5 Tips On How To Get Rid Of Back Pain

0 comments Saturday 1 December 2012

Back pain can be very bothersome at times and, if not treated properly, it can worsen over time. As a matter of fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit their healthcare provider - fortunately, it can be easily cured with healthy, balanced diet and correct posture. Here you will find 5 essential tips on how to get rid of the pain:
1. Address Bad Posture
Bad posture and the lack of back support are two of the main causes of back pain, since poor posture stresses your spine and adds pressure to your back muscles. If you adopt a correct posture, you will not only cure it, but you will also prevent it in the long run. Bad posture is not only the main culprit behind back pain, but it can also cause headaches, neck pain and joint problems.
In a nutshell, it is essential to keep every part of your body in perfect alignment with the neighboring parts. When you need to change your posture, make sure you do it smoothly and without any sudden movements, to avoid injuries.
However, it must be mentioned that bad posture does not occur only when you are sitting on your office chair - it can also appear when you brush your teeth and you lean over the sink incorrectly, or when you are cooking and you maintain poor posture in the kitchen. When it comes to curing, maintaining the correct amount of curvature in your back is of utmost importance.
2. Provide Efficient Back Support
As stated above, the lack of back support can also lead to back pain, sooner or later. This is why it is essential buy an ergonomic chair that will provide proper support throughout the day, especially if you have an office job that requires a lot of computer work. The ergonomic chair will not only provide support, but it can also be a lot more comfortable and you will not experience muscle or joint pain anymore.
3. Become More Flexible
This is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects that you need to take into consideration. Generally speaking, back pain occurs when people lack flexibility - by increasing you flexibility, you will automatically put equal pressure on your body, without stressing particular muscles or your joints. Stretches, leg extensions, head turns or arm and joint circles are only some of the exercises that improve flexibility and reduce the pain.
4. Watch Your Diet
Few people know that back pain and diet are closely related. Food is our body's fuel, and we need to provide it with high-quality nutrients in order to function properly, otherwise the muscles and joints are prone to injuries. Foods that are rich in minerals and vitamins (also known as "Power Foods") are absolutely essential for a healthy body, this is why it is recommended to increase your daily intake of fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat breads to prevent pain.
Reduce the intake of soft drinks, candy bars, cookies and basically any other sweets that will make you feel tired. Sugar is known to be a real energy waster, this is why you must avoid sugary products. Moreover, eliminate foods that are high in fat, and focus on oily fish and olive oil (which provide healthy fats along with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids).
5. Foods For Back Pain
Tissue inflammation is one of the underlying causes of back pain. You can easily treat inflammation with the correct diet, without having to use medication. Increase your intake of whole fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, blueberries, walnuts, fresh juices, fish oil and soy proteins. These fruits are known to reduce pain and inflammation, and they are considered to be the natural back pain cure.
To summarize, it is essential to maintain good posture, to provide your back with proper support and to watch your diet. There are foods that can worsen your back pain, and there are other foods that can relieve it by reducing inflammation. Focus on the above-mentioned hints and you can cure back pain naturally and effortlessly.


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3 Steps to Preventing Back Pain While You Drive

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It's no surprise that excessive sitting causes back and neck pain. Thankfully, the solution to excessive sitting is easy: stand! But what do you do when you drive a truck or taxi cab for a profession and you can't stand? This solution is a bit more complex. Nevertheless, there are three steps you can take to prevent and alleviate your back and neck pain while driving.
Step 1: Use an ACCESSORY lumbar support. Most cars are equipped with an inherent lumbar support, but the reality is that these inherent lumbar supports are not sufficient. Be sure to purchase an accessory support and use it each time you drive. Lumbar supports discourage slouching and induce the proper curve in your low back.
Step 2: Set up your driver's seat correctly. Try to sit with your legs and hips at 90 degrees and place your butt all the way at the back of the seat to prevent slouching. Don't continuously place your arms on the arm rest, as it causes a shoulder shrug. Finally, rest your head against the head rest at the spot directly above the bump on the back of your head. This position places your head in neutral.
Step 3: When possible, get out of your car and take a five minute walk. If you are driving across the country, take advantage of the rest stops to walk around for 10 minutes. If possible, pull over on the side of the road to stand and stretch.
Driving is a part of everyday life and a necessity to some people. Although driving is a leading cause of back pain, there are steps you can take to make it a more comfortable ride.


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