7 Ways to Ease Back Pain ...

So many Americans suffer from back pain, and it can be debilitating. Many of the people who suffer from back pain opt for dangerous, often unsuccessful surgery to fix their problem, and when it does’t work, they’re worse off than when they started. When my aunt recently began a struggle with bak pain, we began consulting doctors and doing research, with rather shocking results — she thought she was going to need surgery, but she doesn’t. Here are seven ways to ease back pain FOR GOOD, without surgery!

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Lose Weight

Lose Weight Photo Credit: Red~Star

Almost 90% of all people who suffer from back pain have one thing in common that contributes heavily to their issue — they’re all overweight or obese. Doctors and researchers are unanimous in their agreement that the very first thing anyone should do to address or treat their back pain is to lose weight.

Strengthen Your Core

Strengthen Your Core Photo Credit: thinctanc

Additionally, since we Americans have become so sedentary in our lifestyles, our back and abdominal muscles (our “cores”) have paid the price and become weak. This is another leading cause of back pain, and can be easily treated by doing simple core-strengthening exercises. If you’re not sure how, consult your doctor of physical therapist for a routine that will help.

Frequently asked questions

Quit Smoking

Quit Smoking Photo Credit: Fabiana Zonca

Not only is smoking bad for your lung and heart health, it’s also another leading cause of back pain! Doctors recommend quitting for that reason, too, so if you’re s smoker who suffers from back pain, that’s yet another reason to quit!

Related: 7 Foods to Combat Stress ...

Stay Active

Stay Active Photo Credit: Thomas Hawk

This almost goes without saying, but if you’re trying to avoid back pain, or treat it, the best thing to do is stay at a healthy weight, not smoke, and STAY ACTIVE. According to every piece of research we looked at, staying fit and active was key in avoiding and treating back pain. This flies in the face of the advice we all tend to follow when our backs hurt, to stay in bed or on the couch. Apparently, this is the WORST thing you can do!

Lift Carefully

Lift Carefully Photo Credit: aroid

If you’re prone to back pain, or injury, it’s always important to lift with your legs, not your back. Better yet, try not to lift very heavy objects at all… after all, isn’t that one of the reasons we love to have men around?

Don’t Overdo It

Don’t Overdo It Photo Credit: fuzzirella

If you’re recovering from a back injury or a bout of back pain, don’t push yourself too hard… take it slow, and give yourself all of the time you need to recover. Yes, stay off the couch, but don’t try and dead-lift 500 pounds at the gym for a while, okay?

Don’t Ignore It!

Don’t Ignore It! Photo Credit: Christopher Futcher

Experts say that if you’re experience excruciating or constant back pain, and none of these other treatments or plans of action work, you should consult your doctor. You may have an injury, and not just disused or over-used muscles.

Our bodies, and in particular, our backs, are very complex, and when they’re not functioning properly, it can be horrendous. The best way to treat back pain, of course, is to avoid it in the first place by staying fit and active, and by being careful when we lift. Do you have back pain? How do you deal with it? Please let me know!

Top Photo Credit: emska3000

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