subject: Tips For Back Pain Relief [print this page] Back pain is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the physician. Though back pain can be divided into neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain and tailbone pain, it is the lower back pain that majority of the people suffer from. Back pain, which usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine, is one of the leading causes of job-related disability, sick leave, missed work and long-term time out of employment. As per the findings of National Institute of Health, back pain enjoys second position in the list of most common neurological ailments in the United States; first being headache. As the intensity of back pain vary from moderate to severe so does the recovery time. For some the pain subsides within a few days while for some it takes much longer time or lead to chronic pain.
Since almost everyone suffers from back pain at some point in their lives, here are some tips for back pain relief.
* Water therapy : Drinking 10 or more glasses of water are found to reduce pain all over the body. Water lubricates and cushions joints, nourishes the discs between the vertebrae of the spine thereby reducing body ache.
* Food : Certain foods especially green leafy vegetables and fruits are found to be excellent painkillers. The healing properties found in these foods help to reduce pain by reducing sensitivity. A proper diet with sufficient daily intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D is a must.
* Posture : Watch your posture when standing and sitting. Never slouch or bend forward as it puts strain on muscles. When standing make sure that your weight is balanced on your feet. Use the right sleep posture and always sleep on a firm surface.
* Back pain relief product : A good back relief product offers perfect spine conditioning by gently stretching, aligning, and relaxing the entire back.
* Stretch your back : Make sure to stretch your back before doing exercises or any other physical activity.
* Smoking : Quit smoking as several studies have proved time and again the direct relation between smoking cigarettes and back pain. Smoking cuts down the supply of oxygen in the bloodstream and slows down the blood flow to the lower spine thereby causing the degeneration of spinal discs.
* Therapy : Cold compression therapy, heat therapy and massage therapy are found to be very effective in alleviating back pain.
