People experience different types of pain that can lower their productivity and increase their stress. But if there is one thing common to all kinds of pain, it would be that they can be debilitating. Back pain, for instance, is one of the most common problems many people suffer from.
Challenges of Living with Back Pain
Studies show that low back pain is prevalent in 25.7% of all workers. This caused many people to skip work, leading to lost productivity. For some, back pain is a constant struggle they have to deal with daily.
The following are the usual challenges people who suffer from this condition face on a daily basis.
Pain and Discomfort
The most obvious challenge that people with back pain face is discomfort. The pain can range from mild to severe. It can prevent you from performing your usual activities, resulting in lower productivity levels.
There are also times when the pain is so severe that it can make it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep. This can further aggravate the condition and make it harder for you to cope with the pain during the day.
Activity Intolerance
Another challenge that people with back pain face is activity intolerance. This means that there are certain activities that you can no longer do because it aggravates your condition.
For instance, people who used to enjoy running or other forms of exercise may no longer be able to do so because of the pain. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can further worsen the condition.
Emotional distress
Back pain can also take a toll on your emotional well-being. The constant pain can make you feel angry, frustrated, and depressed. It can also make you feel isolated and alone, especially if you can no longer do the things you used to enjoy doing.
Financial burden
Some people require the help of professionals to manage their condition and finally let go of the pain and discomfort. However, the condition can be costly to treat, especially if you need to see a specialist or undergo therapy. The costs can add up, especially if you need to take medication regularly.
These are just some everyday struggles faced by people with back pain. It is essential to seek help if you are struggling to cope with the condition. There are many resources available that can help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
How To Manage Your Back Pain
Managing your condition can help you deal with the challenges that come with back pain. Here are some tips on how you can do so:
Consult a Doctor
If you are suffering from back pain, consult a doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your pain and recommend the best course of treatment.
For example, if scoliosis is to blame for your back pain. Your doctor can recommend specific exercises and stretches to help improve your condition. They can also prescribe medication to help relieve the pain. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you suffer from a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc.
Exercise
Exercise may not be the first thing you want to do when you have an achy back, but this is actually one of the best things you can do to manage your back pain. It helps strengthen the muscles that support your back, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. However, it is important to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. This is especially true if the cause of your back pain is a specific medical condition.
Scoliosis, for instance, is a condition that can cause your back to curve to the side, resulting in pain and discomfort. When you have scoliosis, you still need to make time for regular exercise. This is because exercise helps improve your posture and ease the pressure on your spine.
There are many safe exercises for adults with scoliosis. These exercises help stretch and strengthen your muscles, which can help relieve pain. They also help improve your posture, which can reduce the curvature of your spine.
A reliable specialist can recommend the best exercises you can engage in. Just make sure to find a reputable clinic that offers quality services. Find a specialist with great reviews and a good success rate to ensure you make the most out of each session.
Manage Your Weight
Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on your back. The heavier you are, the more pressure your back has to endure. This can lead to pain and discomfort.
If you are overweight, you must manage your weight to ease the pressure on your back. This can help reduce pain and improve your quality of life. You can do this by making healthier food choices and exercising regularly.
If you are struggling to lose some pounds, consider consulting your doctor. They can help check if you have any undiagnosed conditions that make losing weight difficult. They can then help you manage your conditions to focus on losing weight healthily and sustainably.
Get Enough Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body fails to repair itself properly. It will have a hard time recovering from the wear and tear of the day. To prevent this, make sure you get enough sleep every night.
If you have trouble sleeping, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep quality. These include avoiding caffeine before bedtime, exercising regularly, and establishing a regular sleep schedule. You can also try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation to ease your mind and body so you can fall asleep more easily.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Stress can worsen back pain. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol. This hormone can increase inflammation in your body, resulting in pain.
You must find things that can help you ease your stress. Aside from meditation and relaxation techniques, avoid anything that can trigger your stress. These triggers can vary from person to person. Identifying your triggers can help you better manage your stress levels and reduce the risk of a flare-up.
Practice Good Posture
Bad posture can lead to back pain because it puts additional strain on your back and spine. Practicing good posture can help reduce the pressure on your back and spine. This, in turn, can help relieve pain.
Some tips for practicing good posture include:
- Keeping your shoulders relaxed and down
- Pulling your stomach in
- Standing up straight
- Sitting up straight
- Avoiding slouching when you sit or stand
- Living an active lifestyle
- Wear comfortable and supportive shoes
- Adjust your workstation so you can sit or stand in a comfortable and ergonomic position.
Back pain can be debilitating if you fail to address this condition early on. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to ease the pain and discomfort. With the right treatment plan, you can manage your back pain and live a normal, active life.