
How to Get Rid of Back Pain
Have you noticed that part of getting older seems to be increased aches and pains, especially in your back? I had a few trips to the chiropractor in the past for help with severe back pain. Lucky for me, it hasn’t been the result of serious problems that require surgery or long term drug treatment. But I have learned a lot about back pain over the years. With increasing stress of careers, families, the economy and other changes, while our bodies continue to age, it’s no wonder we have back pain. Most recently, I have suffered with lower back stiffness and agony with no apparent cause.
Let’s back to 20 years ago in another lifetime: I was working two jobs, staying up late, lifting heavy things (improperly), not eating or resting well. And voila! One day I woke up and couldn’t get out of bed. When I final could get out of bed, crooked and in pain, I resolved that I needed to do something to get rid of my back pain. I hobbled to a doctor, who took an X-ray and proclaimed that my lower vertebrae were twisted, possibly due to a disk slipped out into a nerve, possibly due to a strained muscle. He sent me off with a prescription for percoset, which made me turn green with nasuea and I walked around crooked in pain for weeks. I think it was six weeks before my back finally, slowly stretched out and healed.
That was before tylenol, advil and other pain relievers that are more effective and less dangerous than narcotics. I have learned a lot since then. One thing I know now, as my wonderful holistic doctor David Hobbs says, “Use it or lose it.” Keep stretching, running, playing and moving as much as you can. I have found when I don’t take the time to do those thing, problems start. Yes, advil can help relieve pain, usually temprarily for me, but preventing the pain in the first place is a better option. Here are some ways that I have found to prevent back pain:
1. Run. If you can’t run, walk fast, do a treadmill, stride on the elliptical or swim! In most cases, even when I start a run with a stiff back, I am loose and pain free when finished!
2. Stretch. I am one of the lucky few who have not changed much since high school. Okay I am not as strong or fast as I used to be in my ‘glory days’. But the biggest difference in then and now is my lack of flexibility. As we age our tissue becomes less flexible naturally. Flexibility is the keep to keep strains from happening. Of course once you have back pain, stretcing is even more difficult. But nonetheless, if you take the time to stretch your back, legs, neck and arms you will notice less back pain and fewer problems. Stretch every day if you can. You can find more tips on wellness in our Wellness category.
3. Give yourself a break. Sitting for long periods or standing, for that matter, especially on hard surfaces, can cramp your back. Imagine, hundreds of pounds of your upper body resting on and compressing your spinal column and bundles of muscles, ligaments and nerves for long periods of time! Give yourself a break to move, stretch and and you will be happier.
4. Practice good posture. One of the leading causes of back problems is bad posture. Over time, bad posture will take its toll on your tendons and ligaments and produce strains that become hard to ignore as your body tries to compensate to avoid pain and discomfort.
5. Eat well. Good nutrition is an important factor in your health. You can find healthy delicious recipes in our Foodies category.