Wellness That Matters: Black Health News & Community Care
- Rest after injury but resume gentle movement soon to avoid muscle weakness and stiffness.
- Use cold therapy for the first 24 to 48 hours, then heat therapy; apply for 15 to 20 minutes. Short term paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
- Practice regular exercise, stretching, core strengthening, and improve posture and ergonomics to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.
Resting, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain killers are some of the ways to relieve back pain. In 2020, the World Health Organisation reported that 619 million people globally suffer from lower back pain. This shows it’s a chronic problem with people between 50 and 55 being the most affected.
Some of the most common symptoms include mild to chronic pain. While one should seek medical advice, there are home remedies to consider if you want to know how to relieve back pain.
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is a complex structure with different bones and ligaments. It’s also a sensitive area, as a bad injury can lead to paralysis. Here are some things that lead to back pain.
- Injuries and accidents
- Prolonged sitting
- Poor strain
- Medical condition
- Inactivity
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Homemade Remedies
Take Some Rest
One way to deal with back pain is to have periods of rest. This can reduce acute pain, especially after an injury and relieve the strain on your back. However, if one has taken bed rest for too long, it can weaken muscles and worsen stiffness. To combat this, stay gently active and resume normal movements as soon as possible.
Go for Heat or Cold Therapy
Cold therapy, which involves the use of ice packs to reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain, especially within the first 24–48 hours of injury. On the other hand, heat therapy, which involves warm compresses or heating pads, relaxes tight muscles and improves blood circulation, reducing stiffness. Apply heat or cold for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
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Purchase Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain in the short term. Follow the dosage instructions and arrange an appointment with a healthcare professional for further examination.
Exercise and Stretching
Regular movement is one of the most effective ways to relieve and prevent back pain. Gentle exercises strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support spinal health.
Stretching helps relieve muscle tension and improve range of motion. Some of the exercises you can do include the cat-cow stretch, hamstring stretch, and knee-to-chest stretch.
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Strengthening Exercises
Doing strengthening exercises helps to build the core muscles and support for the spine. Some of the reps you can do include bridges, planks, or bird-dog exercises. Remember to do the exercises slowly and stop if the pain increases or if you strain.
Improving Posture and Ergonomics
Sitting posture is one of the reasons why many people suffer from back pain. To reverse this, practice good posture, keep feet flat on the floor and knees at hip level, avoid slouching or leaning forward for long periods, and sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
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When Should You See a Doctor?
If you’ve done the above and are wondering whether you should see the doctor, here are some telltale signs.
- The pain lasts longer than a few weeks
- Is severe or worsening
- Radiates down the legs
- Is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control
- Follows an accident or injury
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