Whether you have a herniated disc, sciatica, back pain from repetitive use (such as from work), or back pain from a sports injury, this discomfort is a common problem worldwide. It may plague you occasionally or every day.
Some people rely on over-the-counter pain medication, but that can eventually take a toll on your liver and cause other harmful issues. Let’s talk about some of the most popular nonmedicinal and noninvasive steps you can take at home to help minimize your back pain, and where you can go if you want to have a healthcare partner by your side to keep your back pain at bay for good.
Home Treatments for Back Pain
There are a few easy things you can do to help relieve your mild back pain without medication or professional treatments, including the following:
Stay in Motion
You don’t want to overexert yourself when your back hurts. However, you do want to try to do as much as you can just like you always do, such as doing the dishes, making the bed, or walking your dog.
When you stay seated for prolonged periods of time, you’re actually placing additional stress on your back. This can worsen your discomfort, so stand up, stretch, and walk around.
Ice and Heat
Ice and heat therapy can both help to ease your back pain. Using a heating pad on your back can help to encourage healthy circulation and soothe sore muscles, and using an ice pack can help reduce swelling. Both help to quell inflammation. Be sure to wrap a towel around each therapy treatment so that there is no direct contact onto your skin, in order to prevent a burn or frostbite.
Exercises
Exercise and stretching can help you loosen up the tight muscles in your back. When you stretch and exercise, you’re also fostering proper blood flow throughout your body, which can help a back injury to heal.
Get Enough Sleep
Studies consistently show a direct link between a lack of sleep and pain. When you sleep, your vertebrae and back muscles are able to take a break after a day of gravity pulling on your spine in a downward fashion – which happens whether you’re standing, walking, or sitting. Ultimately, you should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night to promote optimum overall health.
Orthopedists for Treating Back Pain in Dover, NJ
Back pain can affect your life in many ways, but an experienced orthopedist can provide treatment options to help you enjoy a pain-free life once again. Here at the Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, our medical team can create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled orthopedic physicians, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (973) 989-0888 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get past that back pain once and for all.
Reach out to Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, serving Dover, NJ, and the nearby region, for back pain relief today. We’re available by calling (973) 989-0888 or using our appointment setting tool
