Since many of our patients begin their care at Epoch with back pain, I wanted to share my top tips to help manage acute back pain.
This comes from someone who understands personally. Not only have I been a chiropractor for over 15 years, but I also have a history of back injuries, including two spinal fractures and multiple traumas from my rugby days.
But it hasn’t stopped me. I know there will be times when my back flares up, but when managed well, I can still do everything I want to do.
Here are my top three tips:
1. Keep moving
It may feel counterintuitive, but gentle movement is essential. Walking and light movement stimulate natural pain-relieving chemicals and help prevent stiffness.
2. Use heat or cold appropriately
If the injury is recent and acute, use ice to reduce inflammation.
If the issue is ongoing or muscular, use heat.
Always place a barrier between heat or ice and your skin, and limit ice application to no more than 10 minutes at a time.
3. Prevention always wins
Even if you do not have back pain today, prevention is key. It may not prevent every issue, but it can reduce severity and speed recovery.
I personally perform spinal exercises weekly and have my spine checked regularly.
Your spine protects your spinal cord, it is essential to your overall health. Do not neglect it.
With love,
Tom
