Lower back pain is an incredibly common problem in the UK, and according to the NHS, symptoms will be experienced by around 80 percent of all adults at some point during their lifetime. Lower back pain can occur due to varying reasons, such as sports injuries, accidents, medical issues, and, as a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Whatever the reason, lower back pain can be debilitating and affect the way a person lives their life. Here are a few ways to reduce lower back pain.
Get a Professional Opinion
If you have been experiencing lower back pain that comes and goes, it might be tempting to find a solution to your pain online. Unfortunately, an online misdiagnosis and the wrong course of treatment can lead to new health problems. Rather than exacerbating your problem, get a professional opinion instead. Speaking to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a physiotherapist, will give you insight into the reason behind the pain and how you can treat it properly. Once you have received the correct diagnosis, you can then follow up with your own research. Trusted websites that have been created by qualified professionals, such as atlphysio.com, can give you more information about your health problems.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
Research suggests that people suffering from lower back pain can alleviate their pain if they avoid sleeping on their stomachs. Not only can sleeping on your stomach cause lower back pain, but it can also strain your neck too. Some people find sleeping in a simple foetal position on their side more comfortable, while others add a pillow between their legs for support. This pillow helps to reduce lower back and hip pressure.
Be More Active
When you’re experiencing some form of pain, the last thing you feel like doing is being physical. However counter-intuitive it may seem, getting up and being active can actually help give you some form of pain relief. Experts suggest that being sedentary can make the pain worse in the long term, which is why you should incorporate exercises that build up the core and strengthen your lower back. Low impact yet core-strengthening exercises include tai chi, pilates, and yoga. In addition, simple activities such as walking up and down the stairs can help engage the core and make it stronger.
Watch What You Eat
A healthy diet is excellent for all-round good health, and watching what you eat can help you avoid unhealthy weight gain. Excess body weight can lead to a number of health issues, and it can put extra strain on your lower back too. By being mindful about what you put in your body and enjoying your food in moderation, you can avoid cravings and overeating.
Don’t Sit Down for Long Periods of Time
The amount of time you remain seated can greatly impact your back. Sitting down for long periods of time puts excess pressure on the discs in the back and makes you feel stiff. Ultimately, it can negatively affect your back, neck, and spine. Try to get the body moving throughout the day to avoid lower back pain.
