How To Relieve Lower Back Pain This Summer
With the warm weather, everyone is eager to get out of the house. Summertime activities like yard work or exploring the great outdoors are a blast, but they can also take a toll on your body. For four out of five adults, a pulled muscle or medical condition will trigger a painful surge in your lower back.
Symptoms are different for everyone, manifesting as either a sharp, stabbing sensation or dull ache. Untreated, lower back pain impacts not only your physical health but mental wellbeing, too, as it takes away the joys of everyday activities. Don’t let lower back pain get the best of you this summer. Here are some tips on how to relieve lower back pain:
Get Your Body Moving
Sedentary lifestyles, or too much sitting, takes a toll on your lower back and overall health, so take time to step away from the desk or couch. Start with walks around the neighborhood before jumping into a 5K, and make activities like kayaking or biking extra fun by inviting friends. Summer is also the perfect time to go for a swim, which is one of the best non-impact exercises you can do to help treat and prevent most back pain.
Do Yoga For Physical And Mental Health
Taking up a yoga practice or stretching for a few minutes every day can help with back pain. Poses like the Downward-Facing Dog or Cat-Cow help mobilize the spine and relieve body tension. With a variety of methods and resources, yoga is accessible for everyone. It’s also considered a form of mind and body therapy that will uplift your mental and physical health.
Be Safe When Lifting Heavy Objects
Whether luggage or a bag of mulch, lift safely to avoid throwing out your back. Muscle strain and injury occur when you bend your waist or twist your spine. Instead, bend your knees into a squat and keep your back straight as you stand. Recognize your limits, and ask for help if you need it.
Practice Mindful Sleeping Habits
Sleeping impacts your health as it’s the time for your body to rest and rejuvenate after each day. Comfortable sleeping positions relieve your pain and help you rest. When sleeping on your back, use pillows under your knees and lower back. And if you’re a side sleeper, pull your knees toward your chest. These tools will aid in removing tension from your body.
Use Cold And Heat To Soothe Pain
Applying cold or heat can ease lower back pain. Heat, like hot pads or warm showers, provide relief by relaxing muscles and improving blood flow. Cold gel packs or ice reduce stiff and sore muscles. For either method, remember to use a layer between the temperature source like a towel to protect your skin.
Seek Professional Care
Chiropractic treatments use different adjustment techniques to align the spine in a safe, non-invasive way, easing tension and leaving you feeling great. Live Well Chiropractic Center is here to support your wellness so you can make the most of your summer. We provide restorative and customized care plans to aid your healing journey from treatment to maintenance. Reach out to our team of professionals for a consultation today. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!
