4 Remedies for Back Pain You Might Not Have Thought About

Treating back pain is often more challenging and time-consuming than most people realize. For example, you might assume a little rest and relaxation is all you need, or you may be on the hunt for a solution likely to provide instant relief. Realistically, it's going to take some effort on your part to find an effective approach to managing back pain. To point you in the right direction, here are some treatments for back pain you might have overlooked.

1. Exercise

Initially, it's perfectly fine to rest and take it easy when you first develop back pain or sustain a spine-related injury. But after a few days, activity tends to be more effective than inactivity. Plus, low-to-moderate exercise increases circulation and strengthens the muscle groups that support the spine.

Of course, you don't want to overdo it. However, there are many forms of exercise that can be good for your spine and easy to fit into your regular routine. Possibilities include:

• Walking at a comfortable pace • Doing low-impact aerobics • Swimming or cycling • Performing yoga and similar disciplines

2. Various Forms of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be customized to fit your specific abilities and needs. The right approach to physical therapy has the potential to increase flexibility, decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and—in some cases—ease spinal nerve pressure or prevent conditions like spinal stenosis from progressing. Targeted stretches and exercise routines can be combined with massage therapy and other passive forms of physical therapy for a more well-rounded approach to back pain management.

3. Dietary Adjustments

The foods you eat on a regular basis can affect the level of inflammation that occurs around various parts of your spine. Opting for a healthier diet also has the potential to help you lose weight or maintain an ideal weight for your height and body type. In turn, you could experience fewer issues with back pain because there’s not as much extra pressure on your spine. Diet changes can also have a positive impact on long-term spine health by:

• Reducing the odds of developing underlying conditions that could affect the spine (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes) • Facilitating healthy tissue and bone growth • Reducing instances of spine-related nerve irritation • Keeping the spinal joints and discs healthy

4. A Visit to a Spine Specialist

All too often, people with back pain make an effort to treat themselves with over-the-counter medications or other self-care remedies. Though this may be good for short-term instances of back pain caused by a simple muscle strain or overexertion, putting off a trip to your regular doctor or a Los Angeles spine surgeon for serious or persistent back pain could lead to needless frustration and discomfort. A spine specialist, in particular, can offer some welcome relief by:

• Providing an accurate diagnosis • Directing you toward treatments more likely to be effective • Advising you on steps you can take to manage your back pain and reduce your odds of symptoms getting worse (e.g., postural exercises, activity modification recommendations, or additional treatment suggestions you haven't yet considered)

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