A back injury can happen at any time to anyone. Whether it’s from picking something up at work, a slip or trip, or even a sports injury, back pain isn’t easy to live with. In many cases, back pain is temporary and the injury will heal with time and TLC.
On other occasions, back pain can be chronic and you’ll need to find solutions to cope with it. If you’ve suffered from a back injury, there are many things you can do to help yourself recover and gain relief from the pain. Take a look.
Reduce Inflammation
It’s common for back injuries to cause inflammation that often adds to the pain. To recover as quickly as possible, it’s important to reduce the inflammation where you can. You can do this by resting and using ice packs on the affected area for twenty minutes at a time.
You can also alternate cold compresses with hot compresses if you need further relief. There are over the counter medications that can reduce your levels of pain and inflammation at the same time.
Make Lifestyle Changes
The healthier you are, the easier it will be for you to recover. Be sure to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet so your body has all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to be strong and healthy. When you’re recovering from a back injury, it’s important to rest but it’s equally as important to keep moving.
Getting regular exercise will stop your back muscles from seizing up and causing more pain. If you are overweight, working to lose some weight could help you to recover more quickly too. Ask your doctor to give you some advice on the best course of action.
Chiropractor
Whether your back pain is temporary or chronic, visiting a chiropractor can help. Many people report a significant change in how they feel after a few short sessions. When athletes have back injuries from playing sports, seeing a chiropractor is mandatory.
It’s not just pain that chiropractors specialize in. When you visit a chiropractor you may get some great insights into why you’re in pain with your back and what exercises you can do in between visits to strengthen it.
Listen To Your Body
You know your body better than anyone else. When you’re experiencing back pain, it’s vital that you listen to your body. It will tell you when you need to rest and when you need to move. If the pain is more than you’re able to cope with, it’s okay to ask for help.
It’s also a good idea to think about why the injury occurred in the first place. Were you being safe? Was your body in the right condition? Knowing what your body can cope with is one of the best ways to avoid injuries from happening.
Recovering from a back injury can take time and patience. Be sure to listen to the advice your health professional gives you and ask for help when you need it.
