Say Goodbye to Back Pain with These Three Everyday Changes
Back pain, regardless of its specific nature, is something that will plague most Canadians at some point. At least 80 percent of people across the country will contend with pain in their back over the course of their life, according to statistics published by the Ontario Chiropractic Association. You can take action to reduce your discomfort by scheduling a consultation with a local chiropractor, such as chiropractic services by Dr. Ronald W. Jones Chiropractic Centres. Through an assessment and regular adjustments, it's possible to make your back pain a thing of the past. Chiropractic care isn't the only way to manage back pain; a number of steps that you can take yourself can be effective at keeping your discomfort at bay.
Change How You Sleep
The position in which you sleep can worsen your back pain -- or, with the right posture, change it for the better. If possible, avoid sleeping on your front. In this position, your spine can move into an unnatural position and you can also develop neck pain. If you enjoy sleeping on your back, a pillow placed below your knees helps to keep your back's curve in a natural position. If you'd rather spend the night on your side, holding a small pillow in between your bent knees is an effective way to maintain your back's correct position.
Avoid Sedentary Positions
Too many people exacerbate their back pain because they're sedentary throughout the day. Instead of staying seated throughout the workday, for example, set your smartphone alarm to remind you to get up once per hour. Your hourly break doesn't have to be extensive; simply standing and taking a two-minute walk can be enough to offset the prolonged periods of sitting. At home, try to take the same approach when you're seated on the couch watching TV. Another idea is to walk in place while you watch TV or get up every commercial break to do something active.
Cut Down On Caffeine
Caffeinated products can provide you with a boost to get through the day, but they also contribute to back pain for some people. Caffeine stimulates your body's adrenal glands, which are found in your lower back. Cutting down on your caffeine intake is about more than just skipping your morning cup of coffee. This widely used stimulant is also found in many types of tea, chocolate and soft drinks. Given that caffeine is linked to several other health issues, cutting down on your caffeine intake will help more than just your back pain.