When treating back pain, it is important to consider first the factors that might have caused the problem. It is usually a result of various reasons ranging from poor sitting and sleeping posture to sports-related injury. Another factor to be considered is how serious the condition is. While a minor pain may last for 1 or 2 weeks, chronic back pain extends up to 4 weeks. Here are some basic back pain treatment methods you might find helpful.
If you often wake up with a tremendous pain in the back, better change your bed mattress. It’s probably softer than how it should be. Your mattress should be firm enough to position your spine correctly while sleeping. You see, a comfortable mattress is not just about softness, especially if you have a back problem. Look for a mattress that is unyielding but still comfortable to sleep in.
The next thing to do is to assess your weight and frequency of exercise. Your knees and ankles are probably having a hard time supporting your weight, aside from lack of exercise that makes them weak. Another possible cause of back pain in women is wearing high heels. High heels force the body into a position that strains the back because of reduced support from the ankles.
For treating back pains, heat therapy is found to be one of the most effective ways especially in reducing spasms. It can be applied both for acute and sub acute back pain and works by increasing the flow of blood to the affected area. Hot baths or heat wraps are two types of heat therapy that are often used by people with back aches since they are found to be very effective.
Aside from heat therapy, you can also try massage, which basically works in a similar way as the former. Most cases of back aches are a result of muscle spasms. By massaging these areas, you are allowing the muscles to relax, relieving them of tension due to tightening. Performing stretching exercises for the back may also do the trick.
Muscle relaxant and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective in alleviating back pains. However, for more serious cases related to lumbar disc herniation, scoliosis and the like, surgery is recommended.
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