Tips on Getting Around Severe Back Discomfort

Would you be surprised to learn that many people who suffer from back pain are able to lead relatively pain-free, happy lives? If back discomfort is affecting your life, this fact may surprise you.

Be sure your mattress is of the right firmness to help you avoid back pain. Soft mattresses may seem more comfortable but they don't provide enough support for your spine. Though a solid, firm mattress is recommended, be sure that it is not excessively stiff. You may have to visit a number of stores and try various mattresses in each store before you find a mattress that is appropriate for your needs.

Avoid stressing and overworking the same back muscles, regardless of the physical position your body is in. When you are doing any things over and over again, try to mix it up. If you're sitting, get up and stretch your legs and if you're standing, move around periodically.

Anyone who experiences back discomfort should take the time to exercise often. Many of those afflicted by back discomfort believe that exercising will make their pain worse, but that simply is not always the case. Properly stretching the back muscles is a great pain reliever for lots of people.

Maintain proper posture throughout the day. Poor posture causes strain on muscles, back and spine. If you are sitting for a long time, make sure you are sitting in a chair that is comfortable and supportive. Sit on an exercise ball and you can maintain a strong back and improve your posture.

If you want to reduce your back discomfort, it would be wise to stop consuming caffeine. It might be hard to believe but caffeine has shown to be a trigger for spasms, and it can cause muscle inflammation if any muscle damage is present. You need to limit the amount of coffee or tea you are drinking if you want to reduce the amount of back discomfort you experience.

If you just can't seem to resolve back discomfort on your own, then it is time to consult a chiropractor. You may get an x-ray taken, and you and your doctor will talk about the best way to improve your situation. As you receive your adjustments, the pain you are feeling will slowly dissipate.

Avoid the situations that trigger back spasms and you will eliminate a major source of back pain. Stress, sleep deprivation, excessive caffeine and dehydration can all trigger spasms in your back which cause pain. If you have back spasms, you should put some heat onto the affected area, and rest the back in order to prevent having additional pain.

In our highly mobile society, we are spending more and more time driving these days and that can lead to back pain. Set your seat up so that it is adjusted properly and you don't have to stretch in order to reach the steering wheel and pedals.

Stretch your muscles while they are still warm. Always stretch as part of your cool-down routine after exercising.

Sleeping on a big or pregnant belly cannot be done, so sleeping on the back strains it too much. Sleeping on your side is a good alternative.

Make sure you get enough support from your desk chair when you are sitting down all day at work. Chairs that fail to provide adequate lower back support are the cause of a significant amount of pain and problems. If you want more support, consider getting a pillow to put behind you on your lower back.

If you face back discomfort on a daily basis, you can understand the strain that this places on your job and your family life. Social relationships are often strained, and work can be affected.

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