Back pain affects a large portion of the population and often requires proper management to reduce pain levels. However, many people make common mistakes when managing their back pain. Most back pain is predictable and preventable. This is unfortunate because many who suffer from back pain don’t realize that their habits contribute to their discomfort. For instance, it is common for people to ignore symptoms of back pain until the situation becomes more severe. This blog will discuss common mistakes people make when managing their back pain and how to avoid them.
THE PRIMARY PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF BACK PAIN
The primary preventable cause of back pain is poor posture. This results from overstretching or straining the muscles and ligaments in your back. It can be caused by spending too much time sitting, hunching forward at a computer, using improper lifting techniques, or even not having enough physical activity and exercise. Your body’s natural alignment is thrown off when you sit or stand in a slouching position. This forces your spine to bear more weight than it should and can lead to back pain. It can also cause poor circulation, leading to compressed nerves and further pain.
Poor posture isn’t the only thing that can contribute to back pain, but it is by far the most common and preventable cause. To avoid poor posture and the resulting back pain, it’s essential to pay attention to how you sit and stand. Ensure your ears are aligned with your shoulders, and your shoulder blades are relaxed.
IGNORING PAIN IS NOT MANAGING BACK PAIN
One of the biggest mistakes people make when managing back pain is ignoring it. People tend to think that if they forget their pain, it will go away. Unfortunately, this isn’t true and can lead to increased and more severe back pain in the long run. When you ignore pain signals from your body, you essentially tell it to ignore the problem and move on. This can further strain the muscles and ligaments in your back if they continue to be overworked or improperly used.
The longer you wait to address a potential problem, the more likely it is that something serious will occur. Furthermore, ignoring pain often leads to fear and anxiety over pain, which can also exacerbate existing symptoms. To avoid this mistake, paying attention to your body and recognizing when something doesn’t feel right is important. If you start to experience back pain, don’t wait for it to get worse before seeking treatment or advice from a medical professional.
Early interventions like physical therapy, stretching, and lifestyle changes can often provide the back pain relief you need and prevent more severe back pain in the future. So don’t ignore those pain signals – listen to your body and take action when necessary. That way, you can return to living a healthy, pain-free life.
SKIPPING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Another mistake many people make when managing their back pain is skipping physical activity or exercise. It’s easy to avoid movement when you are feeling discomfort or pain, but this only worsens the problem as time passes. Physical activity helps to strengthen muscles and build endurance in the body, which is essential for avoiding future episodes of back pain. It can also help maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on the spine.
When choosing an exercise regime, make sure to pick activities that are low-impact and will not further aggravate the back. Swimming or water aerobics can be a great choice as they provide a supportive environment for movement. Yoga and Pilates are also excellent choices as they focus on proper alignment and breathing techniques to reduce stress on the body.
It is important to remember that exercising too much or too intensely can have the opposite effect of what you’re trying to achieve. For this reason, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity regime. They can provide advice tailored specifically for you based on your current condition.
NOT MODIFYING YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Another mistake many people make when managing their back pain is not modifying their environment. The way we interact with our surroundings can have a significant impact on our condition, and it’s essential to consider this. For instance, if you work at a desk or often carry heavy items, your posture or strain on your spine can lead to chronic back pain. It’s essential to adjust your habits accordingly to reduce any extra stress or anxiety that might be placed on your body. In addition to adjusting your movements, it is also essential to modify your environment as much as possible. This means setting up an ergonomic workspace and using devices designed to reduce strain on your body.
IGNORING NUTRITION
Another mistake people often make when managing their back pain is ignoring nutrition. What we eat and drink can hugely impact our overall health, including how well we collect chronic pain conditions like backaches. Nutritional deficiencies can cause the body to become unbalanced and lead to the worsening of existing symptoms. This is one of the hidden causes of back pain. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure you get all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs. This means eating fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins such as fish and legumes.
BACK PAIN BEGONE
Managing back pain can be difficult, but with the right approach, it can be done. To achieve success, avoiding common mistakes such as over-treating pain, not modifying your environment, and ignoring nutrition are essential.
With patience, dedication, and proper care, you can find natural relief from even the most stubborn backaches. Taking the time to learn what works best for your body will pay off in spades so that you can enjoy life without being hindered by painful episodes of back discomfort.
For excellent pain management options please contact Perrone Wellness at (201) 489-9555 to schedule an evaluation today.
