If you’re dealing with a spine issue, we’re more than happy to help in any way we can. We also know that it can save you time and money if you can find some ways to resolve your back problem on your own from the comfort of your home. If you’re hoping to treat your new or chronic back issue on your own without the help of painkillers or over-the-counter medications, we’ve got some options for you. In today’s blog, we take a look at seven natural ways to overcome back pain at home.
Natural Back Pain Treatments
We’re about to offer up some common remedies for minor to mild back injuries, but know that your best treatment plan for fully resolving a back issue will come from a physician who can view your spine in person. The following treatments are commonly recommended to help resolve a number of different spinal conditions, but know that they won’t work for any and all types of back pain.
- Short-Term Rest – Short-term rest can help to protect your spine when it is most vulnerable after an injury. Rest and activity avoidance will keep weakened or injured areas from being stressed further. It is a good first step, but it certainly shouldn’t be your only form of treatment.
- Low-Impact Activity – After the first 24-72 hours of rest and activity avoidance, your spine tends to make a faster recovery if you pursue some light exercise and activity. Movement and low-impact activity will improve your circulation and put low levels of stress on your muscles and soft tissues, helping them gradually get back to full strength.
- Heat/Ice – You can also harness the power of heat and ice to help manage spinal discomfort. Ice is usually preferred shortly after an injury to limit swelling in an area, whereas heat can be helpful after a day or two in order to boost circulation and bring healthy blood to a recovering area.
- Stretch – Stretching will provide similar benefits to low-impact exercise. It will slowly help your soft tissues take on a healthy amount of stress and pressure, and it will work to expand your comfortable range of motion.
- Eat Right – There’s no food that can do for your back what spinach did for Popeye’s muscles, but you do want to be conscious about the foods you’re eating. Healthy options can give your spine vitamins and nutrients that aid in the healing process, whereas unhealthy options can contribute to inflammation and weight gain.
- Posture Management – Helping your spine recover means taking measures to avoid putting it in stressful positions. If you’re slouching, hunching forward or doing a lot of sitting, certain areas of your spine will be under additional stress. Strive to have ideal posture at all times, but that’s especially true if you’re working to overcome a back injury.
- Stay Hydrated – Similar to the point on eating, you can’t just drink water and expect your spine to fully heal, but hydrating can make it easier for your injured spine to get the nutrients it needs to aid in the healing process. Remaining hydrated will open your blood vessels and ensure that nutrient-rich blood can easily get to the areas that need it most.
Of course, connecting with a spine specialist is also an all-natural way to work towards putting an end to your back discomfort, so don’t be afraid to connect with a professional if your back issue is proving hard to treat. For more information, or for help with a different spinal issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
