Have you been struggling with back pain that just won’t seem to let up?
You’ve probably tried every remedy out there, yet nothing seems to help. Don’t worry, though; it’s not a sign that you’re helpless or doomed to suffer from back pain.
It could indicate that some of the things you think are helping your back might actually be making things worse!
In this blog post, we’ll look at 4 common ‘fixes’ for back pain that people use all the time but don’t always help in the way they expect them to – plus alternatives that will provide natural relief.
By better understanding what works (and doesn’t work) for our backs, we can take proactive steps towards improving our physical health and living life again without aches and pains keeping us down!
#1 Rest
As physiotherapists who spend a lot of time treating back pain, we can confidently say that rest isn’t always the best solution when it comes to reducing discomfort.
While it may seem like a good idea to relax and take it easy if you’re dealing with back pain, in reality, too much rest can actually do more harm than good.
The reason for this is that when you remain still for extended periods of time, your joints can stiffen up, which can make the pain worse.
So instead of spending your days on the couch, we recommend staying active and finding exercises and stretches that can help alleviate your discomfort.
It may not be easy, but moving your body and working through the pain is often the best way to help back pain!
#2 Sleeping On A Hard Mattress
If you’re experiencing back pain, the idea of sleeping on a hard mattress may seem like a logical solution.
But did you know that this could actually be doing more harm than good?
Hard mattresses fail to support the natural curves of your spine, putting unnecessary pressure on your joints and causing a misalignment of the vertebral column. This can lead to increased discomfort and even exacerbate existing pain.
To help alleviate back pain, it’s important to prioritise spinal alignment with a mattress that offers both cushioning and support.
Don’t let the allure of a firm surface fool you – a properly designed mattress can provide the relief you need for a good night’s sleep.
#3 Sitting Down For Too Long
A common misconception is that if you sit down for an extended period, it will help your back pain, but it can actually make it worse.
While sitting may feel like a comfortable position, it actually puts immense pressure on the lower back.
This pressure can exacerbate existing back pain by pushing on the discs and nerves in the spine. Furthermore, sitting for prolonged periods of time can lead to weakened muscles, which can further worsen pain.
If you suffer from back pain, it’s essential to take regular breaks from sitting. Stretching and moving throughout the day can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Remember, just because it feels comfortable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s helping. So, it’s important to listen to your body and take the necessary steps to help alleviate back pain.
#4 Waiting It Out
Back pain is a common ailment that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a range of factors, from poor posture to muscle strain, and can range in severity from mild discomfort to debilitating agony.
If you are someone who is suffering from back pain, it can be tempting to hope that it will simply go away on its own.
However, waiting to see if the pain dissipates can be a risky strategy, as it is often a sign of a more serious underlying issue. Seeking help for your back pain sooner rather than later is always the best course of action.
By consulting a healthcare professional like us, you can receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that will alleviate your discomfort and prevent further damage to your back in the future.
Is Back Pain Getting In The Way Of Your Daily Activities?
We know back pain can get in the way of daily activities and affect your level of enjoyment in your hobbies which can really put a dampener on your day!
Here at Walkerville Physiotherapy, we want to get you back to living your life to the fullest, pain-free and as you were before the dreaded back pain started. This is why throughout July we’re offering our patients the opportunity to come in for a back pain assessment.
During your back pain assessment, you can come into our Walkerville clinic and talk to a member of our physiotherapy team, ask those all-important questions and get clarity on your pain and where your next steps can take you.
To arrange your back pain assessment you can fill in our simple web form or call us at 8342 5544.