Back pain is an incredibly common issue, and you probably know some friends or family members who are dealing with or who have dealt with back problems in the past. Spine pain can be extremely isolating and frustrating, which is why it can be so beneficial to be an ally to someone who is working to overcome a back problem. But what are some of the best ways to help a friend or family member who is dealing with back pain? In today’s blog, we share four tips for helping a loved one with back pain.
Caring For A Loved One With Back Pain
Every person is a little bit different when it comes to the type of back pain they are dealing with and how they’d like to be cared for, but we’ve found that the following tips generally apply well to most situations. Whether you’re dealing with an older parent battling a back issue, a spouse who is slated to undergo a spine surgery or a child battling a new back problem, here are some ways to help care for them as they work to overcome the challenges they are facing.
- Listen – Sometimes the best thing you can do for a loved one battling a back pain issue is to simply be quiet and listen to their concerns. Listen to their frustrations or their concerns and don’t try to solve everything at once. Simply being there for them can remind them that they are not alone in their fight. You can also be an extra set of ears at appointments or pre-op consultations, because it can be a lot of information to take in. Listening can be a great way to show someone that you care.
- Encourage Movement – For the vast majority of spine issues, their doctor is going to want them to remain active. Some initial rest may be encouraged, but eventually some fitness-appropriate exercise will likely be encouraged. Movement and activity will help to strengthen key areas of their spine, maintain flexibility and support overall function. Exercise will also help improve their circulation, pushing healthy blood to structures that need it most, and it will lead to the production and release of feel-good hormones in the brain. Be active with your loved one by suggesting that you go for a walk or do a short exercise routine at home. Find ways to make exercise and movement less like a chore, and your loved one’s spine will be better off for it.
- Educate Yourself – They say that two heads are better than one, so take some time to learn about the condition that your loved one is dealing with. The more you know about their back issue, the better you’ll be at helping your loved one overcome the condition. Just make sure that you are learning about the condition from a reputable source online.
- Don’t Overlook Self-Care – Finally, if your loved one is severely limited by a spine issue, you may be providing a lot of care. It’s wonderful that you want to help as much as you can, but you also need to take time to care for yourself. You will be a better care provider when your physical, mental and emotional needs are being met, so make sure to take some time for yourself. If you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help yourself. Make it a point to get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet and get at least seven hours of sleep each night so that your brain and your body get the care they need to help others.
If you need help with any of these tips, or you want to connect with a provider who can help shoulder some of the care burden, look no further than Dr. Sinicropi and team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. For more information, or for help with a different back issue, give their team a call today at (651) 430-3800.
