Chronic pain is something no-one wants to suffer with, but unfortunately for many people, it’s a way of life. When it comes to chronic back pain it is estimated that over 100 million Americans are currently dealing with it. Statistics show that chronic back pain leads to approximately $600 billion worth of lost productivity and medical treatments, never mind the emotional toll it takes on the person suffering from the pain.
If you are part of the 100 million who suffer from chronic back pain, there’s a good chance you are always on the hunt for ways to alleviate or at least lessen the symptoms. Here are four tips that may help you to do just that.
Is Your Mattress Right for You?
If you’re the type that sleeps between six to eight hours a night, then you are spending anywhere from 42-56 hours per week in your bed. That’s a whole lot of time lying on your mattress, so if it’s not the right type, or it is old and has lost its support, then you aren’t doing yourself any favors. In reality, your mattress could be making your back pain worse.
Shopping for the right mattress for your needs requires some time and research on your part, which can be done on the Sleep Sherpa website. On this site, you’ll find all kinds of reviews on mattresses, bedding, and even pillows so that you can pick the right combination for your needs.
Book an Appointment with a Physical Therapist
There are various ways you can go about treating chronic back pain, but one route that can provide help is to book an appointment with a physical therapist. The therapist will evaluate your symptoms and specific condition in order to put together a treatment plan. That plan may include strengthening your core, aerobic exercises, flexibility exercises, stretches, and more.
Don’t Push Yourself Too Far
It can be frustrating to deal with chronic pain as it can end up holding you back from your everyday activities. Some people will just push through the pain and go about their regular chores or tasks, but the problem in this is that you can end up doing further damage to your back. It’s important that you don’t push yourself too far and that you are aware of your own limitations.
Speak to a Nutritionist
Another medical professional that can help you with your chronic pain is a nutritionist. Sometimes the food people eat can end up contributing to inflammation and/or pain. By making changes in your diet, you may be able to manage your pain better and even reduce it. It’s also important to try to maintain a healthy body weight so you aren’t putting more stress on your joints.
Trial and Error May be Necessary
When it comes to chronic back pain, there is usually no one-size-fits-all solution or treatment. Instead, there needs to be some trial and error on your part, trying different techniques and treatments until you find the ones that offer you the most benefit.
