Focusing On My Back Injuries

Three Lifestyle Changes That Will Help To Reduce Your Back Pain

21 July 2015

Timothy Byrd

Although getting out of bed can be tough when you've got considerable back pain, making an appointment for a chiropractic adjustment is the first step in relieving your physical symptoms. During your initial visit, the chiropractor will provide a diagnosis and suggest a course of action for treating the issue -- in many cases, a series of regularly scheduled adjustments. In conjunction with these treatments, some lifestyle changes can help you continue the healing process. While your chiropractor will provide specific suggestions based on the state of your back, these three changes can effectively complement the professional care you're receiving:

Strengthen Your Abs

Building a stronger set of abdominal muscles is something that doesn't happen overnight, but prolonged dedication to working out in this manner can alleviate back pain. Stronger core muscles are able to keep your spine in proper alignment while weak core muscles allow slouching.

You can strengthen your abs by using a variety of exercises that suit you, including sit-ups, crunches, planks and ab wheel rollouts. Two to three ab workouts per week, consisting of up to two sets of 10 to 15 reps per set and some variety in your chosen activities, is often enough to provide results in time.

Change The Way You Sleep

Back pain can cause restless nights and discomfort while you're trying to sleep. Make some changes by incorporating an extra pillow into your sleeping posture. If you prefer to sleep on your back, lessen the strain on your low back by setting a pillow under your knees to elevate them slightly.

If you find comfort in sleeping on your side with your legs bent, a pillow between your knees prevents your spine from falling out of alignment. Be realistic about how your mattress feels, too. A mattress that is too soft or too firm can contribute to back pain. WebMD quotes a Journal of Applied Ergonomics Study that indicates more than 60 percent of back pain sufferers found relief after switching their mattresses.

Stop Stressing

Stress and back pain often go hand in hand. Whether your stress level is the chief culprit for your back pain or is just compounding the issue, thinking of the reasons that you're stressed and then working to address them can reduce your discomfort.

Speaking with your manager about changing your workload or job description, pledging regular date nights with your spouse, scheduling fun activities with your family and allowing time for your personal hobbies can all help you reduce your stress.

For more information, contact a professional like those at Arizona Injury Centers /Accident Chiropractic.

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