If you live with back pain on a daily basis, you’re not alone. An estimated 31 million Americans experience low back pain on a regular basis, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
If you live with back pain on a daily basis, you’re not alone. An estimated 31 million Americans experience low back pain on a regular basis, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
If you live with back pain on a daily basis, you’re not alone. An estimated 31 million Americans experience low back pain on a regular basis, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. While many people turn to pain medications for relief, we have found that physical therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment. One of the number one keys to recovering from low back pain is learning how to maintain the normal curve of the spine. For many, this is easier said than done. Back pain occurs for a wide range of reasons, from poor posture or gait to sleeping position and normal wear and tear. Regardless of what the root cause of your back pain is, physical therapy could be a viable solution. Here at Classic Rehabilitation, it is our goal to help you find solutions that will provide you with relief from acute or chronic back pain. Some general tips include:
- Use a pillow while sleeping for lumbar support
- Learn how to properly carry your purse, bag, or briefcase to avoid favoring one side of the body
- When working on a computer or looking at your smartphone, maintain proper posture to relieve upper cervical spine pain
These are a few general tips that will help you recover from acute low back pain or help chronic back pain. Each of our bodies is different, so it is important to come in and meet with one of our Arlington physical therapists to learn what is best for you in particular. In many cases, individuals with back pain need the hollow of their back to be supported to aid in the recovery time. This may require a change in how you sleep, sit, or even talk, which can be quite difficult for many adults. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability among adults in the United States, and back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. To live pain-free, it is important you understand how you can relieve back pain by changing your daily routine. Let’s now look at a few ways you can do this on your own:
- Sitting – It is recommended that you only sit for short intervals (10 to 15 minutes) in order to avoid back pain settling in. If you work at a desk or have to sit for prolonged periods of time, sit with back support at the curve of your back and keep hips and knees at a right angle. Do your best to avoid crossing your legs and make sure your feet are flat on the floor.
- Driving – When driving, use a lumbar roll at the rube of your back and ensure your knees are at the same level as your hips. If necessary, move the steering wheel closer to support the curve of your back.
- Standing – Avoid standing in the same position for a prolonged period of time and make sure your head is up, shoulders are straight, chest is forward, and weight is evenly balanced on both feet. Many people ‘dip’ to one side, favoring a leg and hip over the other. Over time, this can result in serious back pain and can even impact your skeletal structure.
If you are living with low back pain and aren’t sure what can be done, please contact Classic Rehabilitation today to learn more about physical therapy. Our Bedford physical therapists will evaluate you and come up with a treatment plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
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