Back pain impacts many lives on a daily basis. Unfortunately, some forms of back pain are chronic and cause recurring discomfort. Many causes of back pain are degenerative, and treatments may not always address the pain permanently. However, you can always do something to reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life.
By following these guidelines, you can learn to cope with back pain and take back control over your life.
Understand Your Condition
It’s critical to know what’s causing your back pain, especially if you haven’t received a formal diagnosis yet. Many people choose to endure the pain instead of talking to an orthopedic doctor. It does cost money and time to schedule a medical appointment. However, the information you’ll gain from an expert is invaluable and will save you costs in the long run.
Pain usually indicates tissue damage. Back pain may be the result of an ongoing degenerative process that degrades cartilage, such as arthritis or disc herniation. Other times, back pain can be because of direct irritation of nerves. One example is spinal stenosis, where a part of the spinal canal constricts the spinal cord.
The best way to treat back pain is to target its root cause. You should work with an orthopedic doctor to understand the cause of your back pain.
Follow The Prescribed Diet And Medications
An imbalanced diet can compromise your health and inhibit healing, worsening your pain. A nutritious, appropriate diet is essential for overall health, especially if you have a condition causing back pain.
It’s best to consume appropriate amounts of protein and fats while avoiding excess carbohydrates and sugar. You should cut back on your consumption of processed foods, which typically contain additives and high amounts of sodium and sugar. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables to get the vitamins you need.
Cutting back on calories is essential if your weight is above the recommended limit. Losing weight will ease the stress on your back by reducing the mechanical stress on your spine. However, your weight alone isn’t an indicator of health. Your recommended weight may be higher or lower depending on your physical activities.
Of course, you can do more than just adjust your diet. Pain medications are the first-line treatment for chronic back pain.
Get Enough Rest And Exercise
Sleep is the best form of rest. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough of it. Inadequate sleep can cause increased stress, lower pain tolerance, and slow down the healing process. You should develop good sleeping habits such as keeping a constant bedtime and avoiding smart device use an hour before going to bed.
Aside from resting, you should also take steps to include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical exertion signals your muscles to rebuild and fortify themselves. Exercise coupled with adequate rest reduces inflammation and helps your back muscles support the spine.
It can be difficult to exercise if you already have back pain. Fortunately, there are many exercises specifically designed for people with back issues. Consult with your doctor to determine which routines are safe and effective for your back. Adequate levels of activity and rest can help keep your health in tip-top shape.
Explore Your Treatment Options
In many cases, back pain doesn’t have to be permanent. Many treatment options exist to alleviate symptoms. However, many intensive treatment procedures such as surgery require preparation. If you aren’t at an adequate level of health or if you have other health conditions, you might be ineligible for surgery. Keeping yourself as healthy as possible is a great way to expand your treatment options.
Many traditional surgeries also have minimally invasive counterparts that require smaller incisions. These advanced techniques carry lower risks and permit more people to get back surgery. Talk with your doctor to explore these options.
If surgery is an unlikely solution for you, you can still make significant progress with other, more conservative treatments. A physical therapy routine coupled with rest and medication can help. There are also many types of medications for back pain, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Work with your doctor to find a treatment combination that works best for you.
Back Pain Management In Connecticut And Massachusetts
Living with back pain involves many changes to your daily routine, but the general principles of health still apply. Getting enough rest and exercise while eating a well-balanced diet are key to improving your health. You should also take any medications exactly as prescribed for full effect. Work with a skilled doctor to understand your condition and explore all treatment options.
With facilities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, Advanced Orthopedics New England provides comprehensive treatment options for all types of orthopedic concerns. Learn more or request your appointment today by calling us at (860) 728-6740.
