Do's and Don'ts of Treating Back Pain

 

At Next Step Rehabilitation, we see a lot of patients with back pain. While some back pain is due to a serious underlying condition that requires medical intervention, the pain can often be managed at home with simple lifestyle changes.

Here are some do’s and don'ts of treating back pain that can help you find relief from your symptoms.

·       Do: See a doctor if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days. If you're experiencing severe back pain, it's crucial to see a doctor. While some causes of back pain, like muscle strains, can be treated at home, other causes, like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, require medical intervention. Additionally, if your pain persists for more than a few days, it's also worth seeing a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

 

·       Don't: Ignore the pain or try to "tough it out" Back pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong; ignoring it will only worsen it in the long run. If you're in pain, take some time to rest and allow your body to heal.

 

·       Do: Use heat or ice to reduce inflammation and swelling. For best results, place a heating pad on your lower back for 20-30 minutes or use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 10-15 minutes.                                                                                                                                                         

·       Do: Stretch and strengthen your core muscles. Strengthening your core muscles can also help relieve back pain by supporting your spine.  In addition, regular stretching can help alleviate back pain by loosening tight muscles.  We recommend that you see a licensed physical therapist, who can prescribe a custom program that is suited for you and your condition.

 

·       Do: Sleep on a mattress that provides proper support for your back.

 

·       Don't: smoke cigarettes, as this can worsen back pain.

 

Next Step Rehabilitation is a privately owned outpatient physical therapy practice of dedicated, experienced physical therapists. We believe in working with our patients to maintain, improve and enhance their health and function.

 

To learn more about how you may benefit from physical therapy, visit our website or call (727) 345-3346 or (727) 209-0579 to schedule an appointment. Follow us on Facebook for health and wellness tips.