If you or a loved one are suffering from back pain, you are not alone. More then 80 million Americans suffer from back pain annually, and more then 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point during there life. According to a study done by the BLS (Bureau Of Labor Statistics) back pain is one of the leading causes of missed work nationwide.
In this article we are going to discuss 5 proven ways to relieve both minor, and chronic back pain without surgery, injections, or harmful pain medication. These remedies include diet, exercise, hot and cold therapy, back supports, and tens units.
Diet
Diet is one of the most important aspects of overall health, but one of the most overlooked. For those suffering from back pain a change in diet can greatly reduce your pain. Many Americans routine diet consist of foods that promote inflammation, such as processed foods and refined carbohydrates. These junk foods promote inflammation which can increase the level of pain you are feeling. By ditching the junk foods and incorporating a diet high in inflammatory fighting foods such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs you can greatly reduce your back pain. Some of the best inflammatory fighting foods you can eat include hot peppers, salmon, turmeric, cherries, ginger, cranberries, edamames, and mint. By changing your diet and adding these inflammatory fighting foods you will be well on your way to relieving your back pain.
Exercise
For those suffering from back pain the idea of exercising seems counter productive. But studies have shown that individuals suffering from back pain can reduce there pain by performing low impact, low resistance exercises such as stretching, yoga, and aquatic exercises. By performing these low impact, low resistance exercises you will be able to strengthen the core muscles in your abdomen. Weak core muscles will cause other regions of your body to work harder to compensate. By strengthening your core muscles you will reduce the stress on the other regions of your body specifically your back. Before starting any exercise regiment always consult with your doctor.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy is a cost effective way to relieve back pain. Cold therapy includes any form of treatment that uses cold temperatures to relieve symptoms of injury. This includes cold packs, cold therapy units, and gel packs. Cold therapy works by slowing down blood flow to the injury. The reduction in blood flow circulation helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. This allows you to reduce pain and recover faster from back, and muscle sprains.
Heat therapy is a great way to relieve back pain. By applying heat whether using a heating pad, hot pack, or gel pack you can greatly reduce back pain and stiffness. The heat helps to open up blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the injured region of your back. The increased blood flow supplies extra oxygen and nutrients which helps to reduce pain in your back. Heat therapy can also help give you more flexibility and motion in your back.
Back Support
A back support or brace is a great way to relieve your back pain without the need to use harmful pain killers. Back supports offer many benefits to individuals when worn properly. A back support can help to relieve pain, promote recovery, reduce risk of injury, and promote proper poster. If recovering from back surgery, or injury a back support should be used when lifting items or doing strenuous work. Check out benefits of wearing a back support for more information.
Tens Units
Tens Units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machine) are a great way to relieve back pain. A tens unit works by supplying an electrical currents to electrodes that attach to the skin by adhesive pads. The electrical impulses work to block or reduce pain signals coming from the back. Electrical currents can also stimulate the bodies productions of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Another benefit of using a tens unit is the price, at CSA Medical Supply we have tens units starting at just $29.99!
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