In the United States, Americans are not immune to struggles and pains. In fact, around 31 million Americans suffer from low-back pain that can occur at any time. Also, one-half of those Americans who work have back pain symptoms each year. In terms of gender, around a third of females suffer from back pain and a quarter of males suffer from back pain. Lastly, this back pain is the second reason for visits to the doctor’s office. Needless to say, back pain is common, of course painful, and can hinder Americans from moving and truly living. If you suffer from back pain, here are some actions you can take that may help with the pain you experience on a daily basis.
Back Pain Disorders
There are many different types of back pain disorders. The most common is lower back pain, or lumbago. An individual can experience lower back pain if he or she strains the back muscle or sprains the ligament. By definition, this can occur through mproper lifting, poor posture, lack of regular exercise, fracture, ruptured disk, or arthritis. Other back pain disorders include herniated disks, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis. Although these conditions are painful, they do not have to be long-lasting. And, you do not have to continuously suffer. It’s time to eliminate the pain!
A Chiropractor
One action you can take that may help with your back pain (in any form) is visiting a chiropractor. Chiropractors are beneficial when it comes to back pain, because the employ techniques that do not have anything to do with surgical procedures. This is ideal if you cannot afford any down time, do not require surgery, or have lower back pain. A chiropractor can do two things that may help the back in your back:
Manipulation: There are two types of manipulation; spinal and manual. A chiropractor will engage your body in both. These techniques are also known as a body or back adjustment. A chiropractor will use his or her arm to apply pressure to the areas that release pain or feel tight. Doing so in a repetitive motion helps in calming the nerve that releases the pain, and gives you back the fluid, easy movement of your back. Afterwards, you’ll feel like a brand new person, with a brand new back.
Mobilization: This is the second technique a chiropractor can engage in to help your back pain. Unlike manipulation, a chiropractor will stretch your muscles (especially the ones causing you pain). After a good, deep stretch, you’ll gain more motion in your back. Additionally, your pain will decreases and perhaps be eliminated for good.
Yoga For Back Pain
Many individuals do not know this, but practicing yoga or going to yoga classes can help you with your back pain. Dr. Michael Sinel practices yoga as part of a body connection and a way to eliminate or decrease pain. There are many ways in which yoga can help with your back pain.
Body Strength: Practicing yoga can actually help strengthen your body. More specifically, engaging your body in certain poses (and holding them) assists you in gaining strength in various muscles. Some of these muscles include the muscles in the back. Yoga positions also help strengthen the spine which is important for the back and spinal disorders. As you continue to strength your back muscles and your spine, this can help eliminate the back pain that you experience. Yoga does not have to be difficult! It’s helpful!
Stretch: Not only does yoga strengthen your body, but engaging in yoga stretches (for poses) help to relax and ease the muscles in your body; especially your back muscles. This is because the stretches relive stress and tension that can easily build up in your back and cause back pain. Additionally, these stretches can help with the mobility of your back. After stretching, you’ll experience a limited amount of back pain, if any.
Aligning Your Body: Practicing yoga requires that you begin to hold poses. Holding poses aligns your body. More specifically, your head, shoulders and pelvis. Once these are balanced, you’ll have better posture which reduces back pain.