Self-Care Practice When Back Pain Flares Up

Self-care practice when back pain flares up is a way for individuals to give themselves self-therapy attention in the midst of crazy schedules. It’s never been more important than now to be able to take care of oneself when back or any type of pain presents. For a few minutes, daily physical and mental health activities can make a difference. Self-care is the ability to self-manage pain and take care of our constantly changing needs daily. Regular self-care is essential to our families, and friends well being. Pain is emotionally and physically taxing on the body. It brings and encourages mental/emotional and physical balance, which helps, especially when there is a condition that causes pain. There is a connection between self-care and chronic pain that is being studied currently. Studies are finding that individuals practicing self-care in addition to regular medical care have significant reductions in pain and reduction in disability. So, alleviate back pain with a few self-care tips.  

Hot Bath

Hydrotherapy better known as a hot bath can provide pain relief. Adding Epsom salt for these baths contains magnesium which can help relax muscles and the body.

Self-Massage

Self-massage is a great way to care for oneself. Applying gentle pressure to painful spots or use massage devices like foam rollers and tennis balls to massage the pain away.

Music Therapy

Music can be an effective way to ease back pain. Research has shown that music can be a complementary treatment when addressing chronic pain. It helps especially when an individual is experiencing back pain along with a low/negative mood.

More Sleep

Poor sleep has been proven to increased back pain. Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential in addressing pain. Healthy sleep hygiene and bedtime routines will significantly help with the body’s recovery, healing, and general health.  

Yoga

Yoga stretching is highly effective in relieving and avoiding/preventing back pain completely. Poses like the cat, cow, triangle, and child’s pose will generate relief along with improving balance.

Healthy Diet

Diet and lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce inflammation, which can cause chronic pain. Go with whole foods that are minimally processed. This will help reduce inflammation. Healthy weight along with healthy body mass keeps the spine healthy and free of the added stress from the weight. Therefore a sensible diet is the single most important factor in weight loss.

Connection

Isolation can exacerbate pain. Loneliness can be a significant risk factor in the development of pain, and with time, depression, and fatigue. Simply reaching out and connecting with loved ones, friends, co-workers, etc, could help in soothing the pain away.

Mindfulness

Mind-body therapy as a method to treat pain has been proven in various studies. Individuals taking part have reported significantly lower pain than those who only received traditional medical care. What happens is you are training your mind senses to be present and focused on what you are doing, the surroundings, etc, and not focusing, and getting lost in the pain. However, sitting down and meditating is not for everybody.

Drink the Proper Amount of Water

Hypohydration, which is not enough water can increase pain. Therefore, drink up.  

Stretching

Stretching will definitely decrease pain and allow for practicing mindfulness. It doesn’t matter when the stretching happens so long as, the individual sticks with it and continues development to further their ability and flexibility. Core abdominal exercises are very helpful for back pain and strengthening.

Go Outside

Many of us know that getting out in nature feels good mentally and physically, and it can actually relieve pain, too. Nature therapy or ecotherapy has shown to improve the psychological and physiological symptoms associated with chronic pain. Connecting to nature can have tremendous benefits for optimal health.

Heat Therapy

Heat, whether from a topical agent or heating pad can soothe the mind and spine. Check with a doctor before trying any type of heat treatment.

Frequent Breaks

Taking breaks is essential for the mind in keeping stress levels balanced. This can lessen back pain. Just a few minutes to stop whatever and take a few minutes for yourself and your health. Taking proper physical and mental rests throughout the day to stretch out, move around, and do something else. This will help keep things open and fresh, as opposed to going through the same thing over and over with less than optimal results. The mind needs to reflect.  

Go Easy

Go easy on yourself, this is probably the most important form of self-care. If the pain is too intense, do not force yourself to work through it. Use the various techniques mentioned and go slowly, with the fundamentals of combating pain and chronic pain. Slow down whenever you feel the need.

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Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*