5 Back Pain Remedies You Can Do At Home
Throwing your back out can be a major hamper in your life. Perhaps you lifted a box the wrong way. Or perhaps you were hunched over a computer for too long, forgetting to remember your ergonomics. Whatever the case, an aching back is agonizing.
Unfortunately, most of the time the doctor doesn’t have the right solution to your problem. Unless its a major issue, you’re likely going to hear something like, “lay off the physical activity for a week and take 2 motrins per day.”
Luckily there are many ways that you can proactively speed up the healing process:
The Top 5 Home Back Pain Remedies
1. Ice, Ice Baby
Ice therapy is something you’re going to want to start right away. It’s most effective within 24 hours of the injury. Invest in a reusable ice-pack and start applying it to the affected area in intervals of 20 minutes. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This serves to relax the over-firing nerves around the problem area, which in turn helps the muscles relax.
2. A Hot Bath
A warm soak helps to loosen up the muscles and provide relief to those muscles that are likely spasming after your injury. In addition, the heat helps to provide circulation to the blood stream, which can help to move out the toxins from the swollen area.
3. Sleep
Sleep is the body’s natural time to rejuvenate and recover. The amount of physical recovery that you experience while sleeping is generally much higher than simply laying down. If you find that laying down is uncomfortable on your back, try laying on your side with a pillow between your knees.
4. Massage
Ask a loved one or a friend for a massage, or better yet, hire a masseuse. A well trained therapist will be able to gently soothe the problem areas and work out the spasmed knots of the back.
5. Stretch
Try preforming some gentle exercises such as light yoga. While it is generally accepted that getting plenty of rest is good for recovering from an injury, being stagnant will definitely make things worse. Start gently. If the back is too sore, focus on stretching the muscles of the hips and legs. These are attached indirectly to the spine. Loosening them up will help to provide relief.
Preventing Back Injury
The key to a healthy back is to prevent injury in the first place. Here are some resources:
My father has been telling me that he had some back pain the past few weeks. I liked that you pointed out that he should try sleeping on his side with a pillow between his knees. I wonder if a good chiropractor could help him get rid of that pain.