For 90% of back pain sufferers, time is the ultimate healer. Most back pain episodes will resolve in six weeks or less without significant interventions like surgery or injections. You can take therapeutic steps to alleviate spine pain in the meantime and reduce your chances of surgery or other invasive treatments.
A Therapeutic Good Night’s Sleep
The mattress you choose has a substantial impact on your lower back health. Despite the old wisdom about sleeping on a hard surface, a therapeutic medium-firm mattress is the best choice. If your mattress is sagging or is more than six to eight years old, consider a replacement.
OTC Spine Pain Medication
Talk to your doctor about spine pain medication options. NSAIDS, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are excellent anti-inflammatory options to ease the throbbing. Don’t take NSAIDs for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor, as extended use can cause gastrointestinal problems. Used occasionally to relieve muscle and back pain, NSAIDs can help you avoid or postpone surgery. Talk to your doctor about other pain management techniques and medications as well.
Go Cold, then Hot
For the first two days, apply ice to the affected area in 20-minute increments. Be sure to use a towel or other barrier between the ice pack and the skin to prevent frostbite. The cold slows down circulation and helps reduce swelling from inflammation. After two days, switch to therapeutic 20-minute sessions with a heating pad. This will reopen the capillaries and bring restorative oxygen and nutrients to the site, speeding the healing process.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
If you suffer from chronic spine pain, consider speaking with a podiatrist. Your feet may affect your gait and, in turn, your entire support system. Supportive shoes and orthotic inserts may prove to be the best pain relief you can find.
Build Your Core
A regular fitness and exercise routine will go a long way toward strengthening the muscles that support your back. Talk to your doctor about exercises that specifically target the “core” muscles, those primarily responsible for the support of your spine. Exercising regularly reduces your chances of recurring back injury and the need for more invasive interventions down the road.
Work With The Non-Surgical Spine Center
There are ways to incorporate therapeutic practices into your routine all the time. It is about finding the right ones for your lifestyle. Are you interested in learning more about these options? Contact our team today to get started with a consultation.
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