Four Seemingly Little Things That Can Have A Huge Impact On Your Back Pain

When you suffer from back pain, it's easy to get drawn into making big changes. You may schedule surgery, buy a new mattress, leave your job for a less active one, and so forth. But while these big changes may be needed in some cases, they are not always necessary. In some cases, seemingly small changes can have a big impact on back pain. Consider some of these approaches before you do anything more drastic:

Lose Weight

The heavier you are, the more strain is placed on your back on a daily basis. If you are at all overweight, perhaps it is time to start taking weight loss seriously. Start integrating some low-impact exercise that does not hurt your back into your daily routine. Swimming works well for many people, and you may find pedaling on a recumbent bike to be comfortable. If you're having trouble finding exercises that don't hurt your back, consider working one-on-one with a personal trainer, and also see a dietitian for dietary advice to assist in your weight loss.

Stretch

If your back muscles become tight, they will pull on your spine, eventually easing your vertebrae out of alignment, which only leads to more pain. The next time you visit your chiropractor, ask them to show you some stretches you can do without aggravating your back pain. Then, perform these stretches whenever your back starts to feel a bit sore or tight. They should keep the problem from getting worse in the long-term and may even ease your pain completely.

Replace Your Pillow

If you are waking up with back pain, try replacing your pillow before you spend a fortune on a new mattress. A good pillow should line your head up straight with your back, so there is no curve between your neck and back. Memory foam pillows work well for many people, and they are not expensive. Give yourself a few nights with a new pillow before you judge whether or not it's the right one for you.

Get More Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are a specific type of fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Reduced inflammation usually goes hand-in-hand with reduced pain. Good sources of omega-3s include flaxseed, salmon, and tuna. If you do not enjoy these foods, try taking fish oil supplements instead. Just make sure you do not take more than is recommended on the package or by your physician.