by freelance writer Riley Herder
More than a half of adults experience some kind of back pain, and it is the most common reason for visits to the doctor. But while most people will have back pain at some point in life, it generally goes away after some time. For others, the pain is no temporary thing. Living with constant spine pain for at least three months is known as chronic back pain.
If you suffer from chronic back pain, it can feel like there is no hope for relief. In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend surgical operation. Procedures can be costly, risky, and sometimes can even make the pain worse. Before considering that option, it might be a good idea to try some alternatives that have been known to help reduce chronic back pain.
In this article, we’ll explore five common non-surgical ways to manage chronic back pain. But please talk to your doctor or spine specialist about how to safely implement them into your life.
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Physical therapy is likely the most common way to get relief from chronic back pain. Spending routine time with a professional can help reveal things that are causing or contributing to your back pain and work to correct them. Through various aerobics, flexibility training and posture-improving exercises, many people experience relief from the pain.
Diet
Though chronic back pain has many different causes, physical fitness usually plays a role. Approaching a more ideal weight might take strain off of your back. Making a positive change to your diet can greatly improve spine health.
Stop smoking
Smoking can create lots of problems in your body such as decreased blood flow and even damage to your spine. Kicking the habit may reduce inflammation causing some of the pain around your back.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to improve flexibility and posture at home. Always exercise proper technique to avoid causing more harm than help. It is recommended to look for a personal trainer when beginning to practice yoga. Additionally, experts suggest a correlation between mental clarity and good back health. Yoga can also help in this way because of its impact on mindfulness.
Invest in your sleep
Sleeping on old or poorly constructed mattresses can be a leading cause of back pain. Investing in a better mattress can go a long way in improving sleep posture and spine position at night. Additionally, the height of your pillow can play a role. Find out how the way you sleep is affecting your back and adjust where needed. Your back will thank you!
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