. If back pain is severe enough, you may even have to miss work. Fortunately, there are many ways to diminish back pain, some of which are quite unexpected and useful.
1. Purchase A New Bed
If you wake up every morning with an aching back, the culprit might be your mattress. If your mattress does not provide you with enough support, it can create tension in your muscles. Test out different mattresses to see which one works best for you. For example, a firmer mattress may provide you with the support you need whereas a softer mattress may conform to your body better.
2. Stretch Daily
As soon as your feet hit the floor in the morning, make it a habit to stretch out your muscles. Stretching your muscles gets the blood flowing, which helps alleviate back pain caused by tension. If you are new to stretching, keep the routine simple. Stretch your arms above your head and down to the floor to realign your spine and ease muscle tension.
3. Take Up Exercising
When you exercise, your body releases adrenaline, which helps block pain. The more you work out, the more likely it is that your body will also release endorphins. Endorphins are your body’s natural pain-killers. By releasing endorphins, you can diminish feelings of pain in your back.
4. Lose Weight
Extra weight can contribute to lower back pain. Even if you are only carrying around a little bit of extra weight, it puts a strain on your back. Losing weight eases that strain and diminishes back pain issues. Talk to your physician about a diet and exercise that works best for you based on your height, weight, age, gender, and body type.
5. Visit Your Physician
For persistent back pain, or back pain that is severe, talk to your physician. Your physician can assess your back to determine if the cause of your back pain requires medication or surgery. Your doctor can also refer you to a chiropractor for additional help.
6. Move Your Wallet
Surprisingly, a lot of people carry their wallet in their back pocket, especially men. When you sit on your wallet, you are raising that hip up at least a ½-inch to perhaps 2-inches higher than the other hip. Unless your buttocks sits evenly in a chair, it throws off your center of balance. Move your wallet to a front pocket to decrease back pain issues.
7. Carry A Different Bag
Do you often carry a large back to work with you, such as a large purse or a gym bag? Carrying a large bag over one shoulder can also throw off your center of gravity. Instead, invest in a bag that can be carried across the back with straps on either shoulder. By balancing out your center of gravity, you can greatly reduce back pain.
8. Invest In Ergonomics
Do you sit at a desk all day long? Do you find that your back aches after sitting? The problem could be your office furniture. Make sure you have a desk that is high enough that you don’t have to tilt your head while typing. Additionally, invest in an ergonomic chair that supports better posture for decreased back pain.
9. Improve Your Posture
If you often find yourself slouching while sitting or slumped over while walking, your poor posture habits could be the source of your back pain. The straighter your spine, the less tension you will feel throughout the day. When you sit or walk, keep your head up and your spine straight.
10. Purchase New Shoes
Your shoes could very well contribute to back pain. In order to minimize back pain, invest in shoes that offer cushioning support. The more cushioning and support your shoes have, the less impact you will receive when you walk or run, which diminishes back pain.
11. Change The Way You Lift
Doctors often tell you to lift with your knees rather than your back for a reason. Lifting with your back can lead to back injuries, which in turn causes back pain. Instead of bending at the waist, bend at the knee to lift objects.
12. Invest In Ginger
Ginger contains gingerols, a powerful anti-inflammatory that can greatly reduce back pain. Ginger can be used to add more flavor to both meals and beverages. Add ginger to your daily meals to reduce back pain.
13. Try Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Oriental tradition that enhances circulation to different areas of your body, including your back. Try cupping on areas of your back where you experience pain. Improved circulation eases muscle tension and diminishes pain.
