Unfortunately, back pain is all too common in today’s world. Our daily lives are structured in a way that can make our back pain worse, like having to sit in front of a computer all day or simply not having the time we need to focus on back pain relief.
Back pain is uncomfortable, and it can even keep you from doing things you love when it becomes overwhelming. There are lots of methods for treating pain, but finding an effective or healthy long-term solution is an individual journey.
Did you know Cary Orthpaedics has a comprehensive Spine Center to help patients manage back pain? Cary Orthopaedics Spine Center is the region’s only dedicated orthopaedic spine practice. Our physicians range from experienced physiatrists who specialize in non-surgical treatment for neck and back pain to skilled surgeons who perform minimally invasive and complex spinal procedures. Regardless of your injury or condition, we have a full spectrum of spine specialists to deliver the highest quality of care. Here, our spine specialists share a few of the best lifestyle changes for treating back pain.
Practicing mindfulness
While pain is a physical phenomenon, some of what you feel can be related to how your mind is processing that physical pain. Back pain can also strain your mental and emotional health, as it keeps you away from activities you love. It can even just be a constant source of frustration.
Sometimes cognitive therapies can help you endure pain better and create a better mood for addressing your pain. Consider taking meditation classes or learning physical practices like yoga or tai chi to put yourself in a better headspace to ease the pain.
Treatment by a physical therapist
Physical therapy has become a popular way to overcome all kinds of pain. Its non-invasive and non-surgical approach to fixing ailments appeals to many people.
Physical therapists can help you overcome back pain with various exercises and stretches to strengthen your core and other key muscles. The best part about physical therapy is that it’s tailored to you and your body. You don’t have to worry about straining your back even more, as a therapist creates a plan designed just for you.
At Cary Orthopaedics Spine Center, spine-specific physical therapy rounds out or spine care team, enabling your spine doctor and therapist to closely collaborate on your personalized treatment plan for the fastest road to recovery. Your spine is a delicate and complex network of bones, joints and muscles that are unlike any other part of your body. Unlike general physical therapy, Cary Orthopaedics’ spine-specific physical therapists are specially trained to provide rehabilitation for spine conditions and injuries.
Switching up your diet
Remember the saying, “you are what you eat”? It’s true that the food we eat has such a significant impact on the way we feel. Consider looking at your diet and eliminating inflammatory foods, like processed foods high in trans fats or food with lots of refined sugar.
Sometimes these foods can make our pain worse, but adding a few anti-inflammatories, like tomatoes, green leafy vegetables or olive oil, can help ease inflammation and pain, aiding in back pain relief. Diet could also contribute to back pain since maintaining a healthy weight relieves pressure from your spine.
Moving often
Making sure you’re regularly exercising and moving is an excellent way to relieve back pain and prevent it. Our lives often require us to be seated for long periods, causing back pain.
Getting up and moving around, even just to grab a glass of water, can help prevent that stiffness from sitting and relieve pain. When exercising, try to focus on strengthening your core muscles and around your hips to avoid back pain. However, make sure to consult a doctor before you begin any workout regimen.
Checking your posture
Similar to making sure you’re moving around throughout the day, ensuring that you’re sitting in a correct and healthy position is equally important. When standing, you should have your pelvis level, with your spine straight and weight distributed evenly between your feet.
More importantly, when you have to sit for long instances, make sure you’re doing it right. Pick a chair with good lumbar support to help with good posture. Your hips and knees should be level, with your feet flat on the floor, and your elbows should be at a right angle if you’re typing.
Keeping your posture in check can help prevent back pain or keep the existing problems from getting worse, and it’s such a small change to make in your day.
Back pain relief in Cary and the surrounding areas
Back pain can feel like an overwhelming toll on your life, but you’re not alone. These tips are a great way to be proactive about back pain. If your back pain persists or worsens, a spine specialist can work with you for a personalized back pain relief plan.
Cary Orthopaedics Spine Center is the region’s only comprehensive orthopaedic spine practice. Comprehensive spine care means expert specialists all under one roof. Our spine physiatrists who help patients reduce back pain and restore function with non-invasive treatments communicate closely with our skilled surgeons who perform complex surgeries. Spine-specific physical therapists round out our team, bringing patients the full spectrum of orthopaedic spine care. Contact us today to make an appointment with a spine care specialist.
