As we all know, back pain has now become a common problem for almost everyone. Men, women, children, teenagers, everyone is falling victim to this culprit. Most people feel the pain in the middle or lower spine, but sometimes it can occur in the hips. Sometimes it is something that is bearable, but again, sometimes it is excruciating and disables body movement. It has become one of the main reasons why people miss work, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Especially people who are in industries that require physical work like construction and manufacturing are more susceptible to it, but that doesn’t mean that people with desk jobs are immune. On the contrary, sitting in a slouch all day can cause back pain too and it can mess up your posture for good.
REASONS FOR BACK PAIN
Some of the major reasons of back pain are:
- Poor posture
- Lack of nutrition
- Lack of exercise
- Improper lifting
- Heavy lifting
Although back pain is usually a simple enough thing to treat, sometimes it can get complicated. A person might report to a doctor with back pain issues resulting from heavy lifting, there could be other reasons for it like
- Obesity
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Infections
DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET RELIEF
No matter what the reasons are, people want to find quick relief from it as not only does it hamper daily activities, it also lowers the person’s quality of life. Some people go for physiotherapy, some go to chiropractors, some take over the counter medications, while those who are experiencing severe pain might just go for surgery.
Some of these methods have consequences. Take medications for example. They are costly and they have side effects. Moreover, sometimes they do not provide relief from the symptoms.
Surgery involves a huge cost and a long healing process. Again, just like medications, surgery might not give you the result that you were wishing for. That is why alternate methods of relief are something that most people go for. They take up yoga, do exercise, and go for physiotherapy, and whether they are in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, or Kennesaw chiropractors are another great way to relieve your backaches.
Here we have collected some home remedies so you can take care of your back pain yourself.
1. St. John’s Wort
This herb is mostly associated with treating depression, but what most people do not know is that it is also excellent in taking care of lower back pain. It is easily available in most pharmacies in the vitamin section. You can also find it in the form of oil so you can use it topically on the affected area.
2. Chamomile Tea
Now this is something everyone knows. Chamomile tea is famous for its calming effects. Not only does it calm your mind, it also relaxes your muscles. Having a cup of chamomile tea can really support your back pain treatment.
3. Epsom Salt
Who knew that taking a bath with some Epsom Salt can heal backaches? Well, it’s true. Fill your bathtub with hot water and put some Epsom Salt in it. Sit in the water for at least 20 minutes. This will help your muscles relax. This is a great way to go if you live alone or you are alone when the pain hits you.
4. Ice
Just like we have the hot treatment, we also have the cold treatment. Take an ice pack and put it where you feel the pain. If there’s any inflammation in your muscles, ice will help reduce it quickly and effectively.
5. Lemon Juice and Table Salt
Take some lemon juice and table salt and mix them thoroughly. Apply this mixture on your back where it hurts. It will immediately relieve your pain and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
6. Massage
One of the best things to do for back pain, whether it’s lower back or middle back or upper back for that matter, is to get yourself a good and relaxing massage. It will relax not only your muscles but you as well. You will feel fresh and free. With just one session, you will start feeling the pain ebb away. For better results, use mint oil or St. John’s Wort and rub them into your sore spots.
7. Vegetables
Taking care of your diet is not something you should be doing only after your back hurts. It is something that should be part of your everyday life. Include more vegetables in your diet. Increase your intake of carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce. Remember to take milk and some fruits, especially at breakfast time. At all costs, stay away from fried food.
The reason is that a lack of vegetables, milk and fruit and a fried diet can cause Vitamin C deficiency which can cause your back to hurt. Adding vitamin C in your diet might not bring immediate effects, but it will be good for your overall health as well as your back in the long run.
8. Exercise
No talk about food and diet is complete without some sort of mention about exercise. This is especially the case if you are overweight. Regular exercise and the right kind of diet will reduce your back pain. Take up yoga as it stretches your muscles and increases their flexibility. Get an exercise ball. When you sit on the ball, your entire body tries to align itself to the ball and keep the balance so you don’t fall off.
9. STOP Smoking
Now we know this is one of the hardest habits to break. But tobacco products tend to affect your back directly. Your back will definitely be grateful to you. So will your lungs, for that matter. And the rest of your body. This is something that affects you from a lot of different angles.
10. Posture
For many of us, sitting at a desk from 9 to 5 is not an option. It is a grind that we just have to put ourselves through. But that doesn’t mean giving in. bad posture directly affects your back. Take regular breaks during work. Stand up, stretch your muscles and walk around after every 1 hour. Sit straight and don’t slouch.
These are just a few suggestions that will definitely help you with your back pain and keep you from going to the surgeon or experimenting with medications. But if the pain persists, do make an appointment with your nearest orthopedic clinic.
