Did you know around 8% of Americans suffer from chronic back pain? Back pain is one of the biggest reasons people miss work, and it can have a major impact on your life.
Some of the biggest causes of back and neck pain include poor posture, accidents, strains, and arthritis. Whether you are suffering from chronic pain or short-term pain, there are things you can do to relieve it.
Are you wondering how to relieve neck and back pain? If so, keep reading to learn more about managing neck and back pain.
1. Improve Your Sleep
One of the biggest causes of neck pain is poor sleep. If you wake up with a sore neck and back, you should focus on improving your sleep. If your bed is too soft or too hard, you will wake up in pain.
If you continue sleeping on an uncomfortable bed, you may develop chronic pain over time. How you sleep can also affect your neck and back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and use a memory foam pillow.
2. Go to Physical Therapy
Another one of the best ways to relieve neck and back pain is to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist can help determine the cause of the pain, provide a treatment plan, and help prevent more problems in the future.
A physical therapist can recommend over-the-counter medications, help you improve core strength, and work on your posture.
If physical therapy alone doesn’t work, you can also try going to a chiropractor. They can help align your neck and spine to reduce pain. Before your first chiropractic visit, make sure they accept your insurance.
3. Improve Your Posture
Another great neck pain treatment is to improve your posture. If you have poor posture, it will increase the strain on your neck and back. When you have good posture, your spine is aligned, which reduces pressure.
Make sure you have a comfortable chair if you work in an office, avoid hunching over while sitting on the couch, and stand up straight while walking. Working on your core strength can improve your posture.
4. Use Heat and Ice
If you are looking for immediate pain relief, you should try using heat and ice. Using a heating pad is best when you have tight or stiff muscles in your back or neck.
Using ice is ideal when you have inflammation. If you are unsure which would be best for your back pain, ask your doctor. They also may recommend that you take pain relievers to help your pain.
Now You Know How to Relieve Neck and Back Pain
Whether you woke up with neck pain or you suffer from chronic back pain, being in pain can have a major impact on your life. If you have neck or back pain, try improving your sleep, going to physical therapy, and staying active.
Did you enjoy reading this article on how to relieve neck and back pain? If so, check out the health category to learn more about back pain symptoms.
