You can overcome the debilitating effects of back pain.
Short-term or acute back pain resulting from an injury or muscle spasm generally heals within a couple of days or weeks. But when you are dealing with , discomfort can persist for several months or years. Even if you suffer from a condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, in which back pain becomes the norm, there are many ways to get rid of chronic back pain and enjoy a relatively active and pain-free life.
Instructions
1. Manage inflammation with medication. Inflammation plays a role in chronic back pain, so get rid of back pain by managing and relieving inflammation. Take over-the-counter medications intended to reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
2. Consider stronger medications. Chronic pain may not respond to over-the-counter medications. Seek advice from a doctor such as a neurologist or rheumatologist. Experiment with prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone, or consider a cortisone injection for long-term relief.
3. Apply ice regularly. Keep an ice pack in the freezer and apply it to your back muscles as needed to dull inflammation and reduce pain. To avoid nerve damage, apply for no more than 30 minutes. Remove for 30 minutes, then reapply as needed.
4. Invest in a hot tub. Install a small hot tub in your backyard or use the jacuzzi at your local gym to relax achy, tense muscles and alleviate inflammation in the back. Using a heating pad on sore muscles also eases pain.
5. Reduce stress. Wearing high-heel shoes, carrying large bags and standing for long periods can aggravate and bring on chronic back pain. Recognize habits that lead to discomfort and modify these behaviors. Wear flatter heals and alternate between sitting and standing.
6. Strengthen weak muscles. Being inactive can weaken back muscles and bring on pain. Start slow and build up your strength with moderate exercise such as walking, light weightlifting and stretches.
Tags: back pain, chronic back, back pain, back muscles, chronic back pain, chronic back pain, over-the-counter medications