Do you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day because you are dealing with chronic back pain that won’t go away? It takes a toll on your life to always have pain signals that are interrupting your daily activities.
Many patients describe living with chronic pain as a roller coaster experience. Some days are better than others, but you always know that there will be difficult days that lie ahead.
Not only are you desperate to find solutions for relieving your current discomfort, but you are probably motivated to find long-term solutions that address the root cause of your chronic back pain. Our team of pain management specialists is here to help.
If your back pain won’t go away, then follow these tips to find relief:
Tip #1: Talk to a Pain Management Specialist
Even though you’ve already talked to a doctor about your back pain, it doesn’t mean that you’ve exhausted your options for medical treatment. Consider visiting with a pain management specialist to get a second opinion.
The most important thing you can do is get an accurate diagnosis of your back pain. When you know the underlying causes of your chronic pain, you can design an effective treatment plan that works.
Primary care doctors have limited training and education about chronic pain management. On the other hand, a pain specialist brings comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience to help you access new, modern treatments that can help.
Tip #2: Take it Easy
Pay attention to your daily activities, so you can identify things that might be triggering your back pain. For example, are there any points during the day when the pain seems to get worse?
You might notice that your pain flares after spending too much time on your feet or when you are doing a lot of lifting. Look for ways to adjust your activities, so you can reduce the pain before it gets worse.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of resting your back. The pain is sending a signal to your body that something is wrong. Listen to that signal – sometimes giving your back a break for a day or two is the best solution to help you get back on your feet again.
Tip #3: Strength and Training
As the core muscles weaken, it can take a toll on your back. If your back is in pain, then exercise is probably the last thing you want to do. But strengthening the muscles can give the support that you need to help the spine.
Of course, you don’t want to increase the injury with too much exercise or the wrong types of activities. So before jumping into a new workout routine, consult with your pain management specialist and a physical therapist for recommendations.
Tip #4: Small Lifestyle Changes
Chronic pain is an indicator that you have inflammation that is causing issues in the body. There are a few things that you can do to reduce the inflammation, which might have a positive effect on reducing your pain.
For example, consider your dietary habits. Are you eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein? You need to be sure that your body is supplied with sufficient vitamins and minerals – which are the building blocks for repair and healing work within the body.
Additionally, a healthy lifestyle can help you lose weight. Dropping the extra pounds can be beneficial to reduce the pressure that is being placed on the spine.
Tip #5: Massage and Stretching
Sometimes, you can find immediate relief by relaxing the muscles that are spasming. Some patients find that regular massage work is helpful for reducing back pain. Not only can you address current back pain issues, but massage can also be a preventive strategy.
Visit an experienced massage therapist who can relax the back and help with connecting muscles. For example, if you have lower back pain, then it can often be helpful to relax muscles in the buttock and leg areas as well.
Stretching can help you keep the muscles relaxed between massage sessions. Take 5 – 10 minutes in the morning or at night to stretch your back, legs, and shoulders. This small ritual can have a noticeable impact to help you feel better throughout the day.
Tip #6: Consider Your Posture
How is your posture throughout the day affecting your spinal position and pressure on the nerves? Start paying attention to the way you are holding your body when you are sitting, walking, standing, and sleeping.
The goal is to maintain good posture as much as possible: positions that keep the spine in alignment. When the back starts to move out of alignment, that is the most common time to experience tense muscles, stiffness, and back pain.
Consider your posture in these instances:
- Sitting at the Computer: Don’t hunch over a laptop with an uncomfortable spine. Instead, prop your computer up, so the screen is eye level. Also, use a good-quality chair that offers back support.
- Relaxing on the Couch: One common problem with relaxation time is that people often bend their necks to look at digital devices. Instead, try reducing your screen time and taking breaks to stretch and move your body.
- Exercise Positions: Also, look at potential ways that you might be straining your back while exercising. Some people find it helpful to use a back brace when lifting weights, helping to minimize the effects on the back when sitting and standing.
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart when standing. Gently tuck your stomach in a bit to activate the core. Also, make sure you shift your weight from one foot to the next if you are standing for a long time. Avoid crossing your legs.
Tip #7: Alternative Treatments to Address the Root Cause
One of the main benefits of visiting a pain management specialist is to get an accurate diagnosis and identify the root cause of your pain issues. Through detailed testing and physical analysis, our team can uncover the reasons you are experiencing ongoing pain.
Often, chronic back pain is tied to a structural issue that is affecting the spine and nerves. We can help by identifying common conditions such as degenerative disc disease, joint inflammation (sacroiliitis), spondylitis, and more.
After identifying your diagnosis, our next step is to create a treatment plan that gets to the root cause. We provide each patient with a personalized plan that reduces immediate pain and creates optimal conditions for a thriving, healthy lifestyle.
Talk to a Local Back Pain Specialist
If you are looking for help with your back pain, then our team is here to assist. We understand the challenges that you are facing if you are living with chronic pain. The good news is that there are solutions that can help you find relief.
Many of the above tips help with daily lifestyle factors that could be influencing your pain. It’s also vital to seek modern medical treatments to reduce inflammation and help you feel better.
For more information, contact us at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists. Our comprehensive pain management program gives you access to alternative treatments for addressing back pain. We are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and serve patients in all of the surrounding areas. Call today: (502) 995-4004.