6 of the Best Natural Methods to Relieve Back Pain
Back pain might be one of the biggest issues most adults face in today’s hectic world. While back pain is a common issue amongst people of all ages, most are unaware of how to find natural relief for their back pain. There are many prescriptions and painkillers but taking them seems to put off the pain until it inevitably returns requiring more and more pills.
But what natural ways can you relieve back pain on a more long-term basis?
In this blog, I am going to share natural methods of relieving back pain that are both affordable and with lasting benefits.
1. Finding More Time to Sleep
When you sleep, your body restores itself from the previous day. Many studies show that the average adult’s sensitivity to pain drops when they have 7-9 hours of sleep each night. A full night of rest can help you not only with your back pain but will also leave you feeling refreshed from the previous day.
2. Better Sleeping Positions
Sleep can be scarce for anyone with back pain. And if you aren’t careful, a bad sleeping position can further strain your back. For people who like to sleep on their sides, place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine in a neutral position, this prevents straining your back further. If you must sleep on your back, you can place a pillow under your knees to relax.
3. Avoid Resting Too Much
Often when we get an injury, professionals instruct us to take it easy. It is a good way to recover, but a very temporary one. Resting for too long can make functioning normally a long process, try to rest no longer than one to two days. To negate stiffness, try yoga or some gentle exercises to get your body moving again.
To prevent stress and fatigue in your muscles and joints, it’s best to keep a habit of moving every so often even when stationed at the computer all day. Try standing or going for a short walk every hour. Another method is to alternate activities and decide which tasks you’ll sit while doing and which ones you will stand.
4. Establish Proper Posture
Slouching can further hurt your back and worsen your discomfort. If you sit for long periods, don’t bend over the desk. Instead, keep your shoulders relaxed and pressed against the back of your desk chair. If you have discomfort in your lower back, place a pillow or towel behind your lower back and make sure your feet are firmly on the floor.
5. Use Ice and Heat
While these are both common cures, you need to be aware of when it’s appropriate to use one and not the other to avoid further injury. For swelling or inflammation, ice is a great option but remember not to leave the ice on your skin for too long (around 20 minutes at the most) to avoid damaging your skin. For aches and chronic pain, heating pads are useful to find relief.
6. Consume Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Ingesting some foods can help reduce and might even eliminate, inflammatory reactions in the body entirely. The most common persistent forms of chronic inflammation are cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Some of the common inflammatory foods are tomatoes, fatty fish, fruits and nuts. While others can be found in drinks.
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk is a great source of antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A simple way to prepare a drink with turmeric is by placing a small ½ teaspoon of powder into a glass of warm milk.
Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is not only great for sleep but also has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The juice can prevent muscle pain whether it’s chronic or brought on by exercise. Try drinking one glass a day and notice the difference.
Ginger-green tea
Green tea is known to prevent many diseases, but also helps suppress inflammatory and inflammation-related enzymes. Ginger is great for digestion, boosts immunity and helps your heart’s health. Two amazing teas rolled into one is a great mixture for a powerful boost your body needs to fight off inflammation. The best part is that you can purchase this tea anywhere tea is sold.
Final thoughts…
Change doesn’t need to be overnight but can start with just one habit at a time, whether you decide to take daily walks, focus on setting a better sleep routine, or just purchase more cheery juice and keep track of your improvements.
You don’t have to change habits right away, but once you pay attention to your body and know how to correct back pain, many benefits will soon follow with your overall health and outlook.