It’s estimated that 16% of Australians have an issue with back pain and that most Australians will experience an issue at some point during their life.
There are many reasons why you can have back pain. It can be a result of trauma, such as lifting something that is too heavy or lifting incorrectly. Back pain can also be a result of herniated discs, disc degeneration, arthritis, and even osteoporosis.
If you know what caused the issue then you can rest your back, apply hot and cold treatments, and allow it to heal. But, if you’re not sure why the back pain has started or it has gone on for longer than a couple of weeks, you need to get an appointment with a specialist spine surgeon. They will examine you, identify the issue, and discuss the best treatment options for you.
It is possible to fix most issues and improve your life quality!
Of course, sometimes your pain arrives simply because you’ve been sitting in the same position for a long time. For example, on a plane or a long drive to see family members during the holidays. The good news is there are things you can do to manage this back pain.
Go With Hot And Cold
Cold packs applied to any area of your body will reduce the blood flow and therefore the swelling in this area. As inflammation causes pressure on surrounding nerves, reducing the blood flow will help to reduce your back pain.
You can alternate with hot packs as these increase blood flow, allowing more nutrients to get to your back and helping it to heal.
Stretch Regularly
If you’re travelling in a car then this is easy. Make sure you schedule a stop every hour. While it will take longer to get to your destination, you will arrive there pain-free and ready for action.
When you stop, get out of the car and move around, ideally, you should do some stretches.
Of course, if you’re on a plane or a train you can’t stop it every hour. But, you can still move around and you should do so.
Consider Your Footwear
You may look fantastic in your favourite high heels or designer trainers but you need to ensure that your feet, and therefore you, are comfortable. This will help to ensure your weight is evenly distributed, reducing the likelihood of back pain.
Seating Position
When you’re sitting in any type of vehicle for a long time it is easy to slouch. It may feel more comfortable but it will place additional pressure on your spine, resulting in pain.
Instead, invest in a seat cushion that supports your posture and reduces the pressure on the base of your spine. It will make a significant difference to your comfort level and reduce the likelihood of back pain.
It’s also worth keeping painkillers handy, just in case the pain still arrives and you need a little help dealing with it.
